Fort Simpson (July 11/03) - After heartfelt discussions with family, friends and government staff, Jim Antoine says he won't run for a fourth term as Nahendeh MLA.

After 12 years as Nahendeh MLA, Jim Antoine says it's time for someone else to take the reins. "There's nothing worse than an old politician hanging on forever," he quips. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

"Somebody else should step up to the plate and see what they're made of," Antoine says, adding that this is not an election ploy. "Right now I feel good about the decision. It feels like a big weight off my chest."

The region's next MLA may decide to take a sabre-rattling approach, but Antoine advises that diplomacy can be advantageous. Harsh anti-Yellowknife sentiment may be popular in the hinterland but it may isolate an MLA in the legislative assembly, he explains.

Without support, it will be an uphill battle to become a minister, premier or chair of various government committees.

"I think alliances have to be made with other MLAs. It's consensus (style) government so compromises are made," he says.

Over the past 12 years, Antoine has served stints as premier, deputy premier and minister of Resources Wildlife and Economic Development, Aboriginal Affairs, Municipal and Community Affairs, Transportation, Justice and Public Works and Services.

"I found it very useful to approach the ministers directly... it has always worked for me," he says. "I didn't have to stand up in the House and raise hell on all kinds of issues."

The next assembly will inherit several burdens. Primary among them is devolution and resource revenue sharing, according to Antoine. Others include the energy strategy, the Wildlife Act, a Business Development Investment Corporation and ongoing health issues.

The Deh Cho First Nations (DCFN) have refused to come to the table on devolution.

Former Grand Chief Michael Nadli argued that it could compromise the region's self-government negotiations. Antoine counters that the DCFN could advance its positions at both tables simultaneously.

He argues that it's essential to get a resource-revenue sharing deal in place before a Mackenzie Valley pipeline is laid.

That would allow the territorial government and aboriginal groups to benefit significantly from subsequent oil and gas development and other industry, he says.

Highs and lows

Reflecting on his past three terms as MLA, Antoine points to numerous improvements in community infrastructure as being among his greatest accomplishments.

His regrets include failing to get a new nursing station in Trout Lake and a larger gym in Nahanni Butte, he says.

On a personal note, Antoine says he is certain he will be living in Fort Simpson after retiring from politics. He'll be looking at other forms of employment but claims not to have any firm plans.

"I'm sure something will come up," he says.