Daniel MacIsaac
Northern News Services

NNSL (Feb 26/99) - The conflict of interest review panel for the NWT wants more public input but still expects to have its report and recommendations ready for by April 15.

Comprised of chairman Bob Clark, Ted Hughes and Sue Heron-Hebert, the Review Panel of the Northwest Territories' Legislative Assembly Conflict of Interest Legislation, Policies and Guidelines held a press conference at the Elections NWT office Wednesday afternoon.

Having wrapped up three days of presentations regarding proposed legislation changes, the panel gave a progress report. But Clark stressed that the panel was not delving into the specifics of the recent conflict of interest inquiry into the activities of former premier Don Morin, though recommendations might stem from the experience.

Clark said among those who had made presentations were MLAs Morin, Jake Ootes, Michael Miltenberger and Jane Groenewegen. Asked why the presentations were made behind closed doors, Clark said it was at his initiative, "so that frank and forthright discussions with individuals might occur."

Clark also said that no individuals or groups would be linked to specific recommendations. But he stressed that the April report would be made public via the NWT management services board.

The panel reported that only two members of the public have so far contributed to the review process. Hughes said it was for this reason that the deadline for public input has been extended to March 3. Clark speculated public apathy might stem from the reaction to recent events.

"Perhaps people are taking a bit of a breather and stepping back and looking to see how changes to the system can be made," he said.

Clark said that with the panel members' range of personal experience in Yukon, British Columbia and Alberta and in a federal conflict of interest committee, their own recommendations would come into play.

And he added, "the NWT legislature is swamping us in paper" -- providing examples of case law from across Canada for panel review.

But Clark said that with its consensus format, the NWT has presented the panel with a unique challenge.

"We were told before we got here that there were no politics here," he said with a laugh, "but I don't think that's quite the case."

The panel said the public can submit written presentations by contacting the legislative assembly.