Chesterfield Inlet (Sep 18/06) - After the feast cabinet enjoyed during a retreat in Chesterfield Inlet last week, the stuffed politicians may have had to loosen their belts.

However, their announcement following the meeting has every government department tightening theirs.

In a statement released on Sept. 14, cabinet ordered deputy ministers to find $10 million in savings - 1 per cent of total government operations - for this fiscal year.

Going after more federal money was another thing upon which cabinet members agreed. They resolved to keep pressuring Ottawa to increase the territorial formula financing.

Premier Paul Okalik signalled a shift in government priorities, away from infrastructure and human resources.

One of those priorities is spreading government jobs around the territory. That is also one of the pet projects of the host MLA, Patterk Nester.

"By meeting in smaller communities the cabinet has an opportunity to see the impacts of its decisions in all areas of its operations," said Nester.

Hosting did pay off for Chesterfield Inlet. Aside from the economic benefits of hosting visitors, cabinet announced $300,000 for rock crushing in the hamlet.

Residents were happy to have cabinet in town, and cabinet took advantage of it. Students made kayaks at the school and Okalik was spotted trying one out.

Other MLAs enjoyed a hunting trip, and the feast - with caribou, char and beluga muktuk - was a favourite of everyone.

"I enjoyed it. I ended up eating with the Premier. We were on the floor eating our country food," said Sandra Simik, who works at the hamlet's health centre.

Brad Amirault is the manager of the hotel in Chesterfield Inlet that hosted the MLAs.

They were two to a room - no word on who were roommates - with the exception of the Premier, who had his own room.

"They were playing some Scrabble and chess at night in the dining room. Of course it helps our bottom line, but it is always nice to see some government representation here," said Amirault.