Arthur Milnes
Northern News Services

NNSL (Nov 23/98) - Nunakput MLA Vince Steen suffered a heart attack last week in Yellowknife.

His office confirmed the first-term MLA took a cab to Stanton Regional Hospital Wednesday night after not feeling well. A spokesperson said Steen then had a heart attack in the hospital's emergency room.

Despite this, Steen telephoned assembly clerk David Hamilton Thursday morning to advise him he wouldn't be able to attend an event because of his illness, Yellowknife South MLA Seamus Henry told reporters.

In Tuktoyaktuk, which is part of Steen's riding, the community's mayor said all thoughts in the hamlet are with their MLA.

"We were pretty devastated," Eddie Dillon said. "Everybody is feeling for him and hopes he gets better... We sent him some flowers from the community."

Steen himself served two terms as mayor of Tuktoyaktuk in the 1980s. He has also been a senior administrative officer during his long and varied career in the North.

Steen's office said the MLA was medevaced to Edmonton Friday for further medical attention.

Steen and his partner have five children.