Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Feb 01/02) - The Northern Frontier Visitors Association wants to know what its members think of Premier Stephen Kakfwi's recent proposal to change the name of the Northwest Territories.

The approximately 135 members of the association consist mainly of businesses within the tourism industry, such as hotels, restaurants, and tour guides.

Association vice-president Dana Britton said its board of directors voted to conduct the survey last Friday.

"It's obviously a topic that will affect our membership," said Britton, who is also co-owner of Birchwood Gallery.

"The whole concept of Premier Kakfwi's drive to change the name is to create an identifiable image for the NWT, and this will directly affect any tourism operator."

Britton said although costs associated with changing company letterheads and brochures was a concern for the local tourism industry, one of the biggest worries is how a new name will play in the international community.

The survey was sent to members Monday.

It asks whether they would support a name change, or whether the government should keep the current name.

It also asks members whether the association should submit a letter to the government regarding the proposed amendments to the name change, and how they think a name change would affect their business.

As of Wednesday, Britton said 35 surveys had been returned.

Most, she said, indicate members would prefer leaving things be.

"The word on the street seems they're in favour of keeping the name 'NWT,'" said Britton.

Island Bed and Breakfast owner, Joan Hirons, was one of the first people to respond to the survey.

Hirons said she believes the government should concentrate on "higher priorities right now."

And, if they felt a name change was necessary, they should have done thing during division with Nunavut.

"Now that it's all said and done, they should leave well enough alone."