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Ell files suit against Thompson

Claims interference let Sakku terminate $100,000 contract

KIRSTEN MURPHY

In a statement of claim filed with the Nunavut Court of Justice last month, Jerry Ell alleges that "malicious" actions by Rankin Inlet South MLA Manitok Thompson cost him a $100,000 contract as a construction consultant.

Ell says his contract with Sakku Investments Corp., the company hired by the government of Nunavut to build Rankin Inlet’s new health centre, was terminated "as a result of concerns raised by Thompson."

According to the statement, Thompson is alleged to have "persuaded, induced or otherwise wrongfully used her personal influence as a member of the legislature to bring about the breach and termination of [Ell’s] contract."

The statement says Thompson was concerned about Ell’s role in a signing ceremony for the hospital "in view of the fact that he also happens to be, together with her sister and others, a candidate in the upcoming NTI presidential election race."

Thompson’s sister, Cathy Towtongie, won the Dec. 10 Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. election. Ell filed the claim on Dec. 4 – six days before the vote.

The claim makes several references to the relationship between Thompson and Towtongie. However, it does not state how such a relationship may or may not have affected Sakku’s decision.

Ell is claiming $150,000 in general and punitive damages. The statement says, "in addition to his economic loss [Ell] suffered loss of reputation and loss of valuable business opportunities."

Sakku is the birthright development corporation associated with the Kivalliq Inuit Association. KIA represents Inuit beneficiaries of the Nunavut land claims agreement living in the Kivalliq region.

Sakku president Paul Landry declined to comment on the case. He would neither confirm nor deny a contract existed or was terminated with Ell.

Doug Garson, the lawyer representing Thompson on behalf of the GN, said the GN expects to file a statement of defence "soon."

Thompson was the GN’s minister of public works when she is alleged to have made the comments that Ell says led to the termination of his contract.

She is now minister of Community Government and Transportation. Thompson’s executive assistant, Phil Bourdeau, said Thompson had no comment on the statement of claim.

Ell resigned as president of Qikiqtaaluk Corp. in June and moved to Rankin Inlet. He could not be reached for comment.

Construction of the Rankin health centre is scheduled to begin in April 2002.

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