by Ian Elliot
Northern News Services

NNSL (Oct 03/97) - The North's lone dairy farmer, who has been charged under the Public Health Act, spent a night in jail.

Neil Myers, owner and operator of Myer's Family Dairy just outside Yellowknife, was arrested by police acting on an outstanding warrant, Wednesday night.

He had to post a $2,000 bail in territorial court Thursday morning to win his freedom.

The warrant was issued for Myers after he failed to show up for a Sept. 9 court appearance. Myers, however, was not charged with failure to appear in court as a result of the warrant.

Instead, he faces two charges under the Public Health Act of obstructing a health inspector. Health officials say Myers wouldn't allow inspectors access to a room on his dairy farm. The charges were laid after an inspection in late August.

Each charge carries a maximum fine of $500, said Dr. Andre Corriveau, Chief Medical Health Officer for the Western Arctic.

Corriveau expressed surprise that Myers was held in jail overnight. "(The charges) are not something that would be a reason to incarcerate somebody," he said.

He noted the inspection was completed the same day that the charges were laid. "It was eventually resolved," said Corriveau. "It was probably just a bad day for Neil and the health officers."

The court was concerned that Myers, who closed his dairy farm for the summer last week, might not show up for trial.

Lawyer Tim Kavanagh reassured the court that Myers could be trusted to appear at his trial.

Myers said he travels to Yellowknife even when his dairy is closed for business reasons and promised to appear on his trial date.

The matter will again be in court on Friday, Oct. 17.