Brent Reaney
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (June 27/05) - While the details remain elusive, a compensation package for those affected by the territory's gas supply this past winter could be known as early as this week.

After weeks of negotiations, the Government of Nunavut and Shell Canada are planning to make an announcement.

"Things are going well. We're at the final stage," said Tom Rich, deputy minister with Community and Government Services.

The idea of a voucher system to replace the affected gas was announced in May, but neither Rich nor Shell spokesperson Denita Davis would discuss potential scenarios for implementation.

"In the next few weeks we should be able to have a plan in place and be able to roll it out," said Davis, adding liability was not discussed during negotiations.

A number of communities - including Panniqtuuq, Sanikiluaq, Cape Dorset and those in the Kivalliq region - complained of ruined spark plugs and a thick black smoke coming from their snowmachines during extremely cold weather.

A fuel additive found to alleviate the problem will be used in this year's gas supply, along with a number of other modifications to help prevent similar problems from happening, Davis said.