Chesterfield Inlet (Sep 27/06) - It may have been tight, but cabinet members managed to squeeze into Chesterfield Inlet for their retreat.

In addition to a full slate of meetings, the territorial government department heads got a chance to meet, greet and see the hamlet.

A traditional community feast was the highlight, and Sandra Simik was impressed with the company she got to keep.

"I ended up eating along with the premier. We were both on the floor eating our country food," said Simik.

Frozen and dried caribou, char and beluga muktuk were all on the menu.

"I've been seeing them around, going around in trucks, sight-seeing in the community. I saw the premier paddling one of the kayaks the students made," said Simik. A group of MLAs were also spotted going hunting on their last day in the community.

The politicians stayed at the Tangmavik hotel and manager Brad Amirault was happy for the extra business.

"They seemed to enjoy their stay and we were able to accommodate their needs," said Amirault.

The MLAs were two to a room. Only Premier Paul Okalik managed to secure solo accommodations.

"They were playing chess and Scrabble in the dining room," said Amirault.

A few MLAs stayed with friends and family.

At the feast, the MLAs thanked the community for the warm reception.

"By meeting in smaller communities the cabinet has an opportunity to see the impacts of its decisions in all areas of its operations. The Chesterfield Inlet hamlet council has been very effective in helping us understand its particular needs," said Patterk Nester, area MLA.

The most sincere way a government can thank a hamlet is with funding, and Chesterfield Inlet received some of that too. A project to crush rocks in the community received $300,000.

Other announcements from the meeting include a $10-million cut to all GN departments, a promise to continue chasing territorial financing through the federal government, and a commitment to address oil prices.