Iqaluit (July 07/03) - Nunavut and Labrador are working to form closer business ties. A delegation of 15 business and government people from Nunavut attended the 'Voisey's Bay and Beyond' conference in Goose Bay last week.

The contingent included representatives from the Baffin and Iqaluit chambers of commerce, Nunasi corporation, the mayor of Iqaluit, and GN economic development people.

An MOU signed by the two regions targets trade opportunities and business partnerships, information sharing and technology transfer, and the development of joint programs and services.

Steve Cook, president of the Iqaluit chamber of commerce, said the territory has much to gain by looking south.

"The key thing about this is the timing," he said.

"Labrador is in the middle of a cycle of economic growth and they have a lot of expertise in developing partnerships.

"We are in an emerging cycle and there is a desire by entrepreneurs here to develop business opportunities. So there appears to be a good fit for some partnerships."

Tourism opportunities including working together to attract more cruise ships to the North was one area explored.

Greenland could be invited into future discussions, he said.

Weekly scheduled Air Labrador service between Goose Bay and Iqaluit, introduced earlier this year, has been a catalyst in bringing the two regions closer.

A rumoured expansion to that service would help draw more tourists to Nunavut, he said.

"The route has been very successful and I understand they are looking at adding a Dash 8 and going to twice weekly service."

Air Labrador was not available for comment.

The company has been using an 18-passenger Beech 1900D on the route.

Cook said he hopes Nunavut-Labrador networking will help arts and crafts people in the community find new markets in the South.

"That's what they are looking for and we want to help in any way that we can."

Colin O'Brien, president of the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce, said expanded air service would be a boon to a number of Goose Bay area firms looking to do business in Nunavut.

They include companies in quarrying, construction, pre-fab housing, and produce supply.

"We would like to see a Dash 8 in service because it would offer more cargo space," he said.

Northlink, a northern trade arm of the LNCC, will open an office in Iqaluit shortly.

Cook said the plan is for Northlink, NEDA (Nunavut Economic Developers Association) and the Baffin and Iqaluit chambers to share the same offices.

"It should be open by August," he said.

Longer term, the chamber is lobbying the city to house a one-stop economic development centre at city hall, he said.

"That could also include the Baffin Business Development Corporation, groups like the Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation and perhaps the Canada-Nunavut Business Service centre."