Nahendeh MLA Disappointed in Decision on Airport Fuel Services Contact

December 12, 2007

FORT SIMPSON (December 12, 2007) – The Member of the Legislative Assembly for Nahendeh, Mr. Kevin Menicoche, today expressed his extreme disappointment in how the GNWT Department of Transportation is proceeding with a contract for the provision of aviation fuel services at the Fort Simpson Airport.

Mr. Menicoche says, “I am shocked, and disappointed, that Minister Yakeleya and his department are issuing a Request for Proposals for the provision of these services. Over the past few weeks we have held a number of meetings between the Minister and representatives of the Liidlii Kué First Nation to negotiate a contract that would see local aboriginal people involved in an economic opportunity in their own back yard. This decision by the Department flies in the face of an arrangement we had worked out with the Minister and I am dismayed by their actions.”The issuance of a Request for Proposals leads to a lengthy process that only aggravates the current situation. Local air carriers will now be further impeded in providing effective service to residents and businesses in Nahendeh.

Mr. Menicoche adds, “The timing of this decision is very curious. Our Assembly has just concluded a priority setting exercise for the 16th Assembly that speaks to having a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices. We are supposedly trying to support the development of sustainable local economies. I fail to see how this decision will help us to fulfill this goal.”

The Member for Nahendeh and his constituents are hopeful that the Minister and his Department officials will reconsider their decision and reopen the negotiations with LKFN.

For further information, contact:

Kevin Menicoche
MLA Nahendeh
P: 867-695-3780
F: 867-695-3781
Email: kevin_menicoche@gov.nt.ca