Yellowknife (Apr 06/05) - Senator Nick Sibbeston says it's doubtful whether Ottawa politicians and bureaucrats really think much of the NWT at all.

The Western Arctic Senator was in Yellowknife, Friday, accompanied by two other southern senators on a three-day tour of the North.

"I have to say I think Ottawa is pretty occupied with issues in the South," said Sibbeston.

"The North is not a big ticket item to them."

On Monday, a large group of MLAs, and business and aboriginal leaders ventured to the nation's capital to press Ottawa MPs on such issues as devolution and resource revenue sharing.

Their theme for yesterday's visit to the House of Commons was NWT Day.

The former NWT premier said in his experience, however, getting Ottawa politicians to listen can be difficult.

"Often times people come to Ottawa from the North with their issues and things that are very important to them, but when they get there they realize there are so many burning issues," said Sibbeston.

'Left feeling out'

"The Northerners are left feeling that the North is not tremendously important.

"You really do see that politics in the South is dominated by Ontario."

He said it's something northern politicians will have to work at.

Sibbeston said part of his aim to combat the lack of Northern knowledge among southerners is to bring some fellow senators up to the NWT to see it for themselves.

Last week's trip included a visit from Quebec Senator Madeleine Plamadon and Senator Viola Leger from New Brunswick.

Sibbeston said he had hoped more would come this year, but some had to cancel.

Leger, who visited of the Ekati and Diavik Diamond Mines the day before, said she believes the North can't stay ignored for long, considering the immense natural wealth of the territory, particularly with its fresh water supply.

"When I turned on the tap here it was fresh water, pure water," said Leger.

"Now that's a resource."