Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jan 16/06) - Liberal incumbent Ethel Blondin-Andrew narrowly won her seat in the 2004 election, but she is feeling good about her chances in securing a sixth term in the House of Commons.

Ethel Blondin-Andrew Party: Liberal Party Age: 54 Occupation: Member of Parliament for the Western Arctic Marital status: Married Children: Two sons and a daughter Place of Birth: Tulita

All that despite the presence of a second aboriginal candidate in Conservative Richard Edjericon, who some believe could steal votes in the NWT's smaller communities where Blondin-Andrew has done well.

She pointed to the Liberal government's track record on aboriginal issues, like the $5.1 billion promised for aboriginal economic development and education, and $1.9 billion for residential school payments.

She said the Conservatives would throw it all away and start from scratch.

"That means they don't respect the work of First Nations that negotiated," said Blondin-Andrew.

"I don't think Mr. Edjericon knows his party's policy on the aboriginal agenda."

Blondin-Andrew says if re-elected, she intends to put pressure on the government panel studying equalization and formula financing to hurry up on a devolution agreement for the NWT.

She said a devolution deal was only weeks away when the opposition parties forced an election last November.

"That's about all we can practically do," said Blondin-Andrew. "I can't wave a wand on that one."

Blondin-Andrew said there are so many issues facing NWT residents that she decided to break down her top three issues into three categories: social issues, economic issues and political issues.

On the social front, Blondin-Andrew lists residential school payments and the socio-economic impact of development in the North.

"Those are the two that jump out," said Blondin-Andrew.

With economic issues, Blondin-Andrew said there is more to consider than just resource development.

"(People) are saying a diversified, integrated, sustainable economy," said Blondin-Andrew.

"That includes the arts and crafts industry, eco-tourism, traditional knowledge, harvesting and hunting."

As for political issues, Blondin-Andrew said voters are telling her that getting infrastructure dollars is important; as are resource-revenue sharing, devolution, and ensuring the empowerment of Northern women.

"We're 52 per cent of the population," said Blondin-Andrew.

"We want to be involved. They want to participate."