I have not heard or read the latest accusations made by the Former minister for health of Nunatsiavut Government; they must be inflammatory for NG to respond so quickly. NG is notorious for taking their sweet time in addressing any issues publicly, not this time.

Attempting to read between the lines of the press release; It seems that no paper trail exists so all boils down to a he said he said. Not a very smart way to administer a government.

While stating that Russell was lacking in his ministerial duties leading to the dismissal the press release then states; “Russell was very outspoken towards the executive on the way they conducted their business and of the civil service”. This is precisely what Russell alleges he was dismissed for and NG denied it.

The press release then states; “I think it is also important to note that the Nunatsiavut Government is a consensus government – a non-partisan system of governing that is more in keeping with the way that aboriginal peoples have traditionally made decisions. In other words, there is no official opposition party. Unanimous agreement is not necessary for decisions to be made, but rather a majority vote of acceptance. Mr. Russell has refused to accept this system of governing and has, instead, consistently opposed many of the decisions of the Executive Council.

One thing bothering me here, how can traditional values be adhered to if you have a bevy of non aboriginal advisers sitting at back of you making sure your decisions are based on the white system of governance that NG is operated under.

Another bothersome statement is: Unanimous agreement is not necessary in a consensus government, true depending on how one interprets consensus government. Some say all have to be in agreement and others say there can be disagreement but should work towards consensus.

Under drawbacks of consensus we have; consensus may effectively give a small self-interested minority group veto power over decisions, this is particularly relevant to how NG operates IMO.

Russell seems to be ridiculed for doing what the press release states he is allowed to do.

All very confusing to say the least.

There is a lot not being addressed, maybe an open line call in show on CKOK would help sort out the mess, but don’t hold your breath.

No matter what you call them or how you eat them this scone recipe is the best I have come up with to date. Yummy, crunchy and buttery.

On a less tasty note. Chicken may be going up and we should be on alert to unsavory practices.