But MLAs say Jane's innocent until proven guilty
Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Apr 23/01) - Ignorance will not stand up as an excuse for a territorial cabinet minister's failure to properly distance herself from her business dealings, says a former cabinet minister.
Inuvik Boot Lake MLA Floyd Roland, a cabinet minister in the 13th Assembly, said it is common knowledge among MLAs that cabinet ministers are not permitted to remain directors of companies in which they have a financial interest.
Deputy Premier Jane Groenewegen is the subject of a conflict-of-interest investigation that centres on her retaining directorship of one of three companies.
Roland said when he was elected to cabinet the rules were made clear in an interview with the conflict-of-interest commissioner. "It was all laid out -- these are the things you cannot do," said Roland.
But Roland, Thebacha MLA Michael Miltenberger and Frame Lake MLA Charles Dent (both also cabinet ministers in the last government) said no action should be taken against Groenewegen until the investigation has concluded.
Miltenberger said he views this investigation in the same way he did the one that ultimately led to the 1999 resignation of Don Morin -- that Groenewegen is innocent until proven guilty.
Dent said in contrast to the United States, where members of the executive are thoroughly investigated before being appointed, the system used in the North relies heavily on the honesty of members.
"There's supposed to be cabinet solidarity, but I would hope the premier has discussed this issue with the minister. It's up to them to decide what course to follow."
Miltenberger said Groenewegen, because of her intense involvement in the Morin inquiry, knows the conflict of interest rules better than any other member.
The government's position on the complaint remains consistent: no comment.
Calls to Premier Stephen Kakfwi's office and home last week were not returned. Since allegations of conflict surfaced last month, Groenewegen has refused to comment apart from a March 26 press release in which she called the allegations 'false.'
Reasons given for Groenewegen's silence have changed twice since the allegations surfaced.
Initially staff said the Deputy Premier was awaiting advice from her lawyer, Barry Chivers. That advice was to come within a week.
Two weeks ago, after Hay River businessman Jack Rowe filed an official complaint, Groenewegen's staff said it was inappropriate for the minister to comment while the matter was under investigation by conflict commissioner Carol Roberts.
Last week, Groenewegen's office said the minister is not commenting because she is still awaiting legal advice. "I'm hoping (the advice will be giv
en) by the middle of next week," executive assistant Sheila Bassi said Friday.
