Inuvik (Feb 17/06) - The swords are out on the gas project battle ground between former premier Stephen Kakfwi and the CEO of E. Gruben's Transport, Russell Newmark.

... it is ludicrous to blame such differences of opinion and dissent on an evil empire that is trying to undermine you. - Russel Newmark

Tempers flared following a Feb. 9 CBC interview with Kakfwi on Fort Good Hope's rejection of the pipeline access and benefits agreement. His comments sparked a rebuttal by Newmark, which appeared on Permafrost Media's oil and gas news website.

"I see that Steve Kakfwi is up to his old tricks again - that is to cast blame and aspersions at those who are in favour of the pipeline - while at the same time trying to take credit for some of the good things happening which he had no part in," wrote Newmark.

In particular, Newmark took issue with Kakfwi's comments regarding what he perceived as the federal government's and big oil's divide and conquer tactics.

"I mean if Imperial Oil is serious that they want to see us benefit, if Indian Affairs and the federal government want to see us benefit, you know, they have a funny way of showing it because they've totally divided our people," said Kakfwi when asked about the results of the access and benefits ratification vote held Feb. 8 in Fort Good Hope.

There were 114 no votes and 80 in favour of the deal.

To that, Newmark shot back: "Come on, not another round of let's blame the evil empire for all our problems, for undermining our leaders, for dividing us. In almost all public forums and bodies, including aboriginal groups, you have differences of opinion and dissent. That's the nature of our society... but it is ludicrous to blame such differences of opinion and dissent on an evil empire that is trying to undermine you."