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June 20
Gasoline to be replaced and compensation beginsIQALUIT, Nunavut (June 20, 2002) - The remaining inventory of gasoline in the Qikiqtaaluk and Kivalliq will be removed and replaced, Minister of Public Works and Services Peter Kattuk said today."We want to bring in a new product that Nunavummiut will feel confident in," said Minister Kattuk. The Petroleum Products Division of the Deparment of Public Works and Services has developed a plan in cooperation with the gasoline supplier, Northern Transportation Company Limited (NTCL), to remove current inventories from all affected communities. Gasoline will be loaded into empty compartments of the ship or barge when this summer's resupply arrives. Minister of Finance Kelvin Ng announced today that compensation will begin to flow for snowmobile owners affected by the current gasoline supply in the Qikiqtaaluk and the Kivalliq. "Compensating those who have repaired their snowmobiles and outboards as a result of this year's gas supply will now begin," Minister Ng said. The Government of Nunavut has announced interim payments for snowmobile and outboard engine owners who have repaired engine damage caused by this year's gas supply. Interim payments of 75 per cent of repair costs will be made to those snowmobile and outboard motor owners who have demonstrated that their engines were damaged by submitting a completed government-approved claim form to the Risk Management Division of the Department of Finance. Recent tests have shown that two-stroke outboard motors are subject to engine damage in a similar fashion as snowmobile engines. Qikiqtaaluk and Kivalliq residents are reminded to continue to exercise caution and take all safety precautions while boating. This includes boating with more than one vessel, using proper marine communication devices and exercising caution while on the water. Nunavummiut are also warned that blending gasoline with any additives or chemicals not normally used in two-stroke engines (such as diesel fuel, naptha, etc) may cause potentially dangerous chemical reactions and may also cause engines to suffer even more damage. Snowmobile and outboard motor owners are encouraged to complete an approved claim form to be considered for compensation. Forms are available through Wildlife Officers in most Qikiqtaaluk and Kivalliq communities or through the Risk Management Division of the Department of Finance. Forms can be obtained by calling 1-866-975-5800. -30- Media Contact: 
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