NR 05-25 GAS ENG Gas Compensation.doc
(July 21, 2005 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Paul Kaludjak today expressed concern about the gas compensation program being offered by Shell Canada in reaction to the bad gasoline they delivered to nine Nunavut communities last year.
NTI is concerned that Shell Canada’s compensation program does not reflect the actual cost of living in Nunavut, or the actual amount of damage done to snowmobiles by the bad gasoline they delivered to Nunavut. This is just not good enough for harvesters, said Kaludjak.
The Government of Nunavut’s Petroleum Products Division announced the compensation program on behalf of Shell Canada July 14. The government said the program ensures affected customers are reimbursed for spark plugs purchased as a result of abnormal spark plug fouling between September 2004 and April 2005 in communities supplied by Shell Canada’s Scotford Refinery in Edmonton. The Scotford gasoline was delivered to six Kivalliq and three Baffin communities.
Reimbursement will be offered in the form of gasoline vouchers. Each claimant will receive $6 a piece for up to 30 spark plugs with no receipt required. Full reimbursement for the actual cost of spark plugs will be offered to claimants who have receipts for 30 or more fouled spark plugs.
Nunavummiut who wish to pursue a claim for engine damage will have access to Shell Canada’s claims process through the Government of Nunavut. The government said this will involve a thorough investigation into the complaint.
We have heard hunters say the damage done to their machines was much more serious than just fouled spark plugs. Many hunters say the engines seized on their snowmobiles. NTI is concerned that the Shell Canada investigation process for engine damage will be complicated and difficult for harvesters, said Kaludjak. That’s why we are urging both parties to make the claim process as easy as possible for Inuit to ensure they are compensated for the damages their machines suffered because of the bad gasoline Shell Canada delivered to our communities last year.
For further information:
Kerry McCluskey
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4914
Cell: (867) 975-1337
Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006
