Media Centre

Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated Encourages Government of Nunavut to Protect Inuit Impacted by Fuel Price Increase

NR 00-22 FUE ENG Fuel Price Increase.doc

Iqaluit, Nunavut (October 25, 2000) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) today reaffirmed its position that Inuit affected by the announced increase in oil and gasoline prices should be protected.

NTI has been watching the escalation of oil prices on the world market with great concern, said James Eetoolook, 1st Vice President. We have lobbied the Government of Nunavut to consider the impact of fuel price increases on Inuit and ensure that the interests of Inuit are protected.

It was obvious that prices had to go up. We have no control over world prices. It is very important, however, to minimize the impact on Inuit families and we expect the Government to, at a minimum, put a program in place to protect hunters and their ability to feed their families. A means should also be found to make sure that families continue to be able to heat their houses. Said Eetoolook.

NTI passed a resolution at its 1999 Annual General Meeting, committing itself to lobbying the Government of Nunavut to protect the interests of Inuit affected by increased oil and gas prices. The Wildlife Symposium co-sponsored by NTI and held in Iqaluit in September 2000 also passed a resolution asking NTI to research the impact of rising fuel costs on Inuit and to work with Governments to minimize the cultural and social effects of increasing fuel prices in Nunavut.

For further information:

Alan R. Vigoda
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
Iqaluit, NU
Tel: (867) 975-4900

NTI Media Releases are posted to our web site: https://www.tunngavik.com