"We can't worry about what happened before," said Richard Nerysoo, a former NWT premier.

Nerysoo was referring to the recent dismissal of the previous Power Corp. board by the territorial government. The government acted when the chairperson and board members refused to withdraw a proposal to put the NWT on a single rate no matter what the cost of power production in individual communities.

Asked if the new board has received any assurance it won't also be fired over some controversial issue, the Nerysoo said there can be no guarantee. "But cabinet and the minister want to give us an opportunity to carry out our role."

Five of the six members of the new board gathered for the first time last week in Hay River, where the Power Corp. has its headquarters. A seventh member will be announced soon. While in Hay River, the new board also met with Joe Handley, the territorial minister responsible for the NTPC.

Nerysoo said the new board will work closely with the territorial government - NTPC's sole shareholder - but will maintain its independence. "The public wants the board to operate as a business body, not as a political body." Nerysoo said the corporation can't remain stagnant, but will seek opportunities for new customers and increased profits.