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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Voters will have plenty of opportunity to get out and learn more about the Western Arctic candidates and their platforms leading up to election day on Oct. 14.

The Dene Nation will be holding the first of three candidates' forums in Yellowknife on September 29 at the Explorer Hotel at 7 p.m.

The second forum will be hosted and televised by CBC North on Oct. 1 at Northern United Place at 7 p.m. Another forum will be held by the Status of Women Council of NWT on the evening of Oct. 7, also at Northern United Place - just one week before voters go to the ballot.

Mark Heyck, campaign manger for the NDP's Dennis Bevington, said the forums will be an excellent opportunity for voters to get a better idea of what to expect from each candidate.

"It's a great opportunity to hear from candidates and to let them speak to their platforms," Heyck said. "It will let them talk about what they hope to implement when they are in office."

David Munroe, campaign manager for Liberal candidate Gabrielle Mackenzie-Scott, said it's a big chance to hear from voters.

"It's always good to get input from the public and to address their concerns," Munroe said. "I think it'll be very beneficial and help get Gabrielle's message out there."

For Green Party candidate Sam Gamble it's a chance to give voters a better look at what his party stands for.

"A lot of people think it's just an environmental party," he said. "It'll be a good chance to show people we are more than that."

Conservative candidate Brendan Bell's campaign manager Rick Bargery said they are excited Bell will have an opportunity to speak to the people.

"We think once people hear what he has to say, people will join in support of his campaign," Bargery said.

Lawn signs in bloom

Voters are starting to show their colours by putting up lawn signs in support of the candidate they feel will best represent Northerners in Parliament.

Signs from all four officials candidates can be found on lawns and fences throughout the neighbourhoods of Yellowknife.

Noeline Villebrun, representing the First Peoples National Party of Canada, said yesterday she is still awaiting word from Elections Canada that would allow her to run as an official candidate. She said campaign signs are on the way.

"I've got some being made," said Villebrun.

Sam Gamble said the lawn signs are important for his momentum - he has almost 40 requests for signs in Yellowknife alone - but said there is more to his campaign.

"It's nice to show people are supporting the Green Party, but it's getting out there and meeting people," he said. "It's the most important thing."

For Brendan Bell's campaign it's a sure indicator of the growing support for his platform.

"It's always an important indicator of support in the community for what Brendan is planning to do," campaign manager Rick Bargery said. "We've got over 200 requests for signs so far and we expect more."

Patrick Scott, husband of Liberal candidate Gabrielle Mackenzie-Scott, said they aren't sure how many signs are out but said they are important to gauging her progress.

"We came into things late and we've been scrambling to get things done," he said. "Unfortunately the number of signs out isn't being tracked."

For incumbent Dennis Bevington's campaign, signs are important but they can't vote.

"They let people know the general level of support in the community," said Mark Heyck, Bevington's campaign manager.

He said the NDP has 80 signs up around Yellowknife and another 30 or so on request from supporters.

Bevington loses constituency assistant

The constituency assistant to NDP incumbent Dennis Bevington has changed jobs, joining the Status of Women Council of the NWT.

Tara Kearsey left Bevington's office to pursue other career opportunities. Kearsey joined Bevington's team shortly after he won the Western Arctic seat in 2006. Heyck declined to comment on Kearsey's departure.

What are the issues?

What do you think the issues are concerning Northerners? What would you like to see addressed by the candidates?

We want to hear from you. Send your thoughts and comments to editorial@nnsl.com. Comments received may be published in Yellowknifer.

- with files from Mike W. Bryant