Ottawa (Sep 20/04) - Nunavut will get about $300 million more for health over the next six years under an agreement struck by Canada's first ministers last week.

Speaking from Ottawa Friday, Premier Paul Okalik called the deal a "very good agreement for Nunavut."

In it, the federal government promised to pay 50 per cent of travel costs for Nunavut and the other two territories. Medical travel costs Nunavut up to $48 million a year.

"The agreement is an indication they are starting to understand the challenges we face," said Okalik. "The Northern issues were addressed."

Nunavut's health budget is almost $200 million a year. The overall budget is $700 million.

Training nurses here costs Nunavut an extra $1 million a year.

One effort that could get a boost from the new money is the midwifery program in Rankin Inlet.

"I want to expand that program over the next few years to everywhere in Nunavut because it's part of our custom," said Okalik.