Iqaluit (Oct 02/06) - Federal cuts totalling $1 billion are creating an uproar among Nunavut groups.

Literacy, anti-smoking and tourism groups have all weighed in against the Conservative's "effective spending" program, introduced on Sept. 25.

Kim Crockatt, right, president of the Nunavut Literacy Council, receives a literacy award from Premier Paul Okalik in Iqaluit last year. Crockatt is worried that federal funding cuts could spell the end for Nunavut's literacy council. - NNSL file photo

Nunavut is in jeopardy of losing its literacy group after this cut.

"We may have to close our doors," said Nunavut Literacy Council President Kim Crockatt.

The projected savings by cutting the Improved Targeting of Adult Learning and Literacy Skills program will be $17.7 million nationwide.

"We rely on that funding to carry out our main activities, to develop resources, libraries, and those programs support our other programs. I don't know how we will survive," said Crockatt.

"We are particularly distressed to hear some of the comments coming from the government such as Treasury Board President John Baird's comments stating that his government would rather spend money teaching children how to read and write than to try to help illiterate adults," said Crockatt.

By eliminating the First Nations and Inuit Tobacco Control Strategy - a stop-smoking campaign - the government plans to save $10.8 million across the country.

"Since we have the highest smoking rates in Canada, they should concentrate more on up here," said Sam Tilley, a 16-year-old Iqaluit student.

Last year, Tilley was a member of the Minister's Youth Action Team against tobacco, and is upset over the funding cut.

"Kids up here have a better chance of smoking. They start pretty young, I've seen elementary school kids passing around a smoke," said Tilley, who is still a non-smoker.

The Inuit Heritage Trust is also wondering where its future funding is going to come from.

Faced with the Museum Assistance Program budget slashed by $4.63 million, the group is worried about a smaller pond with bigger fish fighting over the limited money.

"For us, if the pot is smaller, we are going to be competing against groups who have applied for years," said Ericka Chemko, a project manager with the Trust.

"There are some fears, and I'm collecting stats on how many people planned to apply," said Chemko.

Nunavut Tourism is disappointed with the cut of the visitor rebate program.

The government hopes to save $78.8 million across Canada, but Nunavut Tourism sees that as short-sighted.

"That $80 million would draw more business. We are not very happy. It won't hurt us right away, but it will (eventually)," said marketing director Brian Webb.