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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Prime Minister Stephen Harper has officially set the federal election for October 14, 2008.

Sunday morning, Harper asked Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean to dissolve Canada's 39th Parliament. Harper and the Conservative Party of Canada have been in power for 31 months with a minority government.

While candidates are gearing up for the election, some Northern leaders are wondering if this election is even necessary.

Tuktoyaktuk Mayor Merven Gruben said he thinks the Conservatives should have tried to make their minority government work longer.

In May 2006, Prime Minister Stephen Harper committed to proposing a bill for fixed election dates every four years, with an election proposed for fall 2009.

"He should've kept his word and put it off until next year.

"The Conservatives are dropping so fast in popularity they can't wait another year," said Gruben.

Chief Frank T'seleie of the K'asho Got'ine Community Council in Fort Good Hope was not as concerned about the fixed election dates.

He said he hopes the candidates' platforms show long-term vision and address environmental issues.

"There is seemingly an imbalance in the approach to Northern development and as much as the economy demands the resources up here, we have to remember that we live up here, we reside up here and they need to think about the future," said T'seleie.

Even before the election was called, candidates for the Western Arctic were preparing their campaigns.

Incumbent Dennis Bevington was out meeting with constituents around the NWT, but back in Yellowknife his campaign manager Mark Heyck said this would not be the first time the office has gone into election mode.

"We've had multiple election scares the past couple years so each time that happens we get things revved up," said Heyck.

He said the NDP was preparing to print leaflets and lawn signs on Thursday.

The Green Party was also preparing to print its campaign literature "on recycled cardstock," said Jessa Gamble, Sam Gamble's wife and campaign manager.

The Green party campaign will be a family affair for Gamble.

Besides having his wife as campaign manager, he plans to use his home as a campaign office.

Jessa said they will have an open door policy and they're hoping volunteers and constituents will drop by to discuss election issues.

"My job is dominated by paperwork right now, which is not quite as exciting," said Jessa.

She said she hopes the campaign will get away from paperwork and focus on people. She said Sam is already out canvassing.

The Liberal nominee Gabrielle Mackenzie-Scott, who is expected to be named the party's candidate, said she was also dealing with paperwork and waiting for official word that she can begin campaigning.

"I'm just leaving it to the association. My part was officially filing my candidacy paper," said Mackenzie-Scott.

As of press time, she was the only person to file for the Liberal party, and she said she has already looked into setting up her office.

She said she has a financial agent and is preparing her web site.

"Come Monday, if that is the case, I want to be totally open with coffee brewing and signs up," she said.

Mackenzie-Scott recently wrapped up a three-year term as the chair of the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board.

She has also had extensive evolvement with Tlicho land claim negotiations, and has numerous other volunteer commitments including the NWT Status of Women and the Dene Cultural Institute.

The recognition factor of Conservative candidate Brendan Bell will make this four-way race even closer.

Bell, a former territorial cabinet minister, has been seen as a serious contender for the Western Arctic seat ever since he was nominated in November 2007.

Bell said the formal election call is just a formality in his long-running campaign.

"I've been really campaigning since winning the nomination in November and in earnest after Christmas," said Bell.

He said he is happy with the number of people calling in wishing to help with his campaign.

The election call was expected to come just weeks after the prime minister's visit to the Mackenzie Delta.

Bell was with the prime minister for much of his visit.

He said he didn't think the lukewarm reception Harper received in the Beaufort Delta will hurt his own chances at the polls.

"I'm hopeful that I can get inside that government caucus and be influential in determining where Arctic and Northern policy is going," said Bell.