Adam Johnson
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, September 19, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - How long does it take to answer five questions?

Over 70 attendees found out during the election's first candidates forum at the Explorer Hotel. Twenty-two candidates were put on the hot seat one-by-one on aboriginal issues, for nearly three hours of election banter.

"I wonder if it's more difficult to come with different answers to the same questions for the 18th time," said Range Lake incumbent Sandy Lee, "or if it's more difficult for (the audience) to listen to it."

Questions dealt with economic development in the communities, aboriginal languages, land claims and education.

One (relatively) straightforward question came from Dene national chief and moderator Bill Erasmus. He asked if candidates would support the Dene Nation's aim to have all of its land claims settled by 2010.

All 22 candidates, one after the other, gave their full support to the land claims process and the Dene Nation, though some were leery of the deadline.

"I think 2010 is a good goal and probably an optimistic one," said Weledeh candidate Bob Bromley. "With devolution and resource revenue sharing we have an impressive record of failure."

"It's a lot of work to get done in a very short period of time," said Glen Abernethy.

"I've never heard so many people agree with the Dene Nation before," said Erasmus to a peal of laughter.

Another question came from former Dettah chief (and former MLA candidate) Peter Liske. Originally a candidate in Weledeh, Liske dropped out of the race soon after it began.

He wanted to know if candidates would support a 50-50 split of future devolution payments between the GNWT and aboriginal governments, as well as the formation of a commission to divvy out the funds.

"I certainly support the 50-50 split," said Weledeh candidate Andy Wong. "It will ensure that all aboriginal governments have a proportionate share of these funds."

"The majority has to go to the government, so we can continue to provide social services like education and health care," said 18-year-old Yellowknife South candidate Garrett Cochrane.

Erasmus said the forum was an essential part of democracy, making the candidates available to the people.

"It helps you make a conscious choice," he said.

Afterward, Erasmus said he was pleased with what he heard from candidates."Generally, I thought they answered the questions well," he said.Twenty-two of 23 candidates came out from all of Yellowknife's seven ridings. One absentee was incumbent Kam Lake MLA Dave Ramsay, whose wife was medevaced to Edmonton before the forum due to complications with her pregnancy. Erasmus said Ramsay would have the opportunity to respond to questions in writing after the forum.