The territorial government has no intention of granting same-sex couples equal rights, let alone adoption rights, any time soon.

Tomorrow marks the third anniversary of the passage of the new NWT family law legislation. Political leaders called the legislation progressive even though it excluded same-sex couples.

Deputy minister of justice, Gerry Sutton, assured same-sex couples in 1998 that the territorial government was waiting for the outcome of a same-sex case before the Supreme Court in Ontario.

Sutton said the NWT would take its cue from the Supreme Court, and if Ontario includes same-sex couples, so will we.

Ontario amended its laws to give same-sex couples the same status as unmarried heterosexual couples, so have Alberta, Quebec and British Columbia. The NWT has not.

Fast forward to 2001 and Sutton is still singing the same tune, but this time it's about same-sex adoption.

Sutton says the outlook for Shelley Strong and Nadine Scott, who are fighting for the NWT to change its laws so that same-sex partners can adopt each other's children, looks good in the long run.

"We are making progress very quickly," said Sutton. "I don't know if it will be done in this session but a decision will be made soon."

We caution Sutton against making another promise he can't keep.

The only reason offered to explain why the NWT has still not amended its adoption law came last week from Premier Stephen Kakfwi when Range Lake MLA Sandy Lee accused the government of dragging its feet on changing the legislation.

Kakfwi said changing the law requires a review of 35 pieces of legislation and held out little hope for timely action.

The government has had three years to review the legislation. At this rate it could be decades before the government joins the 21st century.

The attraction of taming an exotic animal is hard to deny. Who can turn down the opportunity to bring a living, breathing conversation piece that might even be able to return some level of affection into their home?

Unfortunately, many a well-meaning exotic-pet owner has discovered the reality of caring for their unusual addition to the household is usually less than wonderful. While it is possible to properly nurture some strange creatures, the sad truth is, most of us aren't up to the task.

So before anyone rushes out for a tropical bird, or snake, do your research. Chances are, you're better off with a good old-fashioned reliable dog or cat.

So Yellowknife is losing a few more apartments. Just as the housing crunch seems it can't get any worse, Fraser Towers is about to complete the conversion of some of its residential rooms into hotel suites. At least two other apartment complexes have done the same.

We cannot criticize the building's owners, who know there are greater profits to be made on short-term rentals of hotel suites. Neither are we blind to the increased demand from business travellers passing through our city.

But hotels like the Explorer are only 40 per cent full these days, suggesting that we really don't need more hotel rooms. During this time of near-zero apartment vacancy rates, perhaps city council should consider using its zoning power to limit the loss of more apartment units.

Editorial Comment
Darrell Greer
Kivalliq News

It was good to see the number of family members who turned out for the Ranger parade in Rankin Inlet this past week.

The pride in becoming a Canadian Ranger is, perhaps, stronger today than at any other time.

These brave men and women help out in many dangerous search-and-rescue attempts. They also help keep Canada strong as a nation. And that's a darn good reason to be proud!

Zero tolerance for animal abuse

No word comes readily to mind to describe the shameful act committed on Maria Quqsuut's dog, Misty, earlier this month. This random violence committed on animals in Rankin Inlet has to stop.

True, not everyone appreciates nor understands the nature of being an animal owner.

And there's nothing wrong with that. However, not understanding why people would want to own animals certainly does not condone the heinous act committed on Misty or other violent acts like it.

Many dog and cat owners come to look upon domesticated animals as part of the family. When violence is committed on their animal, pet owners often feel violated and extremely angry.

We sincerely hope judges cut little slack in handing out sentences to those who wilfully abuse or kill an animal for no reason.

If the acts of violence continue, it's only a matter of time before the violence is escalated by a pet owner who puts revenge above self-control.

Blazing a path

Full marks go out to Fiona and Heather Main of Arviat for signing up to spend seven months in the Katimavik program. The program enables youth to build many interpersonal and career-orientated skills that will be of great future benefit to them.

Katimavik is an option more Kivalliq students should seriously consider. Not only do you learn many useful skills during your tenure, you also travel to some nifty locations and meet plenty of new friends.

And, as Fiona pointed out, Katimavik experience can also help a new graduate make up their mind on choosing a career path to follow. Sounds like a pretty good deal to us.

Editorial Comment
Malcolm Gorrill
Inuvik Drum

The murder of Keith Blair has sent a ripple of fear throughout the community.

The Mackenzie Hotel night clerk was found dead the morning of Oct. 17, and while details are still sketchy as the investigation continues, his death is being treated as a homicide.

Thankfully, such an act is rare in this area. But this incident is likely to make a lot of people feel a little less secure, at least for the next little while.

It will be especially difficult for those who worked with Blair, as well as his friends and family.

It is to be hoped that the person or persons responsible for this shocking act are brought to justice, and quickly.

Chance encounter heart-warming

It's not often a reporter gets to cover a gem of a story like the one involving Rosie Grandjambe and Sara Jane Firth.

The two women bumped into each other at the Inuvik Regional Hospital, after not having seen each other, or hearing from each other, for 39 years.

Though their reunion was brief, they promised to keep in touch from now on.

This chance encounter is perhaps all the more special and noteworthy nowadays, as the world needs some heart-warming stories in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and their aftermath.

Special entertainment

A good time was had by all those who turned out last Saturday for Fiddler's Roost, a jam session by local musicians.

The idea behind Fiddler's Roost is for everyone within the circle to have a chance to shine, and accompany other musicians when they wish.

The result is some beautiful singing and instrument playing, and a soothing way to wile away an afternoon. After all, while large concerts are nice, few things can beat a concert held in a small place, with a small audience and intimate atmosphere.

Here's hoping Fiddler's Roost becomes an established weekend event in the months ahead.

While on the subject of music, congratulations are extended to the members of Delta Flood, who recently launched their debut, self-titled CD.

Editorial Comment
Derek Neary
Deh Cho Drum, Fort Simpson

The village's sewage treatment plant was once heralded by former mayor Norm Prevost as cutting-edge technology. That was the primary association with the $1.8-million project in its early phases in 1999.

Prevost boasted over the plant at the NWT Waste Water Association annual general meeting, the NWT Association of Municipalities annual general meeting and at a Deh Cho First Nations leadership assembly. He told delegates the water coming from the sewage treatment plant would be so clean that a person could actually drink it (to which delegates usually replied, "You can have the first cup.").

Unfortunately, the promise of top-of-the-line technology has been overshadowed by a legal debacle. Over the past two years, there have been endless disputes and four claims of lien filed against the plant.

Now the situation is about to go before the court. It certainly won't be resolved soon as the legal process is tedious, but at least the result will be conclusive.

When people flush their toilets in Fort Simpson, naturally, their first feeling will still be, "What a relief." Unfortunately, their second thoughts will likely be of all the legal bills piling up with the sludge at the other end.

Power potential from the river

Like other regions in the NWT, the Deh Cho has the option to cash in on hydro energy production from the Mackenzie River. The question is how much is too much, and how little can be viable?

If a mega-project were constructed, such as a dam or an ambitious run-of-the-river turbine system, there's potential for flooding.

Petr Cizek, land-use planner for the Deh Cho First Nations, noted that more than 30 per cent of Deh Cho traditional land-use activities occur within one kilometre of the Mackenzie River. The tracts of land along the river generally contain the richest soil, the largest timber and are teeming with wildlife. He also pointed out that the Mackenzie's tributaries are spawning areas.

So if a smaller project were considered, would it still be economically feasible? Even if it generates enough surplus power to sell a percentage, is there a market for it? How would it be conveyed? More analysis is needed.