The increase in price reflects the uncertainty of the NAB strategy

The increase in price reflects the uncertainty of the NAB strategy

Published 5:20 am Sunday, July 19, 2026 Aivilik MLA Hannah Angoutialuk seeks a response from the GN at the meeting regarding the planned launch of a partnership website in Coral Harbour. Angutialuk said the federal government approved more than $270 million for the project, which would be used to build 1,300 kilometers of wire connecting Iqaluit, Kimmirut, Cape Dorset and Coral Harbour. He explained that the federal government’s letter states that the project is aimed at improving the network connected to more than 80 workplaces, including schools, libraries, hospitals and colleges that are connected to GN. “It is important that the Services Department in Coral Harbor and other organizations are involved in this project,” Angutialuk said, asking how the Office of Transportation is working with providers on this proposal. Transportation Minister George Hicks says the comments on the computer project are still unclear. “When we reviewed the computer projects, I noted that I had answered these questions, they were working and some of the comments were still being discussed,” Hicks said. “We continue to consult with the Baffin communities, and we are determining whether all communities are affected.” Hicks said there were no recommendations from the Hamlet of Coral Harbor but said office staff would clarify concerns raised by community members. Angutialuk also asked for a clear request for the development of the Internet in Coral Harbour. Hickes responded by stating that the government is reviewing the computer program because the subsidy that was already approved is no longer available due to increasing costs. “Some of the grant money that was given to some of the computer projects was written but is now no longer available, due to days and increasing costs,” he said. He said the government is reviewing the project to ensure that the insurance coverage meets the needs of the communities and Nunavummiut. “At this point, I don’t have a clear, specific use that can be given to the family,” Hicks said. Angutialuk later commented regarding the office plan, which indicates that it has been completed for the Nunavut wireless network that indicates that the Western Hudson Bay wireless network will be covered. He said the project includes Arviat, Kansas City and Coral Harbor and asked how these communities were selected and whether there are plans to expand the network to other communities in the Kivalliq, including Naujaat. Hicks said the government investigated all the applications that were sent out online because the cost of projects had increased beyond the previous estimate. “We are investigating all these applications that have been submitted, and seeing that the prices and figures used for these applications and the packaged benefits information are no longer available to complete the work that we could have done in writing,” he said. Hicks said the government is looking at ways to benefit from the lake, including land and marine roads, and will need to see which communities will be involved in future projects. Which communities will continue to be involved in this will continue to be our responsibility,” he said. “At that time, I don’t have a specific answer that I can give to the family, while the investigation is ongoing at this time.”