Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (June 10/02) - NWT Finance Minister Joe Handley said he was disappointed but not surprised to hear that Paul Martin would no longer be federal finance minister.

Martin was dismissed by Prime Minister Jean Chretien June 2.

Chretien named deputy prime minister John Manley as Martin's successor. Martin stayed at his post for almost nine years after the Liberals were swept to power in 1993.

"I think we (Martin and myself) were developing a good relationship," said Handley. "I liked him."

Handley was in Ottawa only two weeks ago, meeting with Martin and hoping to tap into the federal government's $2-billion federal infrastructure plan.

With a new finance minister in the federal cabinet, Handley is worried some of the progress the NWT has made with Martin will be lost.

He cited two instances where Martin found extra money for the GNWT when it was faced with a cash crunch, coming up with an additional $125 million over the last two years.

"I met with Mr. Manley, but I don't think he has the same level of understanding," said Handley. "I'm not saying anything against Mr. Manley, I just think Paul Martin really knew what our needs were."

Liberal riding president Ruth Spence said she was saddened by Martin's departure, but confident in the government's abilities.

"I think it's sad, but the truth of it is the Liberal party is still strong," said Spence, noting that she could not speak on behalf of other Western Arctic Liberals. Spence said she still remains a strong supporter of both Chretien and Manley