Fort Resolution (July 19/04) - For the first time, the premier and cabinet gathered in Fort Resolution on July 13.

Community leaders and residents took full advantage of the rare event to raise numerous concerns during a three-hour public meeting attended by about 75 people.

Chief Robert Sayine of Deninu Ku'e First Nation, who invited cabinet to the community, said unemployment is the main problem in Fort Resolution.

Sayine said the government made no commitment to support the First Nation's plan to start a sawmill, but Tom Beaulieu, president of the NWT Development Corporation, will return to discuss the project.

The chief said the band has purchased used equipment and "if we had a few extra dollars, it would be running right now."

Paul Boucher, a member of the District Education Authority, complained formula funding is not sufficient for the community's small school.

Education minister Charles Dent said the funding formula is weighted in favour of small schools, and pointed to the Hay River education authority's objection to the system as proof.

Responding to concerns about keeping teachers in Fort Resolution, Dent said the government won't supply staff housing.

"It's a benefit we could never afford to get back into," he said.

Dent was asked several times about the practice of deducting impact benefit agreement payments from income support.

Several residents labelled it unfair and Wilfred Simon said people are suffering because of it.

Dent said that other communities put impact benefit money into a community fund to avoid income support deductions and suggested that "you may want to consider that kind of approach."

The payments come from the diamond mining industry for use of traditional land.

Handley said if a proposed expansion of the Taltson hydroelectric project goes ahead, the government would quickly deal with compensation claims from trappers.

"If not, it's too expensive for us," he said.