Arthur Milnes
Northern News Services

NNSL (Dec 07/98) - Former premier Don Morin spent 90-minutes on his feet in the legislature Friday defending his conduct before those who will ultimately decide his political fate -- his fellow MLAs.

Morin's speech, which took place before a hushed assembly, came as MLAs began the first of two days of debate over Conflict of Interest Commissioner Anne Crawford's recently released report.

She found Morin had violated territorial conflict guidelines eight times.

Not only had he never done anything to intentionally violate the rules, Morin said, but Crawford was biased against him. Her report also showed a profound ignorance of Northern society, Morin said.

"It was silent on us, the Northern people," he said. "It was silent on Northern society. Is it a big deal, in the Northwest Territories, to sit down and have coffee with the premier? I don't think so. Is it a big deal to play pool with the premier? I don't think so."

"I love the North," he said. "That's what is missing in here -- no reality about the NWT. We're a small number of people. Everybody knows everybody... It's suppose to reflect how we live today. It's suppose to reflect that we know everybody. It's suppose to reflect that we are unique...we brag about it when we go South...But this report doesn't even reflect what Northern society is."

He defended his renting a house from businessman Mike Mrdjenovich, saying his statement about taking political heat over the deal simply meant he recognizes any politician would be criticized in today's climate for renting a large house.

Morin also said he was never intentionally in a conflict situation.

"Don Morin is not a liar; Don Morin is not deceitful," he said, his voiced raised.

"Leave your politics at the door," he told MLAs. "It's my family and my life you're dealing with here."

More than 25 residents of Morin's Tu Nedhe constituency filled part of the legislature's public gallery for their MLA's speech.

"We're here to show our support," one woman, who did not want to be identified, said. "We want to see him back as premier."

Former Fort Resolution mayor Euan Hunter also spoke out.

"The process of a (conflict of interest) commissioner being judge, jury and executioner is wrong," he said.

Morin's statement didn't seem to impress Yellowknife South MLA Seamus Henry.

"Mr. Morin's dignity as premier of the NWT went out of the window early on in the inquiry," he said. "First it was his request to videotape his accuser...to show his constituents. But worse, he wanted to operate the camera himself."

"...I have heard individuals in this building...say that the language used in the report was in some areas harsh," he said. "Let me assure members of this house that the comments that I have received from the public on Mr. Morin's actions...make the language in the report seem modest."

Education Minister Charles Dent said MLAs should vote to accept the report.

Dent also apologized for signing a letter, submitted to the inquiry, which stated the former premier had declared a conflict of interest and left a cabinet meeting when the sale of Morin-owned lands was discussed. Testimony before the inquiry did not support the letter's version of events. Besides Dent, three other ministers signed the letter.

"I apologize to my constituents and to members of this house for not being more careful in checking the details before signing the letter," he said. "...So, would I sign the same letter today? No. Did I lie or try to misled the inquiry or the public? No. Am I perfect? No. Nor will I be perfect tomorrow or the next day...I did not knowingly sign a false document."

Mackenzie Delta MLA David Krutko also spoke and condemned the whole state of affairs. He said Roland Bailey and Mrdjenovich received deals other Northerners were denied. Pointing specifically to the Lahm Ridge lease, he said the Dene Development Corporation, which was interested in GNWT leases, had the door slammed in its face by the Morin administration.

"They were told outright the government of the day wasn't interested in any long-term leases," he said, adding this came only two months before a deal with Bailey and Mrdjenovich for the Lahm Ridge lease was signed.

For her part, Hay River MLA Jane Groenewegen said she heard nothing new from Morin Friday. She also said there were moves to prevent her from speaking last when MLAs resume debate on the report today.