Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jan 11/06) - Candidates will be taking part in four debates in the coming weeks.

Tonight features the CBC Radio debate at Northern United Place (NUP). A debate has been called for Jan. 16 at the Inuvik campus of Aurora College and another is being sponsored by Alternatives North at NUP for Jan. 18. The Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce will host yet another at the Explorer Hotel, Jan. 19.

Liberals: Ethel Blondin-Andrew
The Liberal incumbent for the Western Arctic took her campaign to the Sahtu region early this week in hopes of shoring up support in the smaller communities.

According to Yellowknife campaign manager Lana Roeland, Blondin-Andrew plans to be in Yellowknife today in time for tonight's candidates forum.

"Time is becoming a factor now," said Roeland. "There are a lot of debates."

After tonight's debate, Blondin-Andrew plans to squeeze in a few days in the Tlicho, Roeland said.

Conservatives: Richard Edjericon
The Conservative candidate has a busy week ahead, as Richard Edjericon extends his reach to the Beaufort Delta.

Yesterday, Edjericon started his tour in Fort Simpson, talking with some of the people and taking in their concerns.

After a short return to Yellowknife today for the forum, Edjericon travels to Inuvik, Aklavik and Tuktoyaktuk to gain momentum before the all-candidates forum in Inuvik on Monday, Jan. 16.

NDP: Dennis Bevington
Dennis Bevington will spend his weekend in the Beaufort Delta.

On Tuesday, Bevington went to Tulita, after spending some time in Norman Wells where he was greeted kindly with a pre-scheduled feast and public meeting.

But his schedule was delayed by weather, which kept him from visiting Lutsel K'e over the past weekend.

Bevington will be in Yellowknife today for the CBC forum. On Thursday morning, Bevington will meet with the Yellowknife Seniors Society.

In the Beaufort Delta on Saturday, he stops in Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk and Aklavik.

Green Party: Alex Beaudin
Alex Beaudin will return to Yellowknife from Ottawa today for the CBC all-candidates meeting.

Beaudin met with party leader Jim Harris to discuss whether or not the Green Party would support First Nations plans like the land use plan and the interim management agreement. The decision was clear.

"We support all agreements and want to make sure all programs are implemented," Beaudin said.

He will also be preparing for a trip to Inuvik next week for the debates there.

- Jessica Gray