He's especially praising the $4 million set aside in the 2003-2004 capital budget to replace the community's 70 year old Pimakslirvik Home.

The home houses some of Nunavut's most severely disabled residents.

The present facility was built by the Catholic Diocese and the Grey Nuns in 1931 as a hospital.

"It's got 60 rooms. It's very old. The bishop was not prepared to pay for renovations to bring it up to code and the government itself was not prepared to pay for the renovations," said Raniowsky.

In 2001 when the diocese turned the home over to Pimakslirvik, the Department of Health and Social Services began looking over its options.

Nunavut leased the building from the diocese since the turnover. The government considered closing the home, but recognized the economic impact this would have on the community.

Pimakslirvik is the largest employer in Chesterfield Inlet. Raniowsky said the home employs 35 people, more than half of whom are in full-time positions.

"If the facility was lost, a major source of income for the community would be gone. I'm very pleased with the government's decision. It's definitely a good step forward," said Raniowsky.

To save money, the government will build a smaller, more modern facility.

The new facility will be built on the road leading to Chesterfield Inlet's airport. Construction is scheduled to begin sometime this summer when the sealift arrives with materials. Raniowsky said he hopes the doors will be open by the Easter 2004.

"This has been going on for about two years now. It's a great project. The old building looks like a castle, but in usable space for patient care. The new facility will be bigger," said Health Minister Ed Picco.

The building contract was awarded to the Chesterfield Development Corporation earlier this year.