Kevin Wilson
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Nov 19/01) - Premier Paul Okalik is satisfying the legislative assembly for the most part, but some members say he's not quite fulfilling their expections.

The criticism came amid a barrage of 450 questions from MLAs Thursday. After two years on the job, ministers came under heavy scrutiny during the two-day mid-term review.

Ordinary MLAs were allowed to ask the premier five questions each, followed up by two supplementary questions for a total of 150 questions.

Following the premier's turn at the table, MLAs were permitted to ask cabinet ministers up to 10 questions, with two supplementaries after each question.

At times, it seemed the regular members would use up every possible question. Privately, ministers complained about the format.

Speaker Kevin O'Brien began the proceedings promptly at 9 a.m.

Enoki Irqittuq, MLA for Amittuq and chair of the regular members' caucus, told the forum that the review would help maintain legislative "discipline" over cabinet.

In response, Premier Paul Okalik said he welcomed "the opportunity to reflect on my time as premier."

The review, scheduled to wrap up at 6 p.m. Friday, dispensed with Okalik at 3 p.m. Thursday, six hours after it began. Although generally supportive of the premier, members criticized the government for not consulting sufficiently with them and their constituents.

The premier "doesn't always fulfil the wishes of the Inuit people, Akulliq MLA Ovide Alakannuaq said during his opening statements.

Tunnuniq MLA Jobie Nutaraq added that the government does not pay enough attention to traditional knowledge, and that Okalik, "does not report back to this house," after meetings with provincial and territorial leaders.

Afterward, Okalik said he was "pleased" with the proceedings. He said he "tries to brief the whole territory," on everything the government does.