1) What made you decide to seek another term on town council?
I am seeking another term as I feel my journey is not complete. The first term involves a significant amount of learning and absorbing all the information provided by the administration, council, government and Indigenous organizations. I would like to continue to implement all the knowledge I have learned in the first term. I love Inuvik and want to give back to my community that has supported me and my family for the last 34 years and be your voice for change, fairness, accountability and equality.
2) What have you learned from your first term?
Maintaining open lines of communications with residents, fellow councillors, town administration, businesses and Indigenous organizations is essential. Transparency and honesty builds trust and credibility. As a councillor, you need to put your personal feelings and interests aside and be the representative you were elected to be.
3) What do you see as the big issues facing Inuvik this election?
Addressing our young generation, as they are vulnerable to the increasing drug and alcohol addictions in our community; child care; public intoxication; aging infrastructure; road maintenance and repairs; commercial and residential land development. Ensuring residents have access to essential services like dental and healthcare.
4) How do you propose that these issues be resolved?
Foster community activities and safe spaces where youth can engage in positive, healthy activities.
Increase access to counselling and rehabilitation services for young people struggling with addiction.
Work with law enforcement to manage public intoxication while also providing support services for those struggling with addiction. Launch campaigns to educate the public about the impacts of public intoxication and available support services.
Develop and implement comprehensive maintenance plans to address aging infrastructure. Seek funding from higher levels of government and explore Indigenous and public-private partnerships to finance infrastructure projects. The aging rec facility will need to be replaced. I would love to see a Canada Games type facility like the one in Whitehorse brought to Inuvik, as we could become the sports hub for our region, hosting high-level sports competition. Our Elders, families and youth would have access to a healthy and active environment all year round. This would help encourage families to stay, live and call Inuvik home.
Conduct regular inspections to identify and prioritize road maintenance needs. Ensure that funds allocated for road maintenance are used efficiently and transparently.
Involve residents in the planning process to ensure that development projects reflect their needs and preferences. Advocate for improved access to healthcare and dental services, possibly through partnerships with local health providers, indigenous organizations and government agencies.
4) What is your favourite thing about Inuvik?
My favourite thing about Inuvik is the sense of community, family values, traditions and cultures. We all band together through the good and the hard times We are a diverse, multi-cultured community and respect the land, culture and all people.
5) Anything else you would like to add?
ISA国际影视传媒檝e lived in Inuvik for 34 years. I came to Inuvik when I was 10 years old and am now raising my own children here. I love Inuvik and this is my home, where I plan on retiring and raising my grandchildren. If elected for a second term, I will be your representative and continue to make a positive impact on our community and address the key issues that matter most.
The advance vote for the municipal election is Oct. 11 and election day is Oct. 21.
