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ENTERPRISE - Illegal drugs, overweight transport trucks and a call for a territorial ombudsman were among the wide range of topics discussed with Premier Floyd Roland and a large GNWT delegation at a public meeting in Enterprise.

More than 20 people attended the Aug. 19 meeting, although most of them were part of the GNWT delegation.

Enterprise resident Carol Kuiper chats with Premier Floyd Roland, centre, and Deh Cho MLA and Transportation Minister Michael McLeod following a public meeting on Aug. 19. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Enterprise residents expressed concern about over-laden transport trucks using Highway 1 when the weigh scales at Enterprise have closed for the day.

Shari Dives said she recently saw an obviously overloaded truck pass through the community.

She suggested using photo radar to keep track of the trucks 24 hours a day.

"Why can't we use some of the technology we have available?" she asked.

Transportation Minister Michael McLeod said that is something the government is looking at.

One of the concerns is about heavy trucks possibly damaging the Kakisa bridge, which is currently under repair.

Anne Leskiw expressed concern about illegal drugs coming into the NWT on the highway system and suggested vehicles be stopped near the border.

"Can't there be someone there to check them out?" she asked.

Roland responded motorists can't be stopped and searched without just cause.

"It is a challenging environment," he said.

Leskiw and Karl Muller also called for the government to establish a territorial ombudsman. However, Roland said that is not something the government is considering.

"Right now, I don't see any initiatives," he said.

Muller said the lack of an ombudsman is undemocratic.

While noting he was sorry Muller was disappointed in the response, Roland said, "I believe our democratic system works quite well."