Union Signature raises UNW ruckus
Government official says it's sour grapes
NNSL (OCT 14/96) - The Union of Northern Workers suspects political interference may be stalling a police investigation of forgery claims.

And in documents released last week, the union points the finger at Finance Minister John Todd's office.

The complaint involves the alleged forging of Todd's signature on a government letter approving the expenditure of $1,400 of public funds by Graeme Dargo, Keewatin superintendent of economic development.

"The RCMP have been sitting on our information for more than two months," Jackie Simpson, UNW president said last week.

"We're worried that there may be political interference in the way the case has been handled."

Cpl. Larry Hastie would not comment on the issue when contacted Friday.

Sean Peterson, a former Keewatin Economic Development and Tourism employee who raised concerns over the signature, has been fired from his position for speaking up.

Another letter, from union representative Bob Robertson to the RCMP, says Dargo's fingerprints -- not Todd's -- are on the letter allowing the spending.

"The only comment I have to make is this is a situation between management and a disgruntled staff member," Dargo said. "Management is dealing with it."

Todd couldn't be reached for comment.

The letter in question is on letterhead from the minister of economic development and tourism and bears the signature of Todd, MLA for Keewatin Central.

Todd was Finance Minister when the May 22, 1996, letter was written, the UNW said.

The $1,400 was earmarked for a Keewatin resident to attend an Inuit art fair in Ontario.

The union is grieving Peterson's dismissal and intends on getting his job back, Simpson said.