John Curran
Northern News Services

Norman Wells (Jan 23/06) - For long-time Norman Wells resident and business owner Larry Wallace, when he goes to the polls today,expects to support Liberal Western Arctic incumbent Ethel Blondin-Andrew.

Though his life began in Alberta, since 1969 the North has been Wallace's home.

Judi Tutcho, left, Larry Wallace and Walter Bayha say goodbye to Western Arctic incumbent Ethel Blondin-Andrew at the Norman Wells airport in November 2004. - NNSL file photo

"I came up with the Bank of Commerce and spent some time in Inuvik," he said. "A couple of years later I was transferred to Norman Wells to open the branch here and have been here since."

Now the owner-operator of the Rayuka Inn, as well as chairman of the Sahtu Land and Water Board, Wallace said he's not as political as many people around the North. As a result, he said he's more apt to mark his ballot for a candidate he knows rather than looking at the national leaders.

"She's a very strong, born and raised Northerner," he said of Blondin-Andrew, who is seeking her sixth term in the House of Commons. "I think she's represented the North very well during her previous terms."

The Western Arctic riding is a challenging one, but he thinks Blondin-Andrew has shown she is committed to all NWT communities and staying apprised of the unique issues in each region.

"The concerns of residents near the Arctic Ocean are very different than those of people in Yellowknife, but she balances them well," he said.

The Northern economy also dominates his thoughts when he considers who to support.

"Continued steady growth is what we need," he said, adding Blondin-Andrew understands the need to avoid the boom-and-bust cycles that have dominated Northern history. "As an employer, I've got people who are depending on me for their living, so the economy is always key."

He points to the settling of Northern land claims and the passing of the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act as beneficial developments during Blondin-Andrew's tenure representing the people of the NWT.

"They've really empowered Northerners and assured security for the environment," he said. "Moving forward, my major concern is the completion of the Mackenzie Valley Highway."

Diversifying Northern infrastructure would open several opportunities for residents, such as increased tourism, as well as fuelling more resource development.

"Right now it's hard to get materials and supplies into the Sahtu," he said. "Mother Nature decides the shipping season, so it's hard to plan very far ahead."