Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 22/01) - Two embargoed letters have pushed city hall to the brink of drafting its own access to information policy governing the release of public information.

Yellowknife city administration is currently working on a report due to be released later this month studying the pros and cons of having an access to information policy on the city's books.

The report came at the request of Coun. Kevin O'Reilly, who openly criticized the mayor and administration after they refused to release two letters on the Giant Mine boat launch from the federal and territorial governments last month.

"I don't agree with the GNWT or DIAND (Department of Indian and Northern Affairs) that the letters should not have been released," said O'Reilly during Monday afternoon's priorities, policy and budget committee meeting.

Max Hall, senior city administrator, said the letters, which mention talks between the governments about the boat launch, could be seen as sensitive.

The two letters, addressed to former public works director Gary Craig, could not be released without the approval of territorial and federal governments, said Hall at the time of the letter's arrival.

Neither letter was ever released.

Coun. Ben McDonald said a set policy would erase the need to argue over every single letter.

"It's not fair (for administration) to fight in detail over letters," said McDonald.

Coun. Dave McCann said an access to information policy is not his top priority.

"We need transparency in spending and performance," said McCann.