Sanikiluaq, Que.? Residents take 2 views on border question

Proposed boundary changes in Quebec could have big implications for one community inNunavut.

When Quebec's northern boundary was drawn up more than a century ago, it ended at the shoreline. Now Quebecwants to change that boundaryso it can build ports inNunavikunder its PlanNordstrategy.

The hypothetical boundary would run down the middle of the Hudson Strait and Hudson Bay. TheBelcherIslands, home toSanikiluaq, pop. 800,would fall on the Quebec side of the border.

That's welcomed news for someSanikiluaqresidents who think the community should be part of Quebec.

Kelly Fraserwas raised there, andsays it would make sense: the islands are geographically closer to the province, and there are cultural ties too

"Our traditions are very much like the people inNunavik. And we came from the same people."

Fraser also says Quebec's education and health care systems are better than inNunavut.

'In the 1960s we had a choice'

Peter Kattuk, on the other hand, saysthe community had a choice fifty years ago.

"In the 1960s, we had a choice to be Quebec or Northwest Territories," saysthe former MLA. "So we chose that we will stay with the Northwest Territories, but it became Nunavut."

Kattuk saysif there are any changes to the border,Sanikiluaqresidents need to be part of the discussion.

NunavutPremier Peter Taptuna sayshe spoke with the premier of Quebec about the issue.

In a statement, Taptuna says he and Premier Couillardare "open to concluding a cooperation agreement on cross-border development projects."

Taptunasays the government does not "see a reason to open discussions on the referenced boundaries specific to Nunavut."

NunavutTunngavik Inc. says it will refrain from commenting for now.