Ex-finance minister John Todd, now basking in southern retirement, is a shoe-in for this year's winner of the big "'I told you so' award."

It was in 1998 when Todd, extremely alarmed at the lack of benefits staying in the North from the growing diamond industry, threatened to introduce a mineral tax that would "choke a mule" if industry didn't ensure some benefits remained in the North.

Todd later shelved the tax when BHP agreed to sell rough diamonds to Northern companies.

Now four years later, our current finance minster, Joe Handley, equally alarmed at the lack of Northern profits, has announced he's bringing the idea of the tax out of the closet.

Why you ask? It's simple. With one diamond mine in production and two on the go, Handley has every right to be worried.

Here's just a few reasons why:

- BHP, while they do sell a percentage of rough diamonds to Northern factories, continues to offer discounted fares for workers who choose not to live in the Northwest Territories. This incentive is exactly what we don't need in ensuring the majority of jobs stay in the North.

- De Beers, the world's biggest diamond company, continues to balk at contributing to the secondary diamond industry in the NWT. Despite pleas from our premier, because they can, they continue to walk all over us.

- Akaitcho communities, who share a $1 million payout from BHP, now admit they think this is "peanuts" compared to the $600 million Ekati produced in its first year of operations.

- DIAND's purse, already fat from millions of dollars of royalties, is making millions more on the permit frenzy now underway by exploration groups.

We said it then and we'll say it again: Until Ottawa and industry recognize the North as a partner in the profits, this tax may be our only option.

When Dr. John Wezelman refused to allow a midwife accompany Leslie Leong to a medical test, he was doing more than making a political statement.

The Fort Smith physician showed not only a lack of respect for Leong but could have jeopardized her well-being and that of her unborn child.

Leong chose a midwife to deliver her baby - the midwife needs accurate medical information to do her job. Not everyone favours so-called traditional medical care. Doctors have to respect that.

Like it or not, midwifes work in the Northwest Territories. Yes, legislation regulating their practise is needed -- and quickly. Until then, the first priority must be the woman, her health, and her choice for health care.

In the days following Goo Arlooktoo's death, people across the North stepped forward to sing his praises.

From Iqaluit to Cambridge Bay to Yellowknife, and on to Rae-Edzo, those who knew Goo described him as a generous, loving man who liked to laugh.

Commissioner Peter Irniq said Goo left behind big shoes to fill. He said those who survived Goo should try very hard to fill the void he left.

This then, is a challenge to do just that -- fill the void. It would take just a small amount of energy for each one of us to do a good deed in Goo's memory. To make this mission more relevant, perhaps the task each of us takes on can be similar to something Goo himself tried to accomplish in his short time with us.

For example, Goo was an active community event volunteer, particularly when it came to the 2002 Arctic Winter Games. To express appreciation for Goo's work in this area, get involved in the organizing committees for Canada Day or Nunavut Day festivities.

As busy as Goo was with his political and working life, he always made time for his wife and children. To honour Goo for that, perhaps those of us who work too hard could take a night or weekend off just to spend with those we love.

Goo was dedicated to seeing the territory of Nunavut succeed. Beneficiaries and non-Inuit alike can all work hard to achieve this goal. Spend your dollars in Nunavut, pay attention to local and territorial politics. Speak out when our elected leaders do something you don't like.

Lastly, Goo was an avid hunter. He enjoyed the outdoors and wildlife.

The next time you're out hunting or camping, think of Goo. Think of how he shared with those around him and consider sharing your catch with his family. Goo would like that.

Editorial Comment
Darrell Greer
Kivalliq News

It would be easy to fill this space about the wonderful patriotism shown by residents of Rankin Inlet this past week during the Governor General's visit. And, make no mistake about it, local residents did their community proud by turning out in droves to meet and pay their respects to Adrienne Clarkson.

However, we can't help but wonder what the Governor General may have thought had she arrived in the hamlet unannounced a few days earlier and viewed the sorry state of the vast majority of flags flying in the community.

Of course, most of the offices around town unravelled brand new flags for Clarkson's visit -- not an uncommon practice for any municipality in this great nation of ours.

However, what is uncommon is the usual horrific condition of Canadian flags in Rankin.

And that's not to mention the almost total absence of the Nunavut territorial flag.

As an ex-Canadian Forces regular myself (mobile support, Maritime command), I find the state of the flags in most Kivalliq communities appalling at best. One gets a heavy heart when they look up at the symbol of our great nation torn, tattered, and, in some cases, literally ripped in half.

In talking with the hamlets, this newshound was equally surprised and angered to learn the Nunavut government does not supply territorial flags to the municipalities.

Granted, the government has a long list of priorities it must address and flags, apparently, don't rank very high on its list.

However, feeling pride in one's territory, their land, is more than simple words -- words often spoken by a number of our leaders every time they're in front of a microphone or a federal representative.

The hamlets take care of their own municipal flags at a substantial cost. To order one hand-sewn flag runs in excess of $125. Silkscreen flags must be ordered in lots of 10, running in the neighbour of $1,000.

Surely the Nunavut government can find the financial resources to supply the hamlets with territorial flags to fly proudly over the communities? Heck, let's even throw in the resources for the extra flag pole. It's a small price to pay for helping to build territorial pride.

We're quite sure, with a phone call or two, the federal government would be willing to supply the Maple Leaf to our Nunavut communities.

On the surface, it may sound like a small issue, but torn, mutilated and missing flags are a sign of total disrespect for what they stand for.

Oh, for the days of Sheila Copps's unbridled enthusiasm once again.

Editorial Comment
Terry Halifax
Inuvik Drum

There were a few brows raised over last week's guest column in the Inuvik Drum by Jack Cunningham, concerning his views on exotic dancing and also over my choice in running the piece.

As I told someone on the street this morning, it's not my place to defend or condemn Mr. Cunningham or anyone else who wants to have their say in these pages. Nor is it my place to sanitize or censor what happens in this town.

As I perceive it, my job is to hold up a mirror and show you the best reflection of what happened last week in Inuvik.

This week, you'll notice a feature with the dancer from Frosty's Pub and that's sure to raise some brows as well, but before you grab the phone, or your pen and poison ink, I'll tell you why. The manager at Frosty's told me Ms. Hautka wanted to tell her side of the story, and, since the dancers weren't represented at the meeting or the subsequent story I wrote, I agreed.

At the public meeting and in this week's letter from Pam Harry, people are accusing the dancers as being people of loose morals, drug addicts, prostitutes and blaming them for increasing alcoholism in this town. If someone accused me of those things, I think I might want to respond as well. In between the extremes of name calling and finger pointing, we'll find a reasonable solution to this issue, but not by whispering innuendo in the video store or even worse, giving credence to those rumours. I'll do my best to show you the graduations, celebrations and other proud moments, but it's my responsibility to show the rest as well. And sometimes that will include the opinions of the people. Yours, mine, Ms. Hauka, Mr. Cunningham and Ms. Harry.

What goes in the Drum is up to all of us. If you have something to share with the town, don't keep it a secret.

I'll always welcome your words in these pages as long as they are concise and don't outstep the bounds of good taste, slander or libel.

The only route

There were some eyes opened Monday night to a real contender in the race to transport gas south of 60.

The Arctic Gas proposal has some real potential, and, at the very least, it may raise the stakes for what's being offered by the competition. Some very interesting ideas were presented by Arctic Gas, but the plan has no support form the producers, who will have to finance the project, buy guaranteeing bonds through the shipper contracts. Hall says those contracts won't be secured by either pipeline for another two-to-three years, but it would sure lend credibility to the line if even one producer was backing them. Producers want control of the line for good reason -- they have billions at stake in the delivery of their product.

Last week, ExxonMobil backed off on the Alaska route, saying that even with the subsidy, the Alaska Highway pipe is not economical. Further Exxon's brass thinks the subsidy will distort the gas market and It appears the Mackenzie Valley route is the only choice left for a pipeline, but what's left to decide is which group will lay that pipe. Chief James Firth of the Inuvik Native Band is supporting the ARC plan and if other aboriginal groups decide to back the Arctic Gas proposal, this could spell big trouble for Imperial Oil and the other producers.

That's trouble; big trouble, with a capital 'T', and that rhymes with 'P' and that stands for 'Pipeline.'

Editorial Comment
Mike W. Bryant
Deh Cho Drum, Fort Simpson

Four hours in a police truck. Probably not everyone's idea of a good time on a Friday night.

However, as a reporter, meeting different people from all walks of life is my bread and butter, and spending time with officers from the Fort Simpson RCMP detachment was no different, and certainly no less enjoyable.

Constables J.F. LeDuc and Jason Gott were frank and accommodating in their conversations with me, and clearly love their jobs.

Both officers expressed the frustration at times when encountering people -- particularly young people -- who automatically assume they are hell-bent on making trouble for them.

The fact is, stopping to ensure people are going about their business safely and responsibly is part of their jobs.

If no one did, it would be mob rules, and if any of those individuals were to tune into the 10 'o'clock news lately, say a news clip from the West Bank or Zimbabwe, it would quickly become apparent that anarchy isn't very much fun -- or healthy.

Many of us in our younger days may have had brushes with the law, and resented it.

But the fact of the matter is, they are here to make people feel safe and sadly, from time to time, clean up the mess others have left behind.

Accidents involving drunk drivers comes to mind.

Fort Simpson RCMP officers may not always stay for very long, which lends to their "outsider" image, but until the region or territory implements its one regular local police force, if that happens, the RCMP have a job to do.

And have every reason to feel proud.

Dodging a bullet

To fine or not to fine, that is the question.

Apparently, DIAND doesn't feel it warranted levying a fine against the village for allowing five weeks worth of raw sewage to flow into the Mackenzie River.

The village is lucky. The maximum fine for such an infraction is $125,000, and judging by the present condition of the roads, Fort Simpson council is in no position to pay out such a huge fine.

Administration says they were within their water licence guidelines not to report the spill. DIAND appears to think otherwise.

Regardless, DIAND seems willing to turn their cheek, and hope things go better in the future for Fort Simpson's trouble sewage plant.

It's probably wise the village do the same.

A quote saying an anti-poverty group needs to do a better job in Nunavut (Poverty could deepen, News/North May 13) was attributed to the wrong person. Pam Kapoor, acting executive director of the National Anti-Poverty Organization, was the one who said "We've identified the North as a priority area. NAPO doesn't do a good enough job representing the North."

News/North apologizes for any embarrassment or confusion caused by the error.