Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Jun 13/01) - The government is not allowing the public enough time to comment on a study that will recommend changes to the health board system, says Thebacha MLA Michael Miltenberger.
Health Minister Jane Groenewegen has set an Aug. 1 deadline for public comments on the report, due to be released June 25.
"It seems to me the department already has its own agenda," Miltenberger said. "It already knows what it wants to do."
When the $300,000 report was commissioned, Groenewegen came under fire from Miltenberger and other MLAs for giving the contract to a southern consultant, George B. Cuff and Associates, without asking for competing bids.
Groenewegen said Cuff interviewed 350 people for the report and the government intends to act on its recommendations during the fall session.
She said the government would not consider requests to extend the deadline.
Not Highway 3, but needs work too
A weekend rollover on a rough 10-kilometre stretch of road between Hay River's West Channel Bridge and the West Channel highlights the need for work on the road, said Hay River North MLA Paul Delorey.
"We're already doing what's necessary to bring the road up to standard," said Transportation Minister Vince Steen in response to questioning from Delorey.
Steen said rebuilding the road will cost $2.5-$3 million and an engineering study is now under way.
Delorey asked when reconstruction would begin.
"I expect the results of the engineering study will be reflected in next year's budget," Steen said.
Birthday time
MLAs congratulated Speaker Tony Whitford on his 60th birthday Monday, marked with a cake and punch in the Great Hall during the afternoon break.
Whitford congratulated legislative law clerk Katherine Peterson on her birthday. Peterson would not say which birthday she is celebrating, other than she is still looking forward to the one Whitford was celebrating.
Whitford also noted the day marked 20 years since clerk David Hamilton joined the territorial government and the 24th wedding anniversary of Justice and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Jim Antoine and his wife, Celine.
