YELLOWKNIFE - The owner of Coyote's Bar and Grill has now paid an employee's child support payments which had been taken off his paycheque but never forwarded to the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP).

Coyote's Bar and Grill owner Edward But, left, and former employee Paul Matwiy are on good terms now that unpaid child support payments that were taken off Matwiy's paycheck have been cleared up. Matwiy said he's even considering going back to work for But. - Christine Grimard/NNSL photo

Former Coyote's employee Paul Matwiy had been working with MEP officers to recover the $2,400 in missing payments, and was taking his former employer to court.

But told Matwiy that the payments weren't made due to a clerical error while But was switching accountants. But remitted $1,000 to MEP on March 6 and said that he has since remitted the rest of the amount.

"Edward really rose to the occasion," said Matwiy. "He's really shown that he'll help me out in these rough times."

Matwiy said But has offered to lend him money and has offered him free meals at the restaurant. He also asked if he would return to work for him once his condition improves.

Matwiy said he has been unable to work the last few months because of severe medical problems.

He receives employment insurance, however he said MEP payments and government debt payments were reducing his cheques to $600 monthly instead of $1,548.

Matwiy said he has had to turn to social agencies to pay for the medications he takes to make his pain bearable until his upcoming surgery.

Since an article appearing in Yellowknifer March 9, Matwiy said he has received an outpouring of support. Not only from his former employer, but also from public figures such as Sandy Lee, MLA for Range Lake and Western Arctic MP Dennis Bevington. He said that strangers are coming up to him asking how he is and offering help.

Matwiy said Income Support has agreed to supplement his income so that he can afford to pay for his rent and medications.

Matwiy's case will go before the courts again March 26.