Friday, February 11, 2000
RCMP investigate GNWT.
That was the headline in Yellowknifer June 13, 1997.
The story went on the reveal the investigation had been started six months earlier.
"It's a complaint of possible irregularities in government operations," said a RCMP spokesperson. Six months later, the same spokesperson said: "It's going to be quite a while. They've got a few of these on the go."
Justice Minister Kelvin Ng knew nothing of the investigation until hearing it on the radio. Said his deputy minister Don Cooper: "I think it has to do with government contracts."
Fast forward to January 8, 2000, an RCMP spokesperson identifies former finance minister John Todd as the target of the investigation. In three years, no one has spoken to Todd about an investigation but the RCMP says something may come in two weeks. Not a moment too soon, we say.
Whatever anyone thinks of Todd, he played a large role in shaping the economic and political landscape of the former NWT. He made enemies and he made friends, both of who respect his abilities and acknowledge his energy. We can also say with certainty he never worked alone. If he did well, his associates did well, his community did well. He may have taken to mixing business, politics and friendship too far at times but it's difficult to believe any real crimes could be covered up for three years. If that is the case, then there are others now in government who helped him.
Throughout the "investigation", the RCMP has treated the territorial government as if it's still wearing short pants. There has been no information released and obviously the "file" has a low priority, leaving the question hanging: Is the government corrupt?
In Wednesday's Yellowknifer, Todd stated quite clearly he is innocent of any wrongdoing and he wants to either be charged or vindicated.
The RCMP, out of common decency, owe Todd and the people of the NWT at least that much. Otherwise their own integrity and motives will be on the line.
The federal government's Smart Communities program rewards innovation.
Yellowknife's proposal to Industry Canada to fund a telephone/Internet network of services and businesses isn't a bad idea, when one considers the potential $5 million prize. There is, after all, nothing wrong with new technology, especially when someone else foots the bill.
Without that grant, however, one must question value of such a system, especially when one considers, that, at last count, just 13 per cent of Yellowknifers used the interactive voice response system to pay water bills.
What's needed is some self-control to guide our expensive technological obsession toward projects that will have lasting value.
Last week the NWT's apprenticeship training program was recognized as one of the finest in the country. With 42 different trades being offered, there are currently 240 Northern apprentices receiving the skills and on-the-job training needed to get their journeyman tickets.
For every 1,000 Canadians, 10 have received apprenticeship training. Here in the North that figure is nearly doubled, proof that the calibre of our workforce is improving by the day.
Just look at Yellowknife's Cindy Lane. Lane is breaking new ground by becoming the first Northern female to become a full-fledged journeyman plumber.
With the likelihood of a Mackenzie Valley pipeline getting better every day and the growing diamond industry surrounding us, we can't think of a better program for Northerners to look into.
Editorial Comment
Daniel MacIsaac
Inuvik Drum
Despite the fact that the recent job-action by territorial teachers nearly boiled over into a full-blown strike, things seem to have got back to normal rather smoothly. Credit for that must go to the government, but in particular to the teachers and those who supported them, basically the whole town and region.
Numbers aside, the gist of the agreement appears to be not so much more cash in hand as a written commitment by the legislature to address educators' greatest concerns: overcrowding and funding for special-needs students. While teachers were reluctant to speak out during negotiations and deferred to their union president, several later said this guarantee was the sticking point. It was their job conditions more than their pay scale they were most concerned about.
It's difficult to say whether the change in government, premier and education minister had direct bearing on the break-through in talks, and certainly neither side was saying. But it is satisfying to know that it was not all for nought -- extracurricular activities are back in full swing and the government is committed to helping find some answers to two of the most serious of the territory's education troubles.
Chat site
Last Wednesday's meeting between Inuvik town council and the town's two MLAs was both in-depth and productive. Though both Roger Allen and Floyd Roland have spent most of their lives in Inuvik and know most people in town, they remain busy and are now spending more time in Yellowknife.
The council's decision to invite the two men in for a hash session was well taken. It not only let the two MLAs know what's on the minds of council and of town residents in general, but it also helped establish a dialogue and proposals that should continue through the life of this assembly.
A good show
Congratulations go out to the Inuvik region athletes who will go on to represent the territory at the Arctic Winter Games. Likewise, congratulations and condolences go out to those whose road to Whitehorse was blocked turning territorial competition last weekend. Regret nothing. Many local athletes and teams performed extremely well throughout the fall and winter to reach this point. Inuvik dominated in soccer and formed some great volleyball and basketball teams, too. Players, coaches, organizers, volunteers and parents are to be commended.
Editorial Comment
Derek Neary
Deh Cho Drum
It looks like a fragile time to be an elected leader in the Northwest Territories. In Fort Providence, Chief Greg Nyuli was deposed by his council.
In Fort Resolution, Chief Don Balsillie is under fire from elders in the community. Metis Nation president George Morin is also facing a call for his resignation from 10 disgruntled Metis Locals.
Morin has had a time-bomb strapped to his ankle since he was elected during the Metis Nation annual general assembly in Fort Simpson last September.
A motion was passed at that meeting to revoke the voting rights of Metis members who are registered Indians under the Indian Act. Whether one agreed with the rationale behind the motion or not, there can be no argument that it was an extremely divisive move.
The meeting had to be adjourned because so many delegates left the table. The motion has been debated passionately ever since.
It's difficult to say which side holds the majority. When the motion passed in September, 36 delegates were in favour, 21 were opposed. Now 10 communities have seemingly put together a strong coalition. They are accusing Morin of a lack of leadership, ignoring their concerns.
If he's going to be able to mend this rift, it's going to take a great deal of political savvy. It's time to show that he is indeed equal to the task of uniting the Metis Nation, otherwise two separate Metis political bodies will inevitably emerge.
The circumstances surrounding Nyuli's dismissal were still being kept under wraps as of Tuesday. A Deh Cho First Nations leadership meeting is under way on the Hay River Reserve this week (Nyuli also served on a number of DCFN committees). More detail will undoubtedly surface there.
Not just sports
The level of intensity and emotion involved with the territorial soccer trials in Fort Simpson over the weekend was phenomenal. The championship game certainly didn't lack drama.
It became evident just how emotionally charged the atmosphere was when Michael Botermans, the fervent Rae coach, began crying tears of joy. At the other end of the gymnasium, the Yellowknife players were completely distraught over their defeat -- something they had worked so hard for had just slipped away.
Yet one had to feel good for the Rae team, who are known for their incredible work ethic.
The whole event was a reminder of how team sports are not simply a matter of one collective prevailing over another in a game of skill, and, in some cases, chance.
Sports provide youth with an opportunity to bond socially, build confidence, self-esteem and discipline. Defeat is hard to swallow, but the experience is humbling and one that will allow the (temporarily) vanquished to grow. It may be cliche, but win or lose, they will all be better for the experience in days and years to come.
Editorial Comment
Darrell Greer
Kivalliq News
It is good to see a growing number of people across the Kivalliq upgrading their coaching and refereeing skills.
Certified referees not only help improve the skill factor in the sport they officiate, but also cut down on frustration levels often leading to unsportsmanlike conduct.
There are many under the false impression that losing is the number one contributor to athlete frustration and aggressive behaviour on the playing field.
In fact, the biggest contributor to such behaviour is often a lack of consistency in the way the sport is officiated.
And, consistency is the key element in the referee certification program.
As former referee in chief Tom Thompson points out, it is especially tough being a referee in small towns and hamlets where everyone knows each other.
That intimidating factor is the prime reason behind a 50 per cent attrition rate which sees half of all new referees quit after their first season dressed in stripes.
We need more certified referees in the Kivalliq to provide a level playing field so athletes can remain focused on the sport, not the officiating.
Just as important to our region is having a good number of certified coaches behind the efforts of our athletes.
This is especially true in the all-important early development stages.
Athletes must be able to master the technical skills of their chosen sport in an educational, challenging and, most importantly, fun environment.
In order for any athlete to excel, they need the will to progress and a solid coach behind them who understands the intricacies of their sport.
These are especially important factors in today's social climate where education dollars are at a premium.
Students combining strong academic and athletic skills have a better opportunity to attract scholarship dollars which can pay half to all of their tuition at reputable colleges and universities in Canada and the U.S.
Those who give of their time to coach and referee local sports are making a valuable contribution to their community.
A point which should be respected by athletes, fans and parents alike when attending local sporting events.
More respect for coaches and referees in our communities is a solid investment in future sporting programs in our region and the further development of our young athletes.
The right path in the beginning, can often lead to success in the end.