Glen Korstrom
Northern News Services

NNSL (Aug 20/99) - How much do ordinary members know about government dealings?

This is a question at the crux of a possible change to the Legislative Assembly and Council Act -- one recommended by the conflict of interest review panel.

The recommendation in question suggests that ordinary members whose businesses have dealings with the GNWT be forced to put those businesses in trust.

"It's my opinion that we have to ensure we don't restrict or discourage business people from running (for MLA)," Ootes said.

"But we do need restrictions placed on people taking advantage of their position in office and we have to ensure that the possibility of a conflict of interest be eliminated."

Yellowknife North MLA Roy Erasmus said the current legislation allows ordinary members with businesses to negotiate contracts with government in what can be an intimidating fashion.

Legislation for all members to be forced to put certain businesses in trust would solve that problem, he said.

"It depends on the kind of company a person is involved in," Erasmus said.

"If it's a bed and breakfast there's no need to put it in trust but if it's a construction or a real estate firm then they probably should have to put it in trust."

Clerk David Hamilton said legislation from the review panel's report is currently being considered by the management and services board.

"If government decides to build something, a minister would know what's coming down the line. An ordinary member wouldn't know," he said.

Erasmus said ordinary members do know enough through committees for there to be a potential conflict or at least the appearance of a conflict.

Further, Erasmus said, to allow members to be free to deal with the government could be intimidating for whoever negotiates for the government.

Hay River MLA Jane Groenewegen sounds like she may be opposed to the recommendation.

"We don't want to diminish the appeal on the part of people running businesses from running for office," she said after highlighting the recommendation as an important one.

"It will affect anyone in business," she said.