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The Circle of Northern Leaders' meeting April 18-20 was originally billed as a chance for chiefs and territorial politicians to meet with the two federal cabinet ministers to talk about the Northern Strategy, but a precarious minority in the House of Commons forced the pair to stay behind.
"I have got to vote," said Blondin-Andrew.
"If the territorial government had their session, we don't push them on their session... We try to work around that."
Besides protecting the government, Blondin-Andrew said a number of important issues directly affecting the North are being dealt with in parliamentary committees that required her presence.
She wouldn't say exactly what those issues were, although one had to do with oil and gas development.
"I can't miss those, neither can Andy Scott, unless we want to lose on behalf of the North," said Blondin-Andrew.
The minister of state for Northern Development did meet with the premier in Yellowknife on Sunday, and several northern leaders when they came to Ottawa for NWT Day two weeks ago.
The Liberal government is desperately trying to stay in control of the government agenda, while the opposition is growing increasingly fevered with talk of an election, which many predict will occur June 27.
Nobody travels
Hugo Dompierre, an aide for House Leader Tony Valeri, said the only MPs travelling right now are those belonging to committees with mixed political party memberships.
"Nobody travels any more," he said.
"When the House is sitting we need them here," said another Liberal aide.
Premier Joe Handley, who was still in Inuvik, Wednesday, said he understands Blondin-Andrew's predicament.
"I understand they are on 48-hour notice," said Handley.
"I wish they were here, they would've completed the circle."
Former premier Stephen Kakfwi, in Ottawa on business, said he hopes at least the Circle of Northern Leaders' meeting provided a chance for the territorial government to work out its differences with aboriginal leaders, particularly those from the Akaitcho and Deh Cho regions.
He said - as he did after the town hall meeting on the Northern Strategy in Yellowknife last month - that Handley must be careful not to chide aboriginal leaders.
He took particular exception to statements Handley made earlier this month about Aklavik chief Charlie Furlong, who was critical of the Aboriginal Summit's involvement in devolution talks.
Handley said, "Charlie's just Charlie" at the time.
"Belittling the concerns of chiefs is just not on," said Kakfwi.
"It doesn't help so I hope they smooth out issues like that."
-- with files from
Chris Hunsley.
