Canada served up a promise to track the impact of development in the NWT -- then dropped the ball.

Nearly three years after announcing plans for the so-called "cumulative effects" study, the effort is under-funded and two years behind schedule. Gwich'in, Sahtu and Inuvialuit leaders pulled out of the process last year, and now other groups are wondering what's going on.

Where can the blame be laid but at the feet of the federal government? The under funding points to a lack of political will.

It's an unfortunate circumstance for an ecologically-fragile territory. The Northwest Territories is on the cusp of massive development.

One diamond mine is in operation, a second is under construction and a third on the drawing board.

Seismic studies are underway and gas wells are being drilled in the Liard and Delta regions. Oil and gas producers in partnership with aboriginal groups have taken a step toward construction of a natural gas pipeline down the Mackenzie Valley.

Regardless of whether the effort will do anything more than let us know what damage industry is doing, a commitment was made to measure the effects of many projects together rather than just looking at individual ones.

Government has to either come to the table and live up to its word or leave the public believing it was all a public relations gesture to smooth concerns over approval of the Diavik diamond mine.

And you wonder why 78 per cent of the people who voted in our online mini-poll don't believe politicians are trustworthy?

In a 9-0 decision last week, the Supreme Court of Canada upheld the removal from the bench of New Brunswick provincial court Judge Jocelyne Moreau-Berube for calling residents of the Acadian Peninsula dishonest in 1998.

In doing so the court reversed the decision of the New Brunswick Court of Appeal and reaffirmed the finding of the New Brunswick Judicial Council recommending the province fire Moreau-Berube.

When Yellowknife territorial court Judge Michel Bourassa recently sentenced a man, who spat in a police officer's face, he reportedly said from the bench "it is well known that AIDS can be transmitted through bodily fluids like spit."

In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta notes that while "HIV has been found in saliva and tears in very low quantities from some AIDS patients...contact with saliva, tears, or sweat has never been shown to result in transmission of HIV."

With the judicial right to speak freely from the bench goes the obligation to speak responsibly and accurately.

Is Bourassa's transgression serious enough to warrant removal?

No.

It was an unfortunate and stupid thing to say but such misconceptions about AIDS are shared by too large a segment of the general public. We would hope a person in such a position of power as a territorial court judge would educate himself and lead by example.

Case closed.

Editorial Comment
Darrell Greer
Kivalliq News

Repulse Bay is finally getting its own RCMP detachment. That's good news, indeed.

Everyone appreciates the admirable job members of other detachments have done in the community, often under the most trying of circumstances.

For proof of that, one need look no further than the combined efforts of Coral Harbour and Rankin Inlet officers this past month in making a quick arrest in a case of armed robbery in Repulse.

However, while efforts like that are to be commended, they are still a "B Team" approach to community policing. To be truly effective, officers need to have a "feel" for the communities they patrol.

When tough decisions have to be made, it is invaluable for them to have a complete picture of the people, culture and community they serve.

Just as importantly, if not more so, when officers are stationed in a community full time, residents see other sides of their duties.

Whether it's a Christmas Hamper program, teaching driver or boating safety, helping tend to the injured or even handing out toothbrushes at the local school, they're seen caring about the community they serve. It's all part and parcel of the numerous services the RCMP provide to a community.

And, it shows the youth in our communities that the police officer is a friend.

With the Repulse situation resolved, it's time for the Nunavut government to look at Chester and Whale Cove. Insp. Jim McDougall is bang on when he says those two communities deserve the same level of policing every other hamlet of their size in Nunavut enjoys.

We certainly appreciate the budget constraints the territorial government must work with, but it's never too early to put the plans in place for the 2003 fiscal year.

With the logistical problems the force has to deal with, such as housing and moving costs, the earlier the start of moving an officer or two into these communities, the better for all concerned.

Our Kivalliq communities are growing and our efforts to provide reliable, adequate policing must grow with them. People should have the right to feel they live in a well-policed community.

And that includes much more than the solving of crimes.

Editorial Comment
Malcolm Gorrill
Inuvik Drum

Seldom in recent times has the Inuvik town council chambers held so many people all at one time.

The occasion was Monday's public meeting on the proposed family centre. More than three dozen people attended, stark contrast to regular meetings of council, where often the only witnesses are media representatives and perhaps one or two town employees.

Staff put in place lots of chairs for the public and even had to rearrange council members' desks to accommodate the crowd.

The turnout was encouraging. That, plus the fact many people spoke up, was also good to see.

The family centre proposal and plebiscite are serious matters impacting upon all the community. Comments and questions from many people can help air the whole issue.

Many good points were raised, whether praising the centre, raising questions about it, or objecting.

Aside from the fact a pool would allow people to take part in a fun activity all year long, it was pointed out that water is good for people to conduct exercises in, especially if they have arthritis or are in rehabilitation.

It was also brought up that the centre would enhance the community and make it more attractive for residents and people thinking about coming to work here.

Those urging caution, and those wanting the centre proposal defeated, have valid points as well. Residents do not want to get stuck with a family centre that costs more to build and operate than projected.

It is to be hoped people consider all their options carefully before casting their votes.

Where there's smoke...

The Town of Inuvik has opened up the possibility of passing a bylaw limiting smoking in public places, at least where children are allowed.

Officials are hoping to get comments from people over the next little while before they proceed further.

Well, now that the word is out, chances are the mayor and councillors will receive an earful.

It's a touchy subject. The rights of smokers wanting to light up in restaurants or other places need to be weighed against non-smokers. Added to this is medical evidence on harm second-hand smoke can cause, and the issue gets touchier still.

Chances are this debate is just beginning.

Editorial Comment
Derek Neary
Deh Cho Drum, Fort Simpson

The Deh Cho Resource Development Conference set to take place next week isn't premature, if it's interpreted properly.

The conference is not a statement or signal that lands are now available for development in the region, or even in the Fort Simpson area, specifically. That highly-anticipated announcement may come later this year with an interim resource development agreement between the federal government and the Deh Cho First Nations.

No, the conference is intended to be a series of informative and, in all probability, promotional presentations on industry and training. The latter is particularly important. If resource development is going to be increasing in the Deh Cho, then a trained workforce must be prepared to benefit from it. Outside of numerous safety courses, which are important in their own right, there are few training opportunities available for industrial workers within the region at present. That must change.

Some Deh Cho residents have already gained experience through seismic and natural gas field work in Fort Liard. Others require orientation. If this conference helps build a greater understanding of industry and makes training initiatives a reality then it will be worthwhile. A frank reminder to industry that the region's environment and social well-being are paramount won't hurt either.

Bridging the Mackenzie

The idea of a bridge across the Mackenzie is inviting. Although ferry service has improved exponentially during freeze-up and break-up over the past few decades, the down time is extremely frustrating for residents and businesses alike.

The promise of building a span for less than $50 million dollars seems too good to be true, however. These mega-projects rarely come in under budget. Usually there are extenuating circumstances that result in bloated and unforeseen costs.

If the bridge can be built at all, non-commercial users should brace themselves for a toll. Even though it's not proposed it may be inevitable. Progress, and convenience, always come at a price.

Song birds

Congratulations to Ekuinox on their first full-length CD. It's a noteworthy achievement for a hard-working local group with more than their fair share of talent.

The fact that the music is all original makes their feat all the more impressive.

Lyricist Richard Wright offered an interesting perspective on song writing. He suggested that it's better than painting. Once the paint dries, an artist is left with what he or she has created, for better or for worse. A song writer, on the other hand, can rearrange a song several years later, he said. Maybe some artists are trading in their paint brushes now.