Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Dawson City, Yukon (June 07/02) - Premier Stephen Kakfwi said his Alberta counterpart, Ralph Klein, is out to embarrass him with the province's position on the proposed Alaskan pipeline route.

Premier Klein signed a memorandum of understanding with the Alaskan government the day before the Western Premier's Conference began June 4, endorsing a pipeline route from Alaska to Alberta.

"I saw it (the MOU) as something intended to embarrass me," said Kakfwi.

"I don't like the timing of it. That's how I take it. I don't accept that very well."

Alberta signed a similar agreement with the NWT in 1998 for the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline through the NWT down into Alberta.

Kakfwi said he didn't speak with Klein about the MOU during the conference.

When asked why he thought the Alberta premier might be trying to embarrass him, Kakfwi only hinted towards a growing animosity developing between the two leaders.

"Who knows why?" Kakfwi replied.

"He has said, 'Look, I'm selfish. I like both pipelines,' and I said, 'Well, fine. At least support the Canadian project first.'"

Kakfwi also ridiculed Klein for his support of a U.S. subsidy for the Alaskan route, noting his reputation as a fiscal conservative who opposes government hand-outs.

"Alberta is supposed to be the entrepreneur, you know," said Kakfwi.

"The guy that says, 'less government, stay out of the private sector' and yet, they wimp out on it. They don't say anything."

Yukon Premier Pat Duncan has long been a supporter of the Alaskan route, but Kakfwi didn't blame her because she is only doing what she feels is best for the territory, he said.

Klein could not be reached for comment, but his press officer, Gordon Turtle, disputed the premier's charge that Klein was gunning to embarrass him.

"That's not true at all," said Turtle. "The two premiers disagree as people will, but generally I think they get along quite well. I wasn't at the meeting (yesterday), but I wasn't aware of any flare-ups."

Turtle said the timing of the MOU with Alaska was merely coincidental, and that the two governments had planned to sign one in October anyway, until it was scuttled by the events of Sept. 11.