1) What made you decide to seek another term on town council?

I decided to seek another term for the Inuvik Town Council because I am deeply committed to the well-being and growth of our community. In addition, I have a strong interest in municipal affairs and strive to continue empowering the Town of Inuvik for the best interest and benefit of all residents. Over the past term, I've seen the positive changes we have been able to implement, and I believe there is more to be done. Most importantly, I want to continue to listen actively to all residents, understand their concerns and raise them at the council chamber to find workable and sustainable solutions with the administration. Furthermore, sustainable community development is currently a main priority for the Town of Inuvik.

The town has several ongoing projects, specifically focusing on housing initiatives, land sales and repairs of municipal infrastructure, including recreation centres, children's care centre, utilidors, roads, etc. I also want to continue supporting these initiatives by making the best decisions to positively increase the economic growth of our community in order to build a prosperous future for today and generations to come. My experience on the council has equipped me with the knowledge and relationship necessary to advocate effectively for our town. I am eager to build on our progress to ensure Inuvik continues to be a better place to live, work and raise families.  

2. What have you learned from your first term?

During my first term on the Inuvik Town Council, the council was confronted with unexpected situations requiring immediate solutions. In these situations, active listening, collaboration and adaptability were key to making sound decisions and finding practical solutions. Serving the community has shown me that while we each come with our own perspectives and ideas, the most effective solutions come from working together and valuing the input of residents, local organizations and other council members. Despite our different perspectives, we should not undermine the fact that each councillor had a professional background and specific expertise that contributed to the effectiveness of the council's decision-making on various subject matters. I also learned the importance of being accessible and transparent. Engaging with community members through various means, especially one-on-one conversations, has provided me with valuable insights into the real challenges and aspirations of the people of Inuvik. This feedback was essential for informed decision-making that genuinely reflected the needs of our community.

Overall, my first term has been a period of action, growth and learning. I am confident that my experiences have better prepared me to serve effectively in another term.

3. What do you see as the big issues facing Inuvik this election?   

In this election, I see several big issues facing Inuvik that require focused attention and action:

Affordable housing: Affordable and quality housing remains unattainable for many residents. Increasing costs are pricing families and individuals out of the possibility of securing a foothold in our community or even just surviving. We need to support/encourage the regional Indigenous organizations based in Inuvik, the territorial government and other stakeholders to create more housing options that meet the needs of all residents and contribute to employment retention in our beautiful community.

Economic development and diversification: Creating opportunities for new businesses, supporting tourism investment and encouraging local entrepreneurs to acquire skills in emerging sectors such as renewable energy and technology are critical to diversifying Inuvik's economy.

Insufficient federal and territorial funding: Another critical issue is the insufficient funding allocated to the Town of Inuvik. Over the years, the population has increased exponentially, requiring more funds to manage municipal affairs and provide community services to families and residents. Municipal recreation infrastructure, child care centre, roads and utilidors are progressively aging, and the fiscal framework does not allocate enough funding to tackle these issues in our community. As a result, the Town of Inuvik has to adopt a long-term planning strategy to gradually execute required maintenance and repairs in the community. Despite the increasing and emerging challenges faced by the town, the allocated funding has remained unchanged.

In the meantime, the Town of Inuvik must continue to seek sources of revenue to maintain internal operations, such as offering community services and covering any unexpected expenses and activities. The fiscal framework must be reviewed and amended to adjust the funding allocation in line with the community's needs.

4. How do you propose that these issues be resolved?

Regarding the fiscal framework, I would suggest that the elected mayor, with the support of council, initiate a preliminary discussion with high-level representatives at the federal and territorial levels to address the community challenges and the lack of funding. Despite the uniqueness of our community, all municipalities are confronted with limited funding to operate their municipality. Therefore, meeting with the federal and territorial governments to discuss our financial challenges and limitations is worthwhile in order to seek sustainable solutions. Requesting flexible multi-year block funding would be beneficial in resolving our municipal challenges in the upcoming years.    

As town councillors, we must bring innovative ideas to boost local business and tourism to generate internal revenue. Supporting municipal land developments and land sales will generate substantial revenue for the community in the long term, which is also a pathway to resolving the community's housing crisis.

5. What is your favourite thing about Inuvik?

My favourite thing about Inuvik is the incredible sense of community and resilience that define our town. The energy of the Midnight Sun Fun Run, the beauty of the Great Northern Arts Festival, the closeness felt during the sunlight festival, Muskrat Jamboree and other local gatherings and feasts give me a unique sense of togetherness and pride. I also love the natural seasonal beauty of the breathtaking landscape that surrounds us. I embrace the uniqueness of each season, from the 24/7 daylight in the summer to the 24-hour darkness in the winter polar nights. Inuvik is a beautiful living environment that brings peace, positive energy and serenity to my mind. In 2019, I initially arrived in Inuvik on a one-year contract. However, I was captivated by the town's beauty and tranquility. I was fortunate to build a life with my wonderful partner, whom I met in Inuvik. Today, we have a three-year-old son, and we are calling Inuvik home.

6. Anything else you would like to add?

It has been an honour to serve the people of Inuvik, and I am committed to continuing to work hard for our community if given another opportunity. Active listening is my strength; all residents' well-being and best interests will always remain my top priority. Your trust is valuable to me; Together let's continue to build a brighter future for Inuvik.

Also, I want to thank Town of Inuvik staff for their hard work preparing meeting packages and documents that always help clarify and foster our understanding of various subject matters before town council meetings. Your dedication and hard work in presenting monthly reports to the councillors are greatly appreciated. They helped me understand the internal operations and challenges in the town during my term.

Moreover, I want to thank my fellow councillors with whom I have collaborated during this passing term. It was a pleasure to work with you all to build a more robust and prosperous community.

The advance vote for the municipal election is Oct. 11 and election day is Oct. 21.