Yellowknife (Feb 28/00) - The territorial government is considering a new set of rules for its employees.

A draft code of conduct for the public service provides guidelines for such matters as conflict of interest, acceptance of gifts, use of government equipment, use of insider information, public statements and political activity.

The proposed guidelines also make every employee responsible for reporting wrongdoing, including situations of conflict of interest.

"No employee shall be disciplined or face any reprisal for identifying potential wrongdoing," notes the draft.

Water woes

Mackenzie Delta MLA David Krutko last Wednesday called for government action on the water problem at Fort McPherson.

Municipal and Community Affairs Minister Jim Antoine said the government has tried a number of ways to improve water quality in the community, including fixing water tanks and cleaning pipes.

Antoine said as an interim measure filters were introduced. A deep-water lake has been identified as a new source of water. Budgets are being adjusted, a water management plan is being developed and permission of the Gwich'in Tribal Council has been sought to set up the new water supply. Antoine did not say whether the work would be started this summer.

It has been revealed the water at McPherson contains high levels of a chemical known to cause cancer.

Review criticism

Thebacha MLA Michael Miltenberger criticized plans to review how well the government is carrying out the provisions of the Child Welfare Act. Miltenberger questioned how worthwhile a study done in six weeks by a southern firm would be.

"Does the minister seriously believe that they're going to answer a question that this government and this department in 25 years hasn't been able to answer adequately and finally," asked Miltenberger.

For her part, Health and Social Services Minister Jane Groenewegen said the purpose of the study was to see how well the act serves children and families of the North, compared to the similar laws serving those in the south.

Sad farewell

Inuvik Twin Lakes MLA Roger Allen said a few words about Stanley "Goo Goo" Tyrell, an Aklavik elder who recently lost a short bout with cancer.

Allen noted Tyrell was a carpenter and helped to build many of the buildings standing in Inuvik, including the Mackenzie and Eskimo Inns.