Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Fort Smith (June 10/02) - Jeannie Marie Jewell and the territorial government have gone their separate ways.

Terry Foster, a special adviser to the secretary of cabinet, said last week that Marie Jewell ceased to be an employee of government as of March 27.

"As far as I know, she's no longer employed by the territorial government," Foster said.

Marie Jewell, a former Thebacha MLA and minister of social services, was relieved of her duties as warden at the Territorial Women's Correctional Centre in Fort Smith in January and placed on paid leave.

The government was reportedly seeking another position for her.

Foster said no other position has been offered.

Marie Jewell had become warden of the centre in a controversial appointment by the territorial cabinet in July 2001.

At a constituency meeting held by Thebacha MLA Michael Miltenberger in February, Jewell blasted him for his role in her removal as warden and also claimed there was a conspiracy against her among six workers at the facility.

Miltenberger had previously described the appointment as patronage.

When contacted, Marie Jewell declined to comment on her status until she conferred with her lawyer.