Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 02/02) - Pointing to the continued electoral insignificance of the NWT, Premier Stephen Kakfwi bitterly denounced Monday's throne speech as more meaningless rhetoric from the federal government.

Premier Kakfwi: Running out of patience - NNSL file photo

Kakfwi has spent the two years feeling optimistic and holding out hope the federal government would come through on a number of key initiatives, including $133 million towards building roads and bridges in the NWT, and a solid show of support for the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline.

But despite two -- if not vague -- references to "Northern gas pipelines" and promises of infrastructure development during the speech, read to Parliament by Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson, the premier says he's running out of patience.

"It's time to produce," said Kakfwi, who was in Calgary attending an oil and gas conference. "I'm not prepared to listen to anymore speeches. I don't give two hoots if it's a throne speech. What I want to look for is some cheques.

"Give me the investment dollars, and that I know will say the federal government is on-side and ready to partner with us. Without it, it's just another a speech from another politician from another government."

Kakfwi scoffed at the repeated references made by the government towards economic, health, and social initiatives for Canada's First Nations, saying he's heard them all before.

"We've had speeches before where aboriginal people have been mentioned, and nothing has changed for aboriginal people across this country. And just about all references there are for aboriginal people on reserves," said Kakfwi. "That excludes the Yukon, Nunavut and Northwest Territories."

Kakfwi said it seems because the NWT only has a single seat in the House of Commons, Ottawa continually ignores the North.

For her part, Western Arctic Liberal MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew was relatively pleased with the speech.

Numerous references were made to children's programs, which fits into her portfolio as Secretary of State for Youth and Culture.

"I'm very pleased because I usually try to make a direct reference to my mandate, which is children and youth, and aboriginal training," said Blondin-Andrew. "And then to use the Northern lens to see what's in it for the North because I'm biased that way."

The throne speech unveiled several ongoing initiatives towards early childhood development, tax credits for parents, and tougher charges for child abuse offenses.

She added that she understands the premier's frustration, but said she is certain the government will come through eventually.

"I can tell you we're not going to give up our goals or aspirations regarding the pipeline or infrastructure development," said Blondin-Andrew.

"I don't think today is the day you're going to get notice on any of those specific things that he has mentioned but there are other days to come."