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HAY RIVER - A few days after NDP leader Jack Layton paid a visit to Fort Smith, the Conservative candidate for MP of the Western Arctic, Brendan Bell, took to the campaign trail in Hay River.

Bell was in town on Sept. 9 and 10 for the Transportation Logistics Conference.

While in Hay River he also paid visits to some local businesses, including the Northern Transportation Company (NTCL) head office, to discuss concerns about Northern infrastructure.

"This is a very entrepreneurial, can-do community," said Bell. He was meeting local businesses last week and said he would be back this week to continue campaigning and meeting with residents.

"I've always had a warm reception here," said Bell. "It's a lovely community."

Noting infrastructure projects like the pipeline and Mackenzie Valley Highway, he said developing the transportation sector in Hay River would be a priority.

"One of my top priorities would be to make these developments happen," he said. "It's time to stop talking about it and time to start doing it."

In contrast to Layton's comments in Fort Smith that Prime Minister Stephen Harper was showing "no evidence" of wanting to stand up for the North, Bell argues the conservatives have shown an exceptional commitment to Canada's North.

"Never have we had a Prime Minister so engaged on Northern issues," said Bell.

He said he felt the region is in need of a member of Parliament who "can deliver on northern programs and infrastructure."

Bell will be challenging current Western Arctic MP Dennis Bevington in the Oct. 14 federal election.

A spokesperson for NTCL said Bell's visit was a courtesy call and had no further comment on his visit to the headquarters.