Panniqtuuq (May 10/04) - Nunavut's hamlets have one major need, money, and they're looking to the territorial government for more of it.

About 40 mayors, councillors and senior administrative officers met in Panniqtuuq, May 1-3, for the sixth annual Nunavut Association of Municipalities convention.

Lootie Toomasie, past president of Nunavut Association of Municipalities, wants more money for communities. - Neils Christensen/NNSL photo

Lootie Toomasie, past president of the association and mayor of Qikiqtarjuaq, said the three-day convention was very productive. He added mayors raised concerns that affect their communities and the entire territory.

Issues included economic development, transportation, housing, health care and education.

At the top of the list, however, Toomasie said, is funding.

"Communities depend a lot on hand-outs from the government," he said. "That's not always enough to run the programs that we want."

Kugaaruk Mayor Canute Krejunark said his community was in debt almost $1 million last year.

"We had to do a lot of cutting but now our debt is about half of what it was," he said.

Peter Kilabuk, minister of Government and Community Services, attended the conference, and while he was peppered with questions about high cost of fuel and capital project, he didn't promise new money.

"We are always looking for more funding," Kilabuk said. "Things like recreation is always suffering because funding is limited. We are looking at ways to help hamlets, especially for capital projects."

Coral Harbour Mayor Johnny Ningeongan, NAM president, said he is excited about the future and understands Nunavut is still experiencing growing pains.

"It's a lot better than when we were with the NWT," he said. "We feel like we are being listened too."

Also at the conference were Premier Paul Okalik, Health and Social Services Minister Levinia Brown and Economic Development Minister David Simailak.

Simailak told mayors mining development could give the territory the economic boost it needs.

"As much as $120 million could be spent by mineral companies on exploration in Nunavut this summer," he said. "Three new mines in the Kivalliq are close to entering into production in the next several years."