1) What made you decide to seek another term on town council?
Inuvik has been my home since 1998 when I arrived to teach social work and later criminal justice at Aurora College. I initially ran for town council in 2009 to build on my service to the community that involved organizations such as the Inuvik Justice Committee, Inuvik Interagency Committee, Girl Guides of Canada as a Brownie leader for three years and as the search coordinator for Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA).
I have had the privilege of being a member of town council since I was first elected in 2009. Serving on town council helps to ensure the day-to-day obligations to the community are met, and is an opportunity to contribute to the future of Inuvik. I am seeking another term to continue the work done by town council, to support the projects Gwich'in and Inuvialuit have underway and to promote the community and the economic opportunities that will contribute to Inuvik.
2) What have you learned from your first term?
My years on town council have taught me the need to consider all members of the community and to look at the long-term impacts when making decisions. I have learned the importance of understanding the mandate of council and the need to work with the Gwich'in, Inuvialuit, territorial and federal governments and the residents of the community to maximize the benefits to the people of Inuvik. I have also learned the importance of fiscal responsibility and sustainability when planning for the community.
3) What do you see as the big issues facing Inuvik this election?
The biggest issues facing Inuvik include strengthening and diversifying our economic base, maintaining and developing the infrastructure, including the streets, utilidors, Midnight Sun complex and the landfill. We need to develop more lots for housing, support the expansion of daycare spaces and support the housing and new services being planned by the GwichSA国际影视传媒檌n and Inuvialuit.
4) How do you propose that these issues be resolved?
Resolving the issues requires town council to seek new economic opportunities and support those that currently exist. To do do this we need to work in partnership with our current business owners and Indigenous groups and support new development, including businesses and more residential lots. There is a need to support and promote our existing strengths, including the long-term history of research conducted in the region, the satellite receiving stations and development of the natural gas site by the Inuvialuit.
We are at a time in history when we may see a return in some capacity of the military to the community due to global events. Inuvik was planned and constructed to bring the services of a modern community to the Western Arctic and to serve as a base for the military. The airport runway expansion and purchase of the green hangar speak to our strategic importance for Canadian sovereignty, and Inuvik has a unique opportunity to pursue the economic growth this can bring.
5) What is your favourite thing about Inuvik?
My favourite thing about Inuvik is the people who make it the unique and vibrant community it is. Despite our isolation, we have a strong community with members who are Gwich'in, Inuvialuit, other Indigenous people who have put down roots here, as well as people from around the world who have chosen Inuvik as their home. Inuvik is unique in its diversity and respect for people regardless of where they come from.
6) Anything else you would like to add?
It is wonderful to see the number of candidates running for town council and the interest from all parts of the community. Please vote and encourage others to do the same. A strong council will contribute to the growth and development of Inuvik and ensure the needs of its people are met.
The advance vote for the municipal election is Oct. 11 and election day is Oct. 21.
