SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The federal election is fast upon us and candidates are in fever pitch trying to woo voters in this final week before the May 2 vote. Many NWT residents have questions, and Yellowknifer had a few of our own, too. This is what we asked the five candidates campaigning for the Western Arctic seat.

Dennis Bevington, NDP

Is the devolution agreement on the table a good one for the NWT?

Dennis Bevington, MP

Devolution is very important for the NWT but it has to be done right. Northerners use democratic, consensus-based ways of resolving issues. That's how an agreement-in-principle should be achieved as well. The former Liberal government failed to negotiate an agreement. In the recent attempt, the Conservative minister of Indian and Northern Affairs failed to discuss the agreement with most aboriginal governments. This resulted in an agreement that received less support than it might otherwise have enjoyed because it appeared to have been imposed from on high. Devolution is for the long-term; an open, inclusive negotiation process is required.

The GNWT's debt wall - should it be lifted higher and by how much?

I strongly believe the Northwest Territories needs increased financial capacity if it is to be able to properly develop itself. That is why I introduced a bill in the last Parliament to set the territories' debt ceiling at 70 per cent of total revenues. The Conservatives opposed this measure but it still passed in Parliament with a majority. I used my skills at working with colleagues from other parties to get this deal done.

Why should people vote for you and your leader?

Always accessible, I can be trusted to speak up for Northerners in Ottawa. New Democrat MPs are encouraged to speak freely about issues and to vote according to the needs of their riding. We have solid principles that guide our actions: improving public health care, building a universal child care system, guaranteeing pension and retirement security, respecting aboriginal rights and fighting climate change. Jack Layton has shown his support for the North through his many visits and his compassion, helping get the government apology for residential school abuse. He offers leadership you can trust and so do I.

Sandy Lee, Conservative Party

Is the devolution agreement on the table a good one for the NWT?

Sandy Lee

The devolution agreement currently being negotiated would create a new level of independence for Northerners. In the Yukon, which is held up as having the best system among the territories, officials say they would like to revise their deal with Ottawa to be more like what is being negotiated here. The money flowing from resources would help territorial and aboriginal leaders deliver critical programs and services that are so needed in the NWT. I would encourage all Northern leaders to accept the invitation to rejoin the process and together we will craft a new future for all Northerners.

The GNWT's debt wall - should it be lifted higher and by how much?

Increasing the debt wall is not of critical importance. What is required is having an effective Member of Parliament who will listen to the concerns of Northern residents and leaders, assist them in presenting those needs through the appropriate channels in Ottawa and ensure action on those items after the initial meetings have occurred. What I've consistently heard as I make my way around the NWT during this election campaign is that the top concerns of voters are continuing to improve the economy, completing a devolution agreement and keeping taxes low.

Why should people vote for you and your leader?

Stephen Harper is a proven leader who has a demonstrated interest in Northern Canada. A stable majority Conservative government will continue to improve the economy, work to complete a devolution agreement with the territorial and aboriginal governments of the NWT and keep taxes low. A vote for Sandy Lee and the Conservative Party is also a vote to eliminate the long gun registry. I am a scrapper who will fight for the people of the NWT and ensure Ottawa wakes up to our needs.

Joe Handley, Liberal Party

The GNWT's debt wall - should it be lifted higher and by how much?

Joe Handley

The ability to borrow more money will not solve the fiscal problems faced within the GNWT. What we need to do is go forward with aboriginal groups and get land claims settled and self-government implemented, and we need to get all the groups to the table to negotiate a fair deal for all Northerners on devolution. Seeing a fair share of resource revenues from the industry will also help alleviate the financial pressures felt in the Northwest Territories. Northerners need the ability and opportunity to be self-sufficient in Canada's modern economy.

Why should people vote for you and your leader?

I am passionate about the Northwest Territories economically, socially, and culturally. The NWT needs strong leadership in Ottawa to speak to the issues that are actually important to Northerners, like health care, cost of living, infrastructure, and the employment of Northerners. I have proven my leadership through years as premier, and I know well the obligations and responsibilities of public office. Canada needs a prime minister who respects democracy, listens to Canadians and cares about Canada's place in the world. Michael Ignatieff demonstrates those values daily, and I am proud to be a part of the Liberal team.

Is the devolution agreement on the table a good one for the NWT?

The agreement-in-principle (AIP) on devolution excluded most of the aboriginal groups in the Northwest Territories. Devolution is the way forward for all peoples of the Northwest Territories and cannot be accomplished without their support and involvement in the process. Further negotiations within the framework of the AIP must take place to ensure the success of land claim settlements, environmental management, resource development and future infrastructure growth. Only by involving all three levels of government, federal, territorial and aboriginal, can we develop a fair and effective deal for the NWT.

Eli Purchase, Green Party

Is the devolution agreement on the table a good one for the NWT?

Eli Purchase

The devolution agreement-in-principle (AIP) is a good start. We need to be moving forward on this issue so that the people of the NWT are deciding what happens to the land and resources of the NWT not bureaucrats in Ottawa. This is a process that's been ongoing for the last decade and the longer we go without a devolution agreement the more we miss out on benefits that should be ours. Is the AIP perfect? No, but we need all parties at the table moving forward so that we have an agreement that works for most Northerners. No one is going to get exactly what they want, but we cannot afford to wait and risk missing out on resource revenues that should be going to pay for infrastructure and health care in the NWT.

The GNWT's debt wall - should it be lifted higher and by how much?

Infrastructure initiatives cost a lot more up here in the North compared to the south so the GNWT needs to be able to take on additional debt to help finance these endeavours. I favour the approach led out in Dennis Bevington's private bill, Bill C-530, which would have raised the debt ceiling and create a formula that would determine the amount of that ceiling each year.

Why should people vote for you and your leader?

People should not vote for a candidate's party leader, people should vote for who they think would best represent their interests in Ottawa. I have my three promises that I guarantee I will deliver on, putting the priorities of the NWT over those of my party, donating half my salary to charity and posting all my expenses online. I will also work my ass off to introduce legislation that works for Northerners, and I will support any and all initiatives that are good for Northerners.

I will co-operate with whichever party forms the government to make sure that Ottawa is working for you, so that in the next election I can look you in the eye and say, I did everything I possibly could to make government work.

Bonnie Dawson, Animal Alliance Environment Voters Party of Canada

Bonnie Dawson did not provide answers to our questions.

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