"We didn't think they met our quality and standards, so we've asked for them to be redone and that's why you're not walking away with a phone book this time," said Yamkowy at the official unveiling of the new book last Thursday night.

Anne Grainger, the director of corporate communications for NorthwesTel, backed up Yamkowy and said that the publishers of the book will "have to eat the costs of that. When we received our advance shipment of 200 directories, we realized there were certain production-quality inconsistencies. They were not up to our standards and we'd rather delay it by three or four weeks than give our customers substandard quality," said Grainger.

A total of 54,000 directories had to be sent back to the printer.

When phone customers finally do see the directory, they'll be treated to a painting by Fort Smith artist Helene Croft.

Entitled Rangers on Patrol, the painting was first commissioned by Col. Pierre Leblanc, because he wanted to honor the work the Canadian Rangers do around Northern communities.

He liked the painting so much he decided to give it wider exposure and so offered it to NorthwesTel.

"Forty-five Ranger patrols dedicate their time to protecting Canadian sovereignty. It's a real nice recognition of the work the Rangers have been doing since 1947," said Leblanc from the Department of National Defence officer's mess, where the unveiling was held.

According to Leblanc, the painting depicts Fox Main, one of the Rangers' patrol sites east of Hall Beach.

"It's one of the places where the Rangers go where they prefer to do their patrols with dogs because dogs have the ability to handle the terrain," said Leblanc.

Croft, a 34-year-old former resident of the St. Lawrence area in Quebec, said she was flattered to have a piece of her art chosen for the phone book.

"I still can't believe it, it's a dream opportunity for any artist. What better place to have it than in all the homes? The reason why I paint is because I want everyone to enjoy the paintings and everyone will be. A lot of people will be able to look at it, that's a great feeling," says Croft.

The painting is the 15th piece of art chosen for the cover of NorthwesTel's directory since the program began in 1983.

"This is the first time we've had an artist from Fort Smith -- we look for artists we haven't served. Our phone books travel all over the world, so the artist gets great exposure," said Yamkowy.

He added that the artist signs a contract with NorthwesTel and they are paid only for the original piece of art.