With a federal election afoot, SA国际影视传媒 has reached out to all four confirmed candidates in the NWT, posing the same five questions. We will be publishing responses in the order we receive them. The first to answer was Liberal candidate Rebecca Alty.
If elected, what will be your three main priorities as MP?
My top three priorities as Member of Parliament will be making life more affordable for Northerners, addressing the housing and infrastructure needs of our communities, and working to make all communities healthier and safer.
What is your plan to reduce the cost of living in the NWT?
Our platform is focused on measures that will make life more affordable for NWTers. On his first day as Prime Minister, Mark Carney cancelled the consumer carbon tax. We will reduce the marginal tax rate on the lowest tax bracket, saving two-income families up to $825 a year. We are also eliminating the GST for first-time homebuyers on homes at or under $1 million, which will save NWTers up to $50,000 when buying their first home.
I'd continue to support $10-a-day daycare and work to find ways to improve the program with the GNWT; the external review of Nutrition North and any recommendations that come from that; and the expansion of pharmacare and dental care.
What is your plan to boost employment opportunities for Indigenous people in the NWT?
Indigenous communities across the Northwest Territories have incredible economic opportunities that can be supported by the federal government. In addition to supporting opportunities in the mineral sector, I will be a strong voice for growing other sectors of our economy, including Indigenous tourism and culture, conservation, and agri-food and fishing. As MP, I will advocate for Indigenous employment and skills training and apprenticeship opportunities that address the needs of local communities.
I will also work hard to secure federal investments from CanNor and other departments and agencies for projects that will spur Indigenous economic development. Through working with Indigenous governments and businesses, together we can help create a healthy and diversified economy in all communities across the NWT.
Between the Mackenzie Valley Highway and the Great Slave Geological Corridor, which infrastructure project is more important and why?
Both the Mackenzie Valley Highway and the Slave Geological Province Corridor projects have the potential to transform the future of the Northwest Territories and can be done concurrently. As MP, I will be a champion for both of these projects in Ottawa, and I am committed to working with the local communities and the GNWT to deliver the investments necessary to move these projects forward.
I will advocate for funding via federal transportation and national defence programs, as well as through the new $5 billion Trade Diversification Corridor Fund included in our platform, which will accelerate nation-building projects that create good jobs and drive economic growth.
Would you commit to the federal government pushing the GNWT to eliminate the Business Incentive Policy (BIP) to reduce trade with other jurisdictions in Canada? Why/Why not?
The unjustified trade war that was launched by U.S. President Donald Trump has made it more important than ever to have a strong and united Canadian economy. Prime Minister Carney has been working with Canada's premiers to promote greater cooperation on economic projects and trade between jurisdictions. To achieve this, I support our commitment to introduce legislation before Canada Day to eliminate all federal barriers to interprovincial trade and labour mobility.
Election day is April 28.
