Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Nov 08/99) - The controversy over the GN's single time zone came to a head in the legislature last week when a cabinet minister was passed an anonymous note.

On the last day of the third session, Health Minister Ed Picco received an unsigned note that accused him of not acting in the interests of his constituents.

Tabled in the House by Finance Minister Kelvin Ng, the note read, "The people of Iqaluit are unhappy with the elected officials of Iqaluit because they are not listening to their constituents. In the next election they will not want to vote again for Ed Picco, because he's thinking in the Qallunaat way."

Picco said the note was unfair and added that he was angered by it because of his dedication as an MLA and a cabinet minister.

"I work very hard so that upset me," said Picco.

He further stated that he refused to give up his job over a debate concerning a one-hour time difference.

"I'm a member of cabinet and I have to represent the views of the government. If I don't agree with a decision of cabinet, then I have the option of resigning."

Picco said the matter had since been dealt with and that he knew who wrote the note. He would not however, go on the record and say if the person was another member of the House.