MLA lives in YK, claims expenses for Lutsel k'e
Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (May 30/01) - Does Steven Nitah live in Lutsel K'e or Yellowknife? That's one of the questions the board of management will be considering at a meeting that begins tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the legislative assembly.
Last week the board received a response from the Tu Nedhe MLA to 17 questions aimed at determining whether he is eligible for the $17,000 in living expenses he has claimed as an out-of-town MLA. The questions were first put to Nitah in April.
The board is also questioning Mackenzie Delta MLA David Krutko about his claim to out-of-town living expenses.
Nitah contends in his reply that Lutsel K'e is his primary place of residence. The rookie MLA signed sworn declarations testifying as much.
The territorial government uses a number of criteria to define MLAs primary place of residence, including amount of time spent in the community, location of personal possessions, business ties, and personal mailing address and telephone listing.
If it is found that Nitah's primary place of residence is Yellowknife, the board has the authority to order him to repay living expenses he's claimed as an out-of-town MLA.
The board could also ask the legislative assembly to rule on the matter.
