Roxanna Thompson
Northern News Services

Fort Providence (Jan 27/06) - Most aren't old enough to vote, but students at Deh Gah school in Fort Providence got a chance to voice their concerns days before the federal election.

Marina Sabourin isn't old enough to vote, but she and the other students at Deh Gah school got a taste of election politics. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

On Jan. 20, the five candidates for the Western Arctic came to the school. Each spent time talking individually with classes from Grade 5 and up before taking part in a forum.

"What would you do as an elected official to protect our land and our future," was the question posed by Jessica Minoza on behalf of the students, which they spent the day before coming up with.

The future of the environment and global warming topped the list of concerns for the senior high class, said Marina Sabourin.

"The weather here has been really warm and we're really worried about it," said Sabourin, 16.

Students wanted to know where candidates stood on the issue of the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline. Although most of her classmates think the pipeline is a good idea because it will create jobs, Sabourin said they are all concerned about its effects on the land and animals.

Candidates were also judged for their support of the Mackenzie River bridge project.

Students hope it will create jobs and training, as well as provide easy access to the town without having to rely on the ice road, she said.

Dan Brown, the senior high instructor, said the students are well-informed.

Since September, the class has been studying the history of Canadian politics from before Confederation. For the past few months, the focus has been on election issues.

Many students were impressed after watching the forum process.

"It was a good learning experience," said Suzanne Bonnetrouge, 16.

Rachel Constant, 18, said she found all the arguments interesting, but particularly liked Green Party candidate Alex Beaudin's idea for a train across the North.

Having the candidates come to the school was important, she said, because messages given in person mean more than ones presented on television.

"I wasn't too sure who I was going to vote for, but I got a better idea," said Constant.

The forum was organized by teacher Christopher Carson. Carson said students need to be introduced to the election process at an early age so when they are old enough, they will be ready to vote.

Community members were also part of Carson's target audience.

"If more than 50 per cent come out to vote, I accomplished my goal," he said.