Groenewegen said she interprets the unsigned note as an attempt to intimidate her in response to her questions on the controversial Lahm Ridge Tower lease.

"If this member or any other member can prove one of my cabinet ministers wrote that note, you guys have my resignation, same day," said Morin Monday morning.

"That's honor!" said Arlooktoo as Morin made the offer.

Asked if he felt compelled to resign after seeing the handwriting expert's report, Morin said, "Of course not. I still stand by what my minister said."

Asked what would constitute proof to him, Morin said his minister's word was all he needed. The premier noted the handwriting expert had not conclusively said Arlooktoo had written the note.

"The note's not a serious matter at all," said Morin.

Groenewegen disagreed. "I believe the note was a deliberate attempt to dissuade me from representing my constituency. If we don't have that -- good heavens, what's the point of being here?"

The Hay River MLA said the "highly probable" match between the handwriting on the two notes mean the chances that Arlooktoo wrote the unsigned one are "95 per cent or higher."

The premier's offer came in response to questions from Yellowknife MLA Jake Ootes, who had asked if Morin was prepared to "put up his reputation and position behind this strong position," that none of his ministers wrote the note.

The handwriting analysis was performed by forensic document examiner William Thorpe of Delta, B.C.

Thorpe worked in the Vancouver police document laboratory for 28 years and has spent 11 in private practice.

Groenewegen also spoke to the RCMP about the note, a move that led to the questioning of Arlooktoo.

"I, as minister of justice, was accused of having written the note and therefore the RCMP contacted me to investigate whether I did or not, and I did not," said the Baffin South MLA.

Conflict complaint filed

Groenewegen also announced Monday she has filed a complaint with NWT conflict of interest commissioner Anne Crawford.

In her complaint, Groenewegen said Morin may have violated a section of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act that deals with maintaining public confidence, impartiality and the acceptance of benefits which could erode public confidence.

The Lahm Ridge Tower deal involves a long-term lease for office space signed by the GNWT just as the building was sold to close associates of the premier.

Morin issued a news release later the same day. In it he indicated it would be "inappropriate" for him to comment on the lease until the conflict of interest commissioner acts on the matter.

Crawford, an Iqaluit lawyer, would not accept a call from Yellowknifer yesterday. An associate relayed a message from her, saying a statement would be issued by the legislative assembly.