SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The next premier of the Northwest Territories will be either Bob McLeod or Glen Abernethy.

Yellowknife South MLA Bob McLeod speaks in the assembly Wednesday seeking to regain the premier's office. - Shane Magee/NNSL photo Great Slave MLA Glen Abernethy stands to give his pitch to other MLAs for the premier's job in the legislative assembly Wednesday. - Shane Magee/NNSL photo

The two stood up to proclaim themselves nominees for the position Dec. 9 in legislative assembly.

In a change from the traditional selection process, MLAs have agreed to give themselves a week to decide who to choose for premier, a move which allows time to gather input from constituents about the choice. MLAs will then make their choice by secret ballot vote Dec. 16, the same day that they select a speaker and cabinet.

The 19 MLAs elected or acclaimed during the territorial election Nov. 23 were sworn into office Dec. 8 during a ceremony at the legislative assembly and returned the next day to hear McLeod and Abernethy's speeches.

Abernethy, MLA for Great Slave who served as health minister under former Premier McLeod, built his candidacy on change.

"We can and we must do things differently," Abernethy said during his speech.

McLeod, MLA for Yellowknife South, is striving for a second term in the top job.

"My message today is built on my experience and our past efforts," McLeod said.

Sahtu MLA Daniel McNeely didn't offer any hints about who he might vote for following the speeches.

"I'm going to consult with my riding and go from there," he said, calling them both good candidates.

"Both individuals are experienced and covered a lot of priorities and issues facing this government."

Hay River South MLA Wally Schumann also said they are both exceptional candidates.

While many of the MLAs were elected on platforms seeking change, Schumann said both candidates for premier can embody that.

"Glen, if we elect him, that's a change in leadership. That's signifying change. If we re-elect Bob for a second term, that's change in the process where there's never been a two-term premier," he said.

He said he's still making up his mind on who he will vote for. Thebacha MLA Louis Sebert said there had been other names discussed as potential candidates, but they didn't nominate themselves.

"I think the two strongest (candidates) stepped forward so I'm sure we're going to be well-led no matter who ends up being premier," Sebert said, who adding he was still considering who to select.

Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh MLA Tom Beaulieu, who previously told News/North he was considering running, said he changed his mind based on feedback from people in his district and MLAs changing the nomination process.

"I just felt I didn't have enough time to weigh all my options and not enough time to talk thoroughly to my constituents so I thought this time I'll stand aside and see what comes out," he said on Dec. 9.

Both candidates for premier spoke about working more closely with regular members and increasing transparency of government decisions.

In McLeod's nearly 2,600-word speech, he highlighted his aboriginal upbringing in Fort Providence and how he helmed the government that finalized devolution. Though part of his past year as premier was dogged by tension with Dehcho First Nations over its land claim negotiations, he said he was proud of steps the government took to strengthen its relationship with aboriginal and other Northern governments.

McLeod said the next government has to work on troubling social challenges that need urgent attention; population migration rates, the high cost of living and energy and stalled resource investments.

Abernethy said in his 2,500-word speech the new government must address the rising cost of living, contain government spending, provide more certainty regarding the regulatory process, provide better education and tackle homelessness, among other things.

Abernethy committed to "immediately" meet with Dehcho and Akaitcho First Nations governments to create a plan to move land claim negotiations forward.

He said the government may need to take on short-term debt to support industries like biomass production, environmentally responsible energy production, agriculture, arts and culture, fishing and tourism. Yet he also said the GNWT no longer has the financial means to do business as usual.

"Transparency and openness" would be a requirement for Abernethy's ministers.

MLAs will spend much of Dec. 14 at the assembly debating what the priorities of the 18th assembly should be, which will be open to the public.

Two days later MLAs will cast their votes for speaker, premier and cabinet.

MLAs seeking to be speaker will be able to give 10-minute speeches. After the speaker is selected by secret ballot, the nominees for premier will take part in a question and answer session with MLAs in the chamber.

All MLAs will have the chance to ask up to four questions of each nominee. MLAs will then vote by secret ballot.

Finally, those seeking to be in cabinet will have 10 minutes to give a speech.

Cabinet will also be picked by secret ballot.

Tim Mercer, clerk of the legislative assembly, said MLAs have again agreed cabinet will be composed of two city MLAs, two MLAs from the southern part of the territory and two from the northern part of the territory.

The premier, cabinet and speaker will be formally sworn in Dec. 17.

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