Fort Resolution (Dec 15/03) - Gaps and problems in continuity at the Deninoo Community Council have led to an agreement with the territorial government.

A so-called 'co-management agreement' is almost ready for signing by the council and the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA).

"We're drafting an agreement where we'll assist the community with certain management activities," says Jack Poitras, the South Slave regional superintendent with MACA. Poitras said it is a bit of an unusual agreement but not an usual situation.

Council has experienced management problems due to a high turn-over of senior administrative officers (SAO). The municipality has had five SAOs in the last few years and has been without one since August. Talks began in September on a co-management agreement after council asked MACA for assistance.

"Hopefully, after a period of time, there won't be a need for a co-management agreement," Poitras said, explaining the department will assist while a new SAO gets used to the work.

The agreement will cover such things as financial management, budget development, reporting requirements under the Settlements Act, assistance in providing services and recruitment of a new SAO.

"We're not there to manage community affairs. We're there to assist," Poitras said.

Before it is implemented, the agreement must be approved by council and the new minister of MACA.

Poitras said it may be signed at the Dec. 17 council meeting. Both Poitras and Deputy-Mayor Freda Elief stress the agreement will not change the political status of the Deninoo Community Council.

"I want to make it clear that they haven't taken over our community," Elief says. "We're still the governing authority."

Elief noted the councillors have full-time jobs and are not accountants or administrators. "We felt something was needed to assist us in continuing with day-to-day business."

She notes that it is a temporary agreement.