by Arthur Milnes
Northern News Services

NNSL (Apr 20/98) - Last week's dismissal of Enterprise council by the GNWT hasn't upset the settlement's MLA.

Jane Groenewegen, who represents the area in the legislative assembly, said in an interview Wednesday that she understands why the government took the rare step.

"Enterprise has had some very serious setbacks," she said, pointing to the sex-trial of former Enterprise councillor and business person Jake Klassen. "That has caused a considerable amount of strife in the community."

She pointed out that the Klassen trial was not the reason the GNWT did what it did but used it as an example of some of the pressures the community is under.

As to the reasons for the move, Groenewegen said that it was her understanding that the former council received a briefing from MACA officials as to what some of the violations of the Settlement Act allegedly were.

"Now, the community has the choice whether they want to air those reasons," she said. "I don't think the issues are insurmountable... and that (she believes) Enterprise can regain its status in the future."

Groenewegen also said she rejected any suggestions that the takeover was part of a plot by Hay River to annex the settlement.

She noted there is a difference of opinion in the community, with some of her Enterprise constituents supporting MACA's move and others opposing it.

"I plan to get together with representatives of Enterprise quickly," she said. "It will make my job difficult because there is a difference (of opinion) in the community."

The MLA also said she only learned of the MACA move the night before it occurred.