Nathan VanderKlippe
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 06/02) - City councillors meet with Member of Parliament Ethel Blondin-Andrew next Monday, but they're already counting on an unproductive meeting.

The Western Arctic MP was invited by Mayor Gord Van Tighem to discuss federal infrastructure funding and Giant Mine cleanup with council's priorities, policies and budget committee.

In particular, Van Tighem said council needs to talk to Blondin-Andrew because efforts to form a Giant Mine community liaison committee have thus far been futile.

"We started doing frameworking a couple of months ago, and we were supposed to already have had a meeting," he said. "And it just keeps getting put off and put off."

Councillors are worried Blondin-Andrew will toe the party line in a public meeting and are already suggesting talking with her behind closed doors.

"I don't think we can necessarily achieve a free-flowing debate in a public forum," said Coun. Ben McDonald.

Coun. Alan Woytuik said Blondin-Andrew would probably deliver "the party line that we can read in any of their propaganda off the Web site."

Coun. Wendy Bisaro suggested the meeting with the MP could turn into "an inquisition."

According to Coun. Dave Ramsay, it's the first time Blondin-Andrew will have met with city council in six years. Councillors joked they could discuss a closed-door meeting after the MP arrived.

"Do whatever it takes to get her in the door," Woytuik said.

"Then lock the door behind her," said Coun. Robert Hawkins.

Blondin-Andrew was unavailable for comment. A staff member in her office said the MP freely meets with councillors when invited.