by Jennifer Pritchett
Northern News Services

RANKIN INLET (Feb 04/98) - Premier Don Morin is denying that comments he made in the legislative assembly last week indicate he is not taking the Keewatin health-care situation seriously.

"I believe health care in the Keewatin is adequate and does its purpose," he said during last Monday's session.

But after he was criticised for the comment during the Tuesday sitting, he backtracked on what he had said, maintaining " ...what I meant to say is that I believe the minister has the health issue under control."

"He has sent a team to the Keewatin to work with the people over there to make sure that we do have adequate health care in the Keewatin," he went on to say.

But the rewording isn't good enough for Kivallivik MLA Kevin O'Brien, who said he had numerous calls from constituents about Morin's statement.

O'Brien said he fears the statement reveals the true sentiment within the GNWT is that there is no urgent crisis in the region's health system, an attitude that ultimately caused the critical situation the region currently finds itself in.

"I hope the comments weren't indicative of how serious the minister is taking the health-care concerns," he said. "He (Morin) has to get a grip on things. He really screwed up."

Both Rankin Inlet hamlet and Kivalliq Inuit Association officials also see the comment as telling, and one they can't afford to ignore.

KIA president Paul Kaludjak said he was not impressed with what the premier said.

"It's disturbing to hear a government leader of that calibre say that things are adequate in the Keewatin," he said. "We're told him clearly that it's not."

Kaludjak also said he is troubled by the speed of change within the region since the territorial health department stepped in almost two weeks ago. And when comments like this are made, he added, it's particularly discouraging and difficult to believe the situation will change.

Robert Janes, Rankin Inlet's senior administrative officer, was disgusted when he heard about the statement on Tuesday, and wasn't impressed by the comment made on Tuesday either.

"It's time we get on a plane and go over to Yellowknife," he said.