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IQALUIT - The New Democratic and Liberal parties put their best foot forward in Nunavut this past weekend.

NDP leader Jack Layton paid a visit to Iqaluit late last week with his Liberal opponent Stephane Dion at his heels, both men boasting a fairer deal for Northern families and communities.

During his campaign speech Friday, Oct. 3 at Nakasuk School, Layton laid out his vision for the North, promising investments in infrastructure, including a deepwater port in Iqaluit, and more funding for health care and housing for Nunavut.

"The best way to ensure the sovereignty of the North is to support the communities of the North," said Layton.

In respecting the Inuit and their land, an NDP government would ensure that all aspects of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement are realized, he emphasized.

"Unfortunately, we have seen the agreement that was signed has not been implemented," said Layton.

"I commit to you that in order to honour the gift of the people of your communities to the people of Canada that we will make it a priority to have that agreement implemented."

In view of Arctic sovereignty, NDP candidate Paul Irngaut criticized Conservative leader Stephen Harper for his efforts to militarize the North.

"Stephen Harper tells Canadians he is interested in the Arctic," he said.

"'Use it or lose it,' he says. I've got a message for Stephen Harper. We are already here. We use the land, but we don't plan to lose it. True sovereignty means a commitment to Northern families and communities."

During his visit to Iqaluit Saturday night and Sunday, Liberal Party leader Dion also disparaged the prime minister for the same remarks.

"Nobody should tell you that," he said. "You will never lose the North because the North is yours and for us, for all of us, it's important to show the word that the people that are in the North since milleniums will always be considered fully as Canadians on the territory and we'll give to you everything to you for your development."

Dion promised the Liberals would strengthen sovereignty through diplomacy, reinstating an ambassador for the North who would champion efforts at the Arctic Council.

He also expressed a commitment to implementing the Kelowna Accord and enhancing aboriginal language initiatives.

Nunavut Liberal candidate Kirt Ejesiak defended the Green Shift, calling Conservative claims of higher taxes "fear mongering and misinformation," disputing that prices would double.

"The carbon tax is certainly something that will bring tax cuts to Northerners," Ejesiak said.

"As you know, many of our citizens are in the middle to lower class. This is something we've tried to assure the local residents. The Green Shift for us will mean more money back for our people living in the North."