Carrying on with NWT agenda
Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Dec 04/00) - Re-elected Liberal Western Arctic MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew is not one to shake the Liberal government boat over Northern issues.
She says political pragmatism is a better option than political activism in getting the best results for her constituents.
 Ethel Blondin-Andrew |
"I played a mayor part in the 16 amendment drawn up on bill C-68," said Blondin-Andrew. "That's a mayor accomplishment to draw up so many amendments."
Blondin-Andrew sees herself as part of the government system, elected to uphold the laws it passes.
"I'm a law-maker," she said, "I have to uphold the law."
She doesn't promote civil disobedience in the case of gun registration. According to Blondin-Andrew the fundamental difference between those who have power and those who don't is the approach to creating change.
"Think about this," she said, "how do you make things better, but by responsible adminstration of the law."
Blondin-Andrew says her connections within the federal government will in the end produce better results for the NWT as a whole.
On election night Blondin-Andrew said Finance Ministers Paul Martin called her to wish her good luck and during the conversation she lobbied him for a bigger chunk of revenue sharing for the NWT. She also said that Herb Gray, deputy prime minister in the last government and Prime Minister Jean Chretien understand the problems the NWT has with per capita funding.
"(They) know per capita funding is not adequate for the North," said Blondin-Andrew, "they also understand the complexities of the situation in getting around the provinces."
It's these strong connections the four-time MP has with the decision makers that has the GNWT confident it will eventually get what it wants in terms of land claims, resource development and money.
"She's carrying on with our agenda," said Jim Antoine, justice minister for the GNWT.
"(She) knows what we want in terms of controls of our resources, support for the pipelines, our key issues," said Antoine.
Despite the Prime Minister's comments in the Yukon while campaigning, Blondin-Andrew believes the potential MacKenzie Valley pipeline is in good shape.
"The PM does not believe anything that's been said precludes the building of a pipeline in the NWT," she said.
"Investment in the North is very attractive," said Blondin-Andrew, "we are not on the cusp of great things, we are in them."
Blondin-Andrew doesn't know if she'll run again, she's not thinking about it right now.
"I want to bask in the glow of victory," said Blondin-Andrew.
And the internal politicking in Ottawa over the next Liberal leader? Blondin-Andrew is vague on who she would support.
"Paul Martin is a close friend," she said, "I love him as an individual, but Jean Chretien is my boss, he has a right to remain (leader)."
