The Liberals have finally announced their candidate for the upcoming federal election and it's someone whose name has been swirling for quite some time.
Yellowknife Mayor Rebecca Alty made it official on Friday morning by announcing her candidacy for the NWT's seat. An email signed by Liberal campaign co-chair Terry Duguid named her as the candidate. She joins Conservative candidate Kimberly Fairman and NDP candidate Kelvin Kotchilea as the declared names.
Alty talked about why she's running on her Facebook page.
"I'm passionate about championing issues that matter to NWT residents, and helping to drive change," Alty said. "I'm ready to work for a better future for all residents across our incredible territory."
Alty, who is currently serving her second term as mayor, is now on leave, explained Coun. Garett Cochrane and once an election is called by Prime Minister Mark Carney, which is expected to happen as soon as Sunday, city council will vote to approve Alty's official leave of absence.
Cochrane told SA国际影视传媒 that will happen on Monday and that Alty will not be in attendance.
During the campaign, Coun. Ben Hendriksen, who's the city's deputy mayor, will become the acting mayor.
When reached by SA国际影视传媒 on Friday about Alty's announcement, Hendriksen said he wishes her all the best.
"During the election I know she will highlight important issues for Yellowknife and the NWT more broadly," he said.
As for becoming acting mayor, Hendriksen said that won't be happening until at least March 29 because he's out of the country.
"My colleagues will appoint an Acting Mayor for one week until I return," he explained. "As Deputy Mayor, I will give it my best to fill the role of Acting Mayor for the period of the election."
Should Alty win, Cochrane said there will be a discussion about what the options are for council going forward.
He explained that council would need to decide whether to have a by-election or whether to appoint someone to council.
If she loses, she can simply return to the mayor's chair, he added.
Cochrane encouraged NWT voters to get out choose who they think will best represent the NWT.
For him, he's going with Alty, he said.
SA国际影视传媒 was asking Alty about rumours circulating in September 2024 that she was planning on running for the Liberal candidacy.
She said they were just that - rumours.
"Lots to think about, but right now, [I'm] just mayor," said Alty.
