Yellowknife MLAs have a variety of desired outcomes following the April 28 federal election, but improving the city's housing situation is a common refrain.
Yellowknife North MLA Shauna Morgan said she wants to see a revived commitment to support housing, including public housing, as well as a clearly costed plan to accelerate the clean energy transition, with specific strategies for each territory.
Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart, who is an open supporter of the Liberals, listed major defence spending, strategic infrastructure and fast-tracking Canada's regulatory system to access the NWT's critical minerals as some of his top concerns.
"I also want to see long-term commitments to NWT self-government with renewed negotiating mandates for the outstanding land claims tables," he added, specifically referring to the Akaitcho, Dehcho and Metis.
He also called for a complete devolution of regulatory authority to the GNWT with the transfer of the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act.
Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins called for funding for a polytechnic university.
"We're going to need serious federal support," he said. "There's no way we will ever have a polytechnic university until we have federal funding."
Frame Lake MLA Julian Morse said the GNWT needs a commitment from Ottawa to ensure housing funding continues past 2028, when the current agreement expires.
"We also need further commitment towards capital housing investment. I expect our upcoming needs assessment to show a large gap between need and supply," said Morse.
He added that he'd like to see the federal government provide more funding for the early learning and childcare sector as "they are not funding us adequately to implement $10/day daycare effectively or increase childcare spaces."
He also mentioned increasing military investment in the North.
"I would like to see the NWT feature prominently in this plan, and welcome investment in Yellowknife, of course, as an MLA for this community," he said. "We have significant economic challenges on our near horizon SA国际影视传媒� we need the [federal government] to be attuned to this and to be working closely with the territorial and Indigenous governments on addressing them."
Premier R.J. Simpson also weighed in.
"The timing of federal elections is the prerogative of the Government of Canada," said Simpson. "Now that an election has been called, our focus remains the same: ensuring the voices and needs of Northerners are heard and addressed."
Simpson noted he does not endorse any particular candidate. Instead, he said the GNWT's priority is working with whichever government Canadians elect.
"Ottawa is a key partner in areas like infrastructure, housing, economic growth and reconciliation SA国际影视传媒� and we will continue to work collaboratively to create new opportunities for Northerners," he said.
Simpson listed four clear commitments he wants to see made during this campaign: nation-building infrastructure; sustainable economic development; strengthening sovereignty and supply chain security; and affordable, reliable energy for Northern communities.
"The NWT has the minerals the country needs to build a green economy and ensure continental security. With the right investments and strong federal partnerships, we can unlock that potential," the premier said.
Simpson also encouraged residents to go out and vote.
"A strong turnout ensures that NorthernersSA国际影视传媒� perspectives are reflected in national decisions and that elected leaders are accountable to the people they serve," he said.
SA国际影视传媒 reached out to Great Slave MLA Kate Reid, Kam Lake MLA Caitlin Cleveland and Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh MLA Richard Edjericon but did not hear back in time for publication.
Yellowknife South MLA Caroline Wawzonek, who serves as a cabinet minister, declined to offer a direct comment, given her position as a minister.
"But I will take it back to my cabinet colleagues as I know the GNWT have some areas of interest we would like to see advanced in partnership with the federal government," Wawzonek replied.
