HAY RIVER - Jane Groenewegen - the long-serving MLA for Hay River South - has decided to seek re-election in this fall's territorial vote.

Jane Groenewegen seen here in 2007 says she's prepared to serve Hay River South for another four years - NNSL file photo

"I've talked to a lot of people who said they would like me to run," she said. "That being the case, I'm prepared to serve Hay River South for another four years, if that's the wish of the people."

Groenewegen is also not ruling out a possible try for a cabinet position or even the premier's chair, if she is returned to the legislative assembly for a fifth term.

"Interestingly, a lot of people have asked me about that," she noted. "I would just like to leave my options open and say that anything is possible."

The shape of the next cabinet will depend on the 19 MLAs who are elected and their various interests, she added.

Groenewegen's decision to run again is in stark contrast to her emotional comments in the legislative assembly on Nov 2, 2009 during debate on an adjudicator's report into Premier Floyd Roland's secret affair with a principal clerk of committees.

Back then, the Hay River South MLA said she had no plans to seek re-election and regretted voting for Roland to be premier.

"My heart has gone out of this job to some extent," she said at the time. "I cannot come in here anymore with that same enthusiasm because of what we have allowed to happen. I'm sorry. I only have two years left to go and I will not run again. I am sad to say that my heart is not here anymore because of this."

Looking back, Groenewegen said that was an extraordinary day in the legislature.

"It was an extremely discouraging time in the life of the 16th assembly," she said. "I probably should have said nothing that day because I was feeling very, very discouraged with the process and the situation that was at hand."

She said it was not just the report on Roland, but a combination of factors, including the Deh Cho Bridge.

Groenewegen said she was discouraged by what she considered to be a lowering of accountability standards in the legislative assembly

"After all the dust settled from that, we did all get back to work and accomplished a lot in the second half of the 16th assembly," she said. "It's too bad that we hadn't hit that stride earlier on in the 16th assembly."

Groenewegen added she personally continued to work hard as an MLA, as evidenced by her record of attendance in the legislative assembly, and the number of statements she made and questions she asked.

First elected in 1995, Groenewegen has held a number of positions in the GNWT, including deputy premier, deputy speaker and minister of Health and Social Services.

As for her goals and objectives if re-elected, she said there still needs to be work done on economic recovery in the North.

"There aren't very many people in the legislative assembly that are from a business background and I think we need to stay focused on the recovery of the economy in the North," said Groenewegen, a Hay River businessperson.

At 54 years of age, she noted she is at the stage in life where she could slow down or pursue other things, but she wishes to continue using her political experience for the benefit of Hay River South.

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