Jeff Colbourne
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jun 03/98) - Rather than step aside for the duration of a conflict of interest probe, Morin says he would prefer to prepare to host a Western Canada premier's conference later this month.

"I respect the traditions and conventions of Parliament and have therefore sought counsel as to whether it would be appropriate to step aside as premier during the public inquiry," said Morin.

"I have been advised that it would not be prudent for me to do so.

"To step aside would set a dangerous precedent for this government and for all premiers in Canada because it would encourage individuals to make such broadly worded complaints, without specifics and without supporting statements in the expectation that the premier would step aside."

Morin invited Hay River MLA Jane Groenewegen -- who laid the complaint -- to make herself available as a witness at the inquiry "and to submit herself to cross- examination, under oath, from my solicitors."

Groenewegen did not respond to the request.

The premier is confident, however, the truth will be revealed to those who wait.

Conflict of interest commission Anne Crawford has yet to set a schedule for the inquiry.

"In the meantime, I, as premier, and all of us who serve in this House, must get on with the business of government. I intend to do just that."

Morin would not grant an interview to Yellowknifer and rejected the idea of a press conference. His press secretary, Judy Langford, said doing so might interfere with the public-hearing process.

She added that Morin will not be making a comment outside the House.

"It's like having something before the courts. There's really a limit on how much you can say and so interviews would really not be a smart thing to be doing," said Langford.

Last Friday, conflict of interest commissioner Anne Crawford announced that she would go ahead with an inquiry into eight of 11 allegations of conflict made by Hay River MLA Jane Groenewegen.

Most of the allegations involve Morin's relationship with former cabinet secretary Roland Bailey and Mike Mrdjenovich, Morin's landlord.

Groenewegen's complaint suggests Morin may have helped Bailey and Mrdjenovich get an $10-million lease extension to provide office space at Lahm Ridge Tower at a time when there was a surplus of office space, some of which was owned by the GNWT.

She also alleges Morin have helped award a contract to Roland Bailey's company following the privatization of the petroleum products division, a plan to he may have had access.

Morin is also being scrutinized for his involvement in both Aurora foreign investors' funds, set up to attract new investors to the North.

The allegations are serious enough to warrant stepping aside, according to Yellowknife Centre MLA Jake Ootes.

"Public affairs in the North have become much more complex over the last 20 years. This situation before us now is a particularly tough one on all of us. Especially with consensus government," he said.

"Part of the public feels the impartiality question needs to be addressed. In my opinion it would be in everyone's interest if the premier did step aside during the inquiry. In my opinion, it's an issue of appropriateness. There's nothing here meant maliciously."

"This is the highest office in our territory. The premier needs to set the highest standards. The premier is there to advance the public interest and to ensure he maintains the public's confidence. I believe by stepping aside from his premier's duties until the inquiry is finished, the premier will reinforce and strengthen the image of integrity, objectivity and impartiality."