Arthur Milnes
Northern News Services

NNSL (Nov 30/98) - MLAs will choose a replacement for former premier Don Morin next week.

The Tu Nedhe MLA stepped down Thursday, less than 24 hours after NWT Conflict of Interest Commissioner Anne Crawford's report -- which said Morin had contravened territorial conflict legislation eight times -- was released.

"This was not an easy decision to make," Morin said in a statement released Thursday. "However, I believe this is the best thing for the sake of my family, the well being of this government and for the people of the Northwest Territories."

In leaving office, Morin labelled Crawford biased against him and vowed to continue to fight her findings and the process she used -- which he called flawed -- when MLAs debate the report and its seven recommendations of reprimand against the former premier.

Baffin South MLA Goo Arlooktoo, who was the government's deputy premier, was chosen by cabinet to serve as acting premier until a new leader is chosen by MLAs next week.

"I respect Don Morin's decision to resign as premier in the interest of restoring confidence in this government and for personal and family reasons," he said.

MLAs praised Morin's decision to step aside when interviewed shortly after his announcement.

"Given the comments and findings that the commissioner came up with in the report, the premier did the right thing in allowing the government to get on with the business at hand," said Kivallivik MLA Kevin O'Brien.

A former cabinet colleague of Morin's agreed.

"I think we all respect the fact Don made his decision based on a concern for himself, his family and the people of the North," a subdued Charles Dent said. "It wasn't a happy day. I think we all regret that things have come to pass as they have."

Thebacha MLA Michael Miltenberger praised Morin's decision to remain as an ordinary MLA.

"I think the premier has done the right thing," he said. "It's probably the toughest political decision and political day of his career.

"I'm sure he'll continue to be a presence and force in the assembly."

Hay River's Jane Groenewegen, the MLA who lodged the conflict complaint against Morin in the first place, said she took no personal joy in Morin's downfall.

"I think he did the right thing and should be commended," she said. "I was merely acting as a spokesperson for the people."

Groenewegen also said she didn't think the title of premier was in her future.

"I don't think so," she said, when asked directly if she would be running for the North's top political job. "I think there are some very experienced people who will move into a position like that."

The day before the resignation, Morin's lawyers argued in court to have the report sealed before it could be delivered to the legislature's speaker.

Iqaluit MLA Edward Picco said he and his colleagues were caught off guard when Speaker Sam Gargan announced he didn't have a copy of the report when MLAs first gathered Wednesday.

"I was quite surprised... when the document wasn't tabled and that there was, indeed, a court injunction being laid, especially at the 12th hour," he said.

With Morin's resignation now a fact, MLAs will still consider Crawford's report and her recommendations this week.