Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Jan 21/00) - Nahendeh MLA Jim Antoine said his decision to forgo another term in favour of taking a cabinet position was an agonizing one.

"You know, just listening to my constituents when I travelled, they were saying, 'OK, you're MLA what are you really there for?'" he explained. "They need to see me more. When I was premier it was difficult to do that."

Stephen Kakfwi, a four-time veteran MLA from the Sahtu, was selected premier of the NWT, holding off a challenge from Inuvik's Floyd Roland.

"He's got the experience. He's good in a lot of areas. He knows how to present himself and speak at formal functions and stuff," he said of Kakfwi. "There are some areas, like everybody, he's got weak points and strong points. Talking to him, he's supportive of people who would be working with him closely."

Antoine was one of six MLAs named to cabinet after three rounds of balloting in the legislative assembly on Monday. The others were Jane Groenewegen, Hay River North; Roger Allen, Inuvik Twin Lakes; Vince Steen, Nunakput; Joe Handley, Weledeh; and Jake Ootes, Yellowknife Centre.

The ministers were chosen based on an agreed upon format of two from the northern constituencies, two from Yellowknife and two from southern NWT ridings. Tony Whitford (Kam Lake) was named Speaker.

Antoine said he's hoping to acquire the Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development portfolio. It would allow him to work more closely with the oil and gas activity going on in the Fort Liard area, he noted. Kakfwi is expected to assign the portfolios in the near future.

Remaining premier, he would have been in a difficult position when it came to the Deh Cho First Nations' self-government negotiations. The DCFN is currently challenging the GNWT to define what role if any it should play in the Deh Cho Process.

"If you're the head (of the GNWT) you have to represent the territory whether you like the position or not, so it makes it very delicate," he said.

Looking back, Antoine said he is proud of what he's accomplished over the past year.

"I think I did a heck of a good job," he said, adding that he was sure the support was still there for him to make another run. "(But) I think the best way to serve my constituents is from cabinet."