Jeff Colbourne
Northern News Services

NNSL (Aug 07/98) - Jane Groenewegen is disappointed in what conflict of interest commissioner Anne Crawford had to say on Tuesday during a public inquiry pre-hearing.

But the Hay River MLA, who laid the complaint, can live with Crawford's decision not to make her a participant.

That means, Groenewegen will not be able to cross-examine witness when the public inquiry begins.

"Although I haven't been granted participant status, I believe that I will be able to effectively participate as a witness," said Groenewegen.

"She has allowed me to receive assistance for legal counsel and also to be kept informed of the work involved by commission counsel."

Legal counsel for her and for other witnesses including Mike Mrdjenovich and Roland Bailey, who are named in the complaint, is still up in the air. A Supreme Court ruling is required to determine if Crawford has the authority to order counsel for witnesses requesting financial aid.

If the court upholds her decision the Legislative Assembly's Management Services Board will have to foot the bill.

On Tuesday, Crawford also said Groenewegen's involvement in the inquiry proceedings has been substantially reduced and that further involvement could infringe on commission counsel's work. The commission counsel will perform duties similar to that of crown counsel in a court of law.

"It's an interesting position and one that I can understand," said Groenewegen.

"My original wish was to have a hearing of a matter which was of public concern and public interest. Through the inquiry I am confident that will be accomplished. So perhaps my natural role in that is somewhat secondary."