Public inquiries should always be used as a last resort. They tend to be costly and embarrassing for everyone involved. Just look at the Somalia inquiry. Or the Krever Commission into Canada's blood supply.

Only when it becomes clear that the public isn't satisfied with the way government is handling something, when it becomes clear those concerns aren't going to go away just be ignoring them, is a public inquiry warranted.

The controversy surrounding the Keewatin Regional Health Board is nearing that point. The NWT's largest labor organization, the Union of Northern Workers, wants one. Kivallivik MLA Kevin O'Brien wants one. Hamlet councils in the Keewatin want one.

The allegations are troubling. Conflict of interest on the part of board members whose investments may be making money off of board contracts. Then there's th cancellation of medical services contract without a replacement. Health Minister Kelvin Ng should deal with these questions and deliver answers immediately. The GNWT's failure to accept the seriousness of the situation only gives credence to those accusing the powers-that-be of corruption and a coverup that reaches all the way to the territorial cabinet.

So far, the allegations have turned up little hard evidence. But still we are left with the impression that someone has got something to hide.

This is the North. The number of players is small and the issues are relatively straightforward. Answers should not be hard to come by and there is no excuse for stonewalling.

But if Ng does not provide some answers beyond insisting there is no problem anywhere, then a public inquiry will be necessary. We hope it doesn't come to that.

The acclamation of Bill Erasmus as chief of the Dene Nation is a welcome contrast with the pitched battle that produced a new chief for the Assembly of First Nations earlier this summer. Continuity can be good.

But it can also be trouble, especially if the leader doesn't change with the times.

Erasmus led the Dene Nation back in 1990 when it splintered over a land claim for all Dene and Metis in the NWT. Now with the prospect of the new constitution for the Western Arctic including some form of aboriginal self-government, it is important Dene speak with one voice.

It is important that Erasmus finds that voice.

Many failed attempts have proven that bans do not stop the flow of liquor into a community.

But that didn't stop Hall Beach, stung by a particularly boozy weekend of assaults and parties in August, from bringing in a temporary prohibition until October, nor should it.

Despite the poor success rates of such efforts, proclaiming the liquor prohibition is an important statement. It's a collective condemnation of alcohol abuse and a protest against reckless disregard for sober people.

At least the prohibition should give the partiers something to think about.