In the vast expanse of the Northwest Territories, where permafrost meets politics, it seems to me that the Liberal party will again, at least in the NWT, continue its electoral success.
But why does this party, often criticized for its southern-centric policies, more often than not, maintain its stronghold in the NWT?
One answer is a lack of coordinated opposition. When one of your foes is called Rainbow Eyes, who lives outside of the NWT and may end up running her campaign from a jail cell, or the local Conservatives, who are infighting and attempting to discredit each other well before choosing a candidate, or the local paper seemingly supporting the NDP with its various NWT union pieces on pro-labour views, votes are free for the Liberal taking. But is that the only reason?
Past NWT Premier Caroline Cochrane once expressed frustration over the territory's infrastructure, comparing it to that of "Third-World countries" due to the lack of federal support.
It seems she was one of the very few who based her party lines on exactly what was delivered, not just promised. She tried to hold the Liberals accountable for what they had promised, to no avail. Liberal voters in the NWT have had tunnel vision for over a decade and vote for only what they can get in the moment, rather what is best for Canada in the long-term. The NWT has become greedy, self-centered and self-serving in its approach to electing a Canadian governing party.
The Liberal party consistently forgets about the North, up until the writ is dropped and an election is called. Then, and only then, does the Liberal party promise the world to the North. As a result, the North has not voted for a party of substance in nearly a decade, in favour of short-term gain and vague or altogether false promise.
The constant vision of free stuff steers NWT voters who would otherwise be on the fence, or vote for another party. It has become ingrained into NorthernersSA国际影视传媒� vision, blinded by shiny tinsel and pretty bows.
The past Liberal prime minister (the one who we shall not utter his name) took notice of the North so very rarely that his time in the NWT is counted in hours, not days. Prime Minister Stephen Harper spent many days in the North, and delivered on promises for the NWT, yet somehow the North is consistently swayed by the short-term Liberal promises or promises that never materialize.
This, combined with an often-chaotic NWT Conservative Party local, which for years has been marred with infighting, bickering and damn near trying to kill each other, cannot seem to choose candidates without controversy, and this has, more or less, resulted in a free ride for the red.
MP Michael McLeod, the outgoing Liberal MP, has been a consistent figure in NWT politics and was an obvious candidate for the Liberals. His presence provides a sense of stability in a territory where political change can be as unpredictable as the weather. MLAs and MPs are often either dismissed, removed or step down. An MP who can not only toe party lines, show up, promise free stuff on cue but who is also well known always gets votes in the North.
Voters might not always agree with Liberal policies, but the familiarity of McLeod's representation offers a comforting constant and the promise of free stuff is never far behind. The current Liberal candidate, Rebbeca Alty, who well known in Yellowknife, needs to be known outside the capital, which is one of the prerequisites to election in the NWT. She should also be prepared to promise piles of pretty-coloured paper, excessive spending, a top-heavy NWT government and false promises to get elected.
The absence of strong opposition parties in the NWT may lead voters to stick with the familiar, even if unsatisfied. The fear of the unknown or untested could contribute to the Liberal party's continued success.
The NWT relies heavily on federal funding for essential services and infrastructure. This dependency might make voters hesitant to elect parties that could jeopardize these financial lifelines or has suggested cuts, if elected. Northerners are far too used to getting free pretty stuff and would not jeopardize this by electing a Conservative who is campaigning on balancing budgets and cutting government. The North is a heavy government riding that relies on gravy to function, and one just needs to look at the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission, which has more vice-presidents than photo copiers. The Liberal party loves a loaded government full of happy little workers who are all either the boss or have no boss, and are as productive as they see fit.
In summary, the Liberal party's possible continued electoral success in the NWT will stem from a combination of voter familiarity, lack of compelling alternatives and concerns over maintaining federal support. Thus far, the promise of more free stuff, more coloured paper and ribbon, increased spending and shiny days ahead lures Northerners to the polls.
