Hay River (Feb 27/06) - Dennis Bevington has started his travels as the new Western Arctic MP to hear what constituents want him to concentrate on in Ottawa.

On Feb. 23, the New Democrat held an informal constituency meeting in Hay River.

Dennis Bevington: "This is a minority parliament. Everybody's vote makes a difference." -

Sitting in front of tables stacked with chairs at the community hall, he heard a number of concerns from a dozen people during a wide-ranging discussion.

Anne Leskiw of Enterprise asked Bevington what could be done about the doctor shortage in the NWT.

Bevington said he supports educating more doctors across Canada.

The MP also believes it should be easier for skilled doctors from other countries to become licensed to work in Canada.

"That's a big problem," he said. "There's a thousand doctors out there driving cabs."

Several people brought up the issue of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation, the federal system which controls the export of fish from the NWT.

Some Hay River fishermen have long complained about the system and Bevington said something different might be needed, possibly a fishermen-owned co-op.

Mayor Diana Ehman wondered about funding for daycares.

Bevington said the NDP is behind more support for licensed daycares.

The new Conservative government wants to give $1,200 to families for each child under six years of age in day care.

However, Bevington noted that support is taxable. He noted he will hold many more constituency meetings throughout the NWT.

"I'll try to have them in every community," he said. "It's valuable input."

Bevington, the NDP's critic for northern development and deputy critic for energy, is looking forward to the House of Commons opening on April 3.

"This is a minority parliament. Everybody's vote makes a difference."