Liidlii Kue/Fort Simpson - Residents of Fort Simpson had the chance to put their MLA candidates on the hot seat during a forum held on Sept. 24.

More than 40 people attended the all-candidates forum that was hosted by the Deh Cho Friendship Centre, with Aaron McNab acting as the moderator.

Candidates for the position of MLA in the Nahendeh, from left, Bob Hanna, Keyna Norwegian, Arnold Hope and Kevin Menicoche, had a chance to expound their views during a candidates forum in Fort Simpson on Sept. 24. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

The forum opened with a five-minute speech by each of the candidates.

The Nahendeh needs an MLA who's dynamic, personable and fluent in both Slavey and English, said Arnold Hope. Because people in many of the smaller communities in the riding speak Slavey, the MLA needs to be bilingual in order to represent all the people, he said.

"There's a strong yearning in the small communities to have more access to their MLA and I've promised them that access," said Hope.

With seven years of experience as the chief and sub-chief of the Liidlii Kue First Nation, Keyna Norwegian said she's looking to assist more people.

"I believe it's time. I can enhance all the lives of the people in the Nahendeh," she said.

Norwegian pledged to work to resolve ongoing issues including housing, social programs and education.

"It's far too long the territorial government has ignored the grassroots people," said Norwegian.

Bob Hanna listed health care, housing and power rates among the top concerns in the riding. It's immoral that smaller communities have to pay higher power rates than people in places like Fort Smith, said Hanna.

The state of the roads also concerns Hanna, who compared the highways after a rainfall to "buggy tracks."

Incumbent Kevin Menicoche said he's proven himself to be consistent, reliable and approachable and would look forward to continuing his mandate as MLA.

"I will continue to work hard for you with energy, dedication and commitment," he said.

Among his achievements Menicoche counts securing a gym for Nahanni Butte.

Following the speeches the floor was opened to voters who had questions to ask. Candidates were each given two minutes to respond.

Fort Simpson resident Walter Blondin questioned if the candidates would support the Dehcho Process once they were elected.

Both Norwegian and Hope said they would support the process and speak about it in the legislative assembly.

"Without the Dehcho Process the Nahendeh isn't going anywhere," said Hope.

Menicoche said he's always supported the process and it will be more acceptable to the government if it uses existing legislature.

The process will come to pass, said Hanna.

On the issue of home ownership programs for low-income families, all the candidates agreed that work needs to be done to the current system.

After working for the Housing Corporation for 12 years, Hope said he left because their policies and procedures were dooming clients to failure. More funding is needed for the programs, he said.

Mortgages need to be placed at a set rate and not based on income, said Norwegian.

"The whole system needs to be revamped because it's totally unfair, said Hanna.

Menicoche said he would support changing the Housing Authority into a government department with a focus of serving the people's interests.

All the candidates also agreed that the health care system needs to be improved.

"I'd rate our health system as a failure to our people," said Norwegian.

She said there needs to be a permanent doctor at the Fort Simpson health centre so there is a continuity of service.

Hope spoke about the need for a dialysis machine, while Hanna said smaller communities need better access to knowledgeable people in the case of an emergency.

The health system is good but the government can't take for granted that it's the best, said Menicoche. He added that he'll continue to press for a nurse for Wrigley.

Kirby Groat, a local businessman and president of the Fort Simpson Chamber of Commerce, questioned candidates on what priority they give an extension of the Mackenzie Highway.

The government should do everything they can to extend it, said Hanna.

"I think that would be the best thing since sliced bread," he said about the road.

Both Menicoche and Hope said they support the road as a priority.

Norwegian said her first priority is to ensure the local roads are safe to drive on.

"It's in poor driving conditions," she said.

Candidates also fielded questions about the expansion of the Nahanni National Park Reserve, the cyanide at Prairie Creek mine, job training, financial assistance programs for students and devolution.