The shortages aren't a result of high employment rates, but rather that DJ Sensations can't compete with the salaries and benefits offered by the government.

"In the last 12 months, we've lost seven people. Six went to work for the government and one went to a birthright organization," said the manager of DJ Sensations, Paul Dorion.

On Jan. 13, a sign hung on the entry door to DJ Sensations. informing customers of the new hours and apologized for the inconvenience.

A total of 14 hours were cut and as a result the store will no longer open on Sundays. Dorion said 14 hours may not seem like much but when you multiply it by five employees, it's a lot of lost wages and service.

"We cannot hire anyone under $10 per hour and the retail industry just cannot offer housing and other benefits like the GN. There's always been a disparity between private and public sector employers but never a 100 per cent disparity," said Dorion.

What makes the problem even worse, according to Dorion, is that people are leaving their jobs immediately to begin working for the government. Dorion said good corporate citizens normally allow for a two-week notice.

"I'm not saying this is the policy of the government but that's what we've seen with our employees," explained Dorion.

The Government of Nunavut said it was not aware of the problem.

"Starting dates are negotiated but we encourage everyone to maintain the industry standard of two weeks," said assistant deputy minister of Human Resources Tom Thompson.

However, it is up to the employee to negotiate a starting date. Thompson explained if the person wants to start tomorrow then that is their choice. If they need more than two weeks to tie up loose ends, that is also acceptable.

The government, birthright organizations and local businesses are aware that there is a very limited workforce in Nunavut right now, and everyone is competing to get the best employees.

"We're only at 82 per cent capacity right now ourselves," Thompson explained.

Thompson hopes local businesses or organizations having problems due to government hirings will contact the Department of Human Resources. He said the government is a decent employer and values being a good corporate citizen.