SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The long list of problems and issues facing the NWT were under the microscope Monday at the legislative assembly.

All 19 MLAs, veterans and newcomers alike, gathered to lay out their political priorities for the next four years in the 18th Legislative Assembly. Among the dozen or so people in the public gallery watching the proceedings were Yk1 chairperson John Stephenson and women's advocate Sandra Lockhart.

Today, MLAs are set to elect a Speaker, premier and cabinet.

Kevin O'Reilly: Frame Lake

The rookie Frame Lake MLA was able to condense his priorities to three main ones.

"Cost of living, getting our devolution house in order and healthy communities," Kevin O'Reilly said. "We need investment in renewable energy, local food production, food security (and) helping to diversify our economy."

O'Reilly said the devolution agreement needs to be reviewed, stating the territorial government currently takes in more tax money from tobacco and alcohol sales than it does from resource royalties.

Glen Abernethy: Great Slave

The outgoing health minister and Great Slave MLA is seeking the premiership. Glen Abernethy's speech on his priorities focused on health care and social issues.

"We must engage all the stakeholders, municipalities, aboriginal governments and industry in order to support the delivery of collaborative and meaningful ... programming throughout the NWT," said Abernethy.

"Constituents also told me that the GNWT must consider a mental health transition facility ... likely in Yellowknife as a starting point. This facility could provide a safe place for individuals suffering from mental health and addictions where they can receive outpatient programs."

Kieron Testart: Kam Lake

The newly elected MLA for Frame Lake said the Nov. 23 election showed voters wanted a change in their territorial government.

Kieron Testart said improvements to consensus government must be made.

"We must all endevour to make sure our doors remain open and Northerners have a clear understanding of how and why decisions are made," Testart said.

"Our highest priority must be a functional and effective government whose members work together in trust for the betterment of our society."

Caroline Cochrane: Range Lake

The new Range Lake MLA likely had the longest list of priorities but said she did not rank them in any particular order.

"Residents are struggling to maintain their homes and enjoy (a) comparable quality of life similar to communities in the south. The GNWT needs to review areas affecting cost of living including high utility costs (and) increasing child care supplements for families," said Caroline Cochrane.

She also called for more transparency reviews of all government departments and wants to see affirmative action legislation better used to help women, indigenous people and people with disabilities land government jobs.

Julie Green: Yellowknife Centre

The new Yellowknife Centre MLA concentrated on housing and homelessness, issues that are painfully visible in her downtown riding.

"We would not allow people who were dying of cancer or diabetes or any other chronic disease to die in a stairwell but that what's happening here in Yellowknife," said Julie Green.

"People are dying on the street, sometimes literally. They are dying in places where they are inappropriately housed without adequate supports," she said. If money was invested in housing for the homeless, other costs would go down,"Green said.

Cory Vanthuyne: Yellowknife North

The former city councillor and MLA for the new riding of Yellowknife North said health and well-being are his top priorities. Cory Vanthuyne also addressed climate change pointing to the agreement signed last weekend in Paris by 195 nations, including Canada.

"We will need to be leaders in lessening our dependency on diesel-fired electricity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand cleaner, greener sources," Vanthuyne said.

Bob McLeod: Yellowknife South

The premier of the 17th Legislative Assembly is seeking an unprecedented second term as government leader focused on five keys areas: growing and diversifying the economy, keeping money in residents' pockets, dealing with social issues, addressing climate change and good governance.

"The one theme these priorities have in common is health, healthy economy, healthy residents and a healthy environment," McLeod said.

"These priorities focus on a number of areas that require our attention as we move forward as the 18th assembly. We have a great task ahead of us."

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