Yellowknife (Mar 18/05) - The federal minister who hired a controversial figure to chair the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board denies there was any patronage involved in his appointment.

DIAND Minister Andy Scott: "I wouldn't know (Burlingame) if I saw him."

Responding to a fiery demand for answers from Hay River South MLA Jane Groenewegen, Andy Scott, minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND), told more than 100 people gathered for a Northern Strategy forum Tuesday that he doesn't even know Todd Burlingame.

"I don't know this person at all," said Scott, who moments before insisted that Burlingame was the best person for the job.

Burlingame's appointment last week created a huge outcry after it was learned that even though he never applied for the job, he was chosen over three other NWT residents nominated by the board.

A similar controversy emerged three years ago when former DIAND Minister Robert Nault appointed Burlingame to the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board against the wishes of other board members.

Burlingame's term with the review board ended last December. He was residing in British Columbia as of last week, caring for an elderly parent. When asked to clarify his statements, Scott said while he didn't know Burlingame personally, he was told he would be a good candidate, although he didn't say by whom.

"I knew his credentials, I wouldn't know him if I saw him," said Scott.