Jennifer Obleman
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, September 19, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - Industry groups in the NWT are asking MLA candidates to take a stand on pressing economic issues.

The NWT Chamber of Commerce, the NWT Construction Association, and the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines sent out a questionnaire last Thursday to all 52 territorial election candidates asking them to speak up on three industry issues.

These highlight issues all three groups would like to see changed including regulatory boards appointed by the federal government, the need for more privatization of government services, and creating incentives for NWT employers to attract and retain Northern workers.

Don Worrall, executive director of the NWT Construction Association, said the poll was prompted by the fact most election forums focus on social issues instead of economic development.

"We want a sense of the candidates' views on business and economic issues, as opposed to softer social issues," he said.

Worrall is most interested in the candidates' response to the question about attracting and retaining workers.

Payroll taxes, are not serving their purpose, he said.

"Taxes are a concern for our members because higher taxes make it difficult to keep people here," he said.

Mike Vaydik, general manager of the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines, said it's important for the voting public to know where MLA candidates stand on business issues, since industry taxes help fund the government.

"We'd like to see more vocal and on the ground support for the development of our resources and our economy. Efforts over the last four years have been directed at the pipeline, and we think there are other issues the government should be involved in," he said.

"We'd like to see heightened awareness of the fact the mining industry contributes 50 per cent of the economy. There are about 3,000 direct jobs from the diamond mines. We'd like to grow that business."

The Chamber of Mines boasts more than 800 members, including operating mines, companies that are exploring, and small businesses that serve the mining industry.

Together the three participating business groups represent a wide cross-section of firms around the territory.

The deadline for candidates to reply to the questionnaire sent out by the three organizations is Sept. 26. Responses will be posted online.

As of Monday, five candidates had already sent in their answers.