Yellowknife (Apr 29/05) - With talk of a springtime federal election swirling around Ottawa, Western Arctic MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew sidestepped questions this week about controversial government appointee Todd Burligame.

"I'm not prepared to talk about that today," Blondin-Andrew said during a funding announcement in Yellowknife, Monday. "I'm not prepared to talk about that file."

Ethel Blondin-Andrew

Burligame was appointed by Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Andy Scott to chair the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board - one of several governmental bodies that will oversee regulatory applications for the proposed Mackenzie Valley Pipeline.

Scott bypassed three Northern candidates when he

appointed Burligame - a former oil and gas consultant who did not apply for the position. Critics accuse Ottawa of tilting the regulatory process in favour of the $7-billion pipeline project, which would funnel oil and gas from the Mackenzie Delta into northern Alberta.

While Blondin-Andrew shied away from questions Monday, long-time political opponent and confirmed New Democratic Party candidate Dennis Bevington called the appointment "Liberal cronyism."

"The level of interference is not justified," Bevington said from Fort Smith.

While ministers are allowed to make board appointments, Bevington accused the federal government of violating the "spirit" of legislation designed to give Northerners a voice when it comes to environmental development in their backyard.

"It is unfortunate a political party can think it is above the law," Bevington said. "The board should be independent."

Operations at the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board have been suspended while lawyers examine conflict-of-interest allegations against Burlingame.

Bevington said the current deadlock - which has several mining companies complaining about permitting delays - "has to change."

Bevington suggested Burlingame should be removed as chair if he cannot work with other members of the board, some of whom opposed his appointment.