Cara Loverock
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, November 7, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - Brendan Bell, former MLA for Yellowknife South and past minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, is seeking to run as the Western Arctic's Conservative Party candidate in the next federal election.

David McPherson, chair of the nomination committee for the Conservative Party of Canada's Western Arctic riding, said that so far Bell is the only person to submit an application.

"He's obviously a qualified candidate," said McPherson, "We're happy that he applied, his qualifications are pretty well known and they stand on their own merit."

If another candidate does not file papers by tomorrow's Nov. 8 deadline, Bell will be acclaimed as the Conservative candidate.

Bell, who served as a territorial MLA from 1999 to 2007, and as a cabinet minister from 2003 to 2007, said he made the decision to seek the nomination about a month ago after much consideration.

"I think my past experience in the legislature and in cabinet can serve me well," he said.

"Mostly because I've developed relationships and friendships with many of the current members of the legislative assembly and am going to be prepared and able to move forward with them on some of the Northern priorities."

Asked what he thinks of the current MP, the NDP's Dennis Bevington, Bell said he feels there could be a stronger voice for Northern issues.

"The most important thing is we need a strong voice in Ottawa, we need one that's prepared to move forward on our Northern priorities and deliver results," said Bell, "And I think that's what's been lacking over the last number of years."

He said he felt Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper was delivering results.

"I think you've got to strike when the iron is hot," he said.

"I think we've got an ear in Ottawa, I think we've got a government that recognizes that the North is a priority and should be a priority and that's what I want to take advantage of."

He said addressing the Northern Residents Tax Deduction will be a priority, but he also wants to look at other infrastructure investments to lower the cost of living.

"I just need to stay ready and continue to work to build the team and spread the message," said Bell.

The Liberal party, who held the Western Arctic for 18 years under Ethel Blondin-Andrew until her defeat to Bevington last year, does not yet have any nominees to be their candidate, but Western Arctic Liberal Association president Lana Roland said that a couple of people have expressed interest in running.

The Conservatives last held the Western Arctic seat for three terms from 1979 to 1988 under Dave Nickerson.