Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Jan 20/06) - Speaking to voters about issues that concern the Deh Cho was a priority for Richard Edjericon when he visited Fort Simpson.

Edjericon, the Conservative candidate for the Western Arctic, knocked on doors and put up signs and posters during his brief visit to the community on Jan. 10.

The Deh Cho process is one of the priorities for the region, said Edjericon. There is no reason the process can't work, it's just a matter of finding a way, he said.

To show the Conservative party's commitment, Edjericon pointed to the statement that Jim Prentice, the Conservative critic for Aboriginal Affairs made in Yellowknife, promising support for treaties, land claims and self government processes.

"As a new MP I'll make sure it's done in my term," said Edjericon.

On the issue of the Mackenzie Valley pipeline, Edjericon said he had no problem providing support as long as outstanding issues and access and benefits agreements are settled.

"It's important to support the pipeline, but in the meanwhile we have to support these outstanding issues so everyone benefits," he said.

Abolishing the gun registry is another issue that Edjericon said is important to Northerners. Under the Conservative's plan, the money from the program would be used for youth and justice programs, he said.

Looking ahead, Edjericon wants to stop the licensing of private boat operators in the North. He said the rights of aboriginals, many of whom don't have a licence, would be affected.

He also spoke about environmental concerns. Stronger mining regulations and bringing emissions into line with the Kyoto accord are two of the things he said he would work toward.

Edjericon said he's positive about his chances for election.

In the last election the Conservative candidate wasn't well known so many Conservative votes went to NDP candidate Dennis Bevington in an attempt to overthrow Liberal Ethel Blondin-Andrew, he said.

Edjericon is confident that his experience and contacts in the North will count on election day. He's a former chief of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation.

For the rest of his tour of the Deh Cho, Edjericon said he hoped to visit Trout Lake, Fort Liard and Wrigley before the Jan. 23 election.