Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jan 12/00) - During the election campaign most candidates, like many who have served before them, pledged to work toward a more open and accountable government.

Newly-elected members of the legislature face the first test of those pledges this week when they discuss whether or not to elect cabinet or give the premier, who is elected by members, the authority to appoint his or her own cabinet.

On Thursday, the first of a three-day procedural and political orientation, members will discuss what will be on the agenda Monday, their first day in action in assembly chambers.

At the same meeting they will decide in what forum to debate and make the decision on how cabinet will be selected -- behind closed doors that day, or in public on the assembly floor Monday (a session which may extend to Tuesday).

Also on the agenda for the orientation is the formulation of standing committees (which make recommendations to cabinet) and a review of the government transition briefing binder, one prepared by each government as a general guide on the state of the territories for its successor.