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Kevin Wilson
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Mar 09/01) - Hay River South MLA Paul Delorey has a gift when it comes to metaphor.
On the last day of this legislative session, he used his members' statement to reminisce about his previous incarnation selling central vacuum systems.
To be successful in the field of vacuum sales, Delorey told the house, one needs a "good product."
Delorey then compared Yellowknife to a "giant vacuum cleaner...driven by the very best motor in the industry, this government."
Delorey, tongue planted firmly in cheek, called on the government to "extend the piping framework throughout the territory."
And that constant breeze in Yellowknife? Delorey says it's caused by the giant vacuum cleaner running "365 days a year."
Monfwi...or not Monfwi
North Slave MLA Leon Lafferty's wish will come true. His private members' bill which would change the name of his riding to Monfwi.
The bill, expected to sail through the legislature, hit a few speed bumps when members of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation took exception to the name change while the Dene are in a boundary dispute with the Dogrib. Monfwi is the name of the Dogrib chief who signed Treaty 11.
The bill finally made it to third reading when Lafferty proposed an amendment that ensured that the name change wouldn't take effect until the federal government tacks its signature onto a final agreement with the Dogrib.
Coon Come support
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jim Antoine paid tribute to Matthew Coon Come, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Wednesday.
Coon Come caused a stir recently when he told a health conference that alcoholism and tobacco use are threatening the future of First Nations.
Antoine told MLAs that Coon Come's "call for action in such a forceful and straightforward manner should be commended."
Hansen offers sympathy
Glenna Hansen, commissioner of the Northwest Territories, expressed her condolences to the family and friends of slain RCMP Const. Jurgen Seewald.
Seewald died in the line of duty Monday in Cape Dorset, Nunavut.
Hansen noted that prior to Seewald's posting in Nunavut, he "served both in Hay River and Fort Liard, and will be remembered with love and respect by the many people who knew and loved him there."
