Monday, November 27, 2000
At times, it certainly seems like we're voting for the lesser of evils when we head to the polls to elect our federal leaders.
That said, it's tempting to vote for the party we find funny or charming rather than for the organization that might do a reasonable or competent job given the opportunity. It's also easy to be enticed to spoil our ballots as a method of objecting to the entire process.
But, it's important that Canadians take their democratic right and privilege seriously and make their votes count. To throw a ballot away or to refuse to vote at all is one sure way of ensuring dangerous political parties get into power.
Taking the high road on ethical issues is admirable but one should stop short of the clouds so as not to lose sight of well-grounded common sense.
Thebacha MLA Michael Miltenberger risks just that with his successful conflict of interest complaint against Deputy-Premier Jane Groenewegen.
Groenewegen was seen driving a truck belonging to her family business. She's not supposed to mix personal business with government, even if she's going to the store for milk.
Conflict of Interest Commissioner Carol Roberts ruled earlier this month that while the violation occurred, it didn't deserve a public inquiry.
Making reference to the forced resignation of former Premier Don Morin, who mixed business with politics to the detriment of the people of the NWT, Miltenberger wants something done to Groenewegen.
But this instance appears to be harmless. The only danger appears to be that Groenewegen, after giving herself a lift in her family business vehicle, may reward herself with a lift in a government vehicle. That's hardly a threat to democracy.
Miltenberger's complaint did serve one purpose. Conflict commissioner Roberts had recommended in an earlier report that her office be given more options to punish conflict violations. All that exists now is to either hold a public inquiry or not, with nothing in between.
This case shows individual cases call for individual treatment and the assembly should act to give the commissioner options.
As for Miltenberger, he should learn when his point has been made. Pursuit of this particular issue will damage his credibility and, more importantly, his effectiveness as a high profile government critic, a role Groenewegen played so well to the benefit of all Northerners.
One has to consider if letting suspended NTI President Paul Quassa keep his job, providing he pays back the $28,000 he owes, was the wisest choice for the birthright corporation's membership to make.
Not satisfied with Quassa's first attempt at explaining why he excessively used the corporate credit card for personal use, delegates at the annual general meeting felt his second explanation was sufficient enough for re-instatement upon payback.
Will this set a precedent for future spending discrepancies to be "forgiven"? Does it give NTI employees the go-ahead to spend corporate monies and repay later? Does it say to beneficiaries that NTI is serious about their money?
Or does it say to beneficiaries that it's open season on their money and unless they speak up their leaders will continue to act irresponsibly?
Kitikmeot polar bear hunters and guides face losing their bread and butter -- American hunters.
The number of polar bears in the region is half the original estimate of 700, which supported the annual quota of 32 bears for local and sport hunters.
A hunt is worth more than $10,000 to the guide who leads, and the area draws about 12 to 14 American hunters annually.
The situation is not going to change in the near future. That much we do know. The Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, which sets the annual quota, warns that if immediate action is not taken there could be a permanent halt to all polar bear hunting.
If the Nunavut board fails to reduce or temporarily suspend the hunt, the American government might impose a total ban on sport hunting to protect the bear population.
For the Kitikmeot hunters, this is a choice between financial hardship and economic ruin. The Nunavut Government needs to shoulder the financial responsibility for loss of income this year. And next year Americans may have to pay more.
But those are just short-term solutions.
The long-term solution is alternative employment, and tourism seems a natural choice.
During the re-training phase, hunters and guides must determine what tourism packages -- from eco-tourism to other types of big game hunts -- will work and how much people will pay.
Caribou hunts for sports hunters are already a growing business in Baker Lake and Arviat, bringing in hundreds of thousands of dollars. Changing with the times can be as profitable as it is sometimes necessary. Communities across the North recognized National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) with a variety of activities between Nov. 12 and Nov. 18.
Throughout NAAW, some unfortunate souls can still be seen stumbling down the street. Although there are those who may watch scornfully or those who chortle, "Doesn't he know it's National Addictions Awareness Week," NAAW is not a panacea. It's a week to recognize that addictions problems exist and to consider what can be done to address and prevent such situations. Addictions are a perennial and costly problem across the country, but ultimately they can only be resolved when those who are affected are ready to come forward in search of help.
Hopefully the events held during the week provided some individuals with the strength and conviction to confront their dependency -- and those around them who suffer the consequences can also find the support they need not only to function normally but to find some joy in the face of despair.