Rankin Inlet (June 18/03) - As Alberta cattle ranchers peer into the abyss of bankruptcy, Northern meats continue to hit the market.

The U.S. border closed to ungulates (animals with hooves) following the discovery of a single case of Mad Cow disease on an Alberta ranch.

According to Brian Schindel, general manager of Kivalliq Foods, the reason for their continued success is they have been able to sell Northern meats on alternative markets.

Unlike Alberta beef that relies on American exports for 90 per cent of its income, the North has been able to rely on Canadian consumers to make up some of their shortfall.

"We're not losing money," said Schindel.

"We're selling it into Canada."

That is a deep contrast to western cattle markets that are predicted to be losing tens of millions every day.

"We're still able to maintain our sales. We've not had to lay anyone off and we're still hiring," said Schindel.

The success of Northern meats, Schindel said, can be attributed to its uniqueness and quality. He added it is unfortunate he is unable to serve his American clients.

Despite the good news, even the Northern economy is at risk if the border stays closed for too long.

The Alberta government has said that after August 31 the cattle industry will have passed the point where ranchers can recover from their losses.

Schindel said the North has a little more time than that, but fears what might happen if the border remains closed into the fall months.

"September and October, these are really big game seasons and there are sales to be made in the U.S.," Schindel said.

Every fall, Kivalliq Arctic Foods ships approximately nine trucks of product over the American border. At $25,000 a shipment, a closed border could cost the Northern economy $225,000.

But, Schindel said he is at the mercy of policy and he will continue to monitor the situation and build inventory.

"It's a frozen product. It can be put into cold storage for a year and nine months before you have to have a reduction in prices," he said.

"The border is going to open one of these days, but nobody knows when."

The Nunavut Government is working with Nunavut MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell, the Canadian government and the U.S. government to reopen the border to Northern meat products.

Rankin Inlet MLA Jack Anawak wants a contingency plan put into place to assist Northern markets if the ban continues.

Premier Paul Okalik agreed that may be a good idea, but said his first priority is reopening the border.

He met with U.S. officials last week to discuss the matter.