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Candidates answer your questions

Northern News Services
Published Friday, October 16, 2009

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - There are only three days to go before Yellowknifers vote to elect a new city council and mayor, as well as trustees for Yk Education District No. 1 and Yellowknife Catholic Schools.

Last week, Yellowknifer published candidate responses to two questions posed by our readers. Below are responses from city council and mayoral candidates to three more. Not all candidates answered questions, or all of them when they did respond.

Answers have been shortened. To see their full responses, please visit Yellowknifer's election page.

Readers ask:

• The City and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation have nearly settled a new city boundary – would you allow the proposed boundary to proceed after the election, or want to start anew?

• Power bills are the fastest growing cost to residents and businesses in Yellowknife. They hit all of us every day. It seems the more we try to save power the more it costs. The power corporation plans to meet Yellowknife's increasing power needs by burning more and more diesel until about 2022 when it may build a new dam on the Snare River. The cost of this diesel will be added to the Yellowknife rate base.

Two options to avoid this pollution at a lower cost are: Rather than replace the Blue Fish Dam with the same capacity build in capacity for future growth with minimum additional environmental impact.

Rather than run power for Taltson hydro dam through the East Arm Park to the diamond mines, run it through Yellowknife.

If elected what would you do to cause the power corporation to adopt these and other rational approaches to reduce the cost and environmental impact of electricity to Yellowknife residents and businesses?

• The world is about to negotiate the next round of greenhouse gas reduction targets in Copenhagen. The City of Yellowknife is on track to meet its current greenhouse gas reduction target for city operations five years ahead of schedule – what would you propose should be the new target for reductions? Would you support making the city's operations carbon neutral?

Bryan Sutherland

On city boundary:

Unfortunately as a mayoral candidate I get no better service from city hall than I do as a regular citizen, and as such I have been unable to fully or even partially explore the risks and benefits of many things the city wants to do. I can only really comment on what I see happening, which is the city has been limiting supply of residential land far below our city's growth potential to the point where the population is now more than 1,000 people less than the 2004, and 2006 population projections for 2009.

On power bills:

The power corporation should forget about a new hydro dam and give the money back to ratepayers through reduced rates. The power infrastructure of the NWT was never designed for residential use, it was designed for mine use. And the NWT government has done little to change that infrastructure or their focus since taking ownership from the federal government.

On greenhouse gas targets:

If the city is on track to do something they said they would do, then I would wait until we get there before making changes. If their reduction targets are ahead of schedule, great, why tamper with something that is working so well.

Amanda Mallon

On city boundary:

I follow the news closely and I am unable to find evidence of a nearly settled city boundary. There has been at least one meeting between the City of Yellowknife and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. Evidence of an improved relationship is the long overdue paving of the road into Ndilo.

On power bills:

As the Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NCPC) is a territorial government organization, the city can work with it in participating with reviews, preparing submissions and running community meetings.

The city must continue to lobby all levels of government to ensure that the energy needs of Yellowknifers are met in a cost effective manner.

On greenhouse gas targets:

I'm impressed with the work the city has done in meeting greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions recently. As we were able to meet the current target of reducing emissions by 20 per cent five years ahead of time, I think we can aim for doubling that over the next five years.

Tara Kearsey

On city boundary:

I have already established a respectful and productive working relationship with the chiefs over the past few years, and I intend to continue fostering that good relationship as a city councillor. I am not privy to the exact details of negotiations, but I will consult with Ndilo Chief Ted Tsetta and Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus to determine whether they are pleased with the proposed new boundaries.

On power bills:

The most effective way in which council can have an impact is to lobby Yellowknife MLAs and the minister responsible for the power corporation.

The cost of living is a burden to all Yellowknifers, and in order to effect change city councillors must work together with other levels of government to find solutions to reduce these costs.

Paul Falvo

On city boundary:

I support working as quickly and efficiently as possible on this and all important council business.

There is no need to start anew after the election. But, due process demands that we conduct our business in an open and transparent manner, at meetings open to the public. That is how council should proceed.

On power bills:

It is becoming increasingly expensive to live in Yellowknife. More than just "affordable housing," we need to think of "affordable living" – including cost of transportation, taxes and utilities. City council does not set power rates nor control the operations of Northland Utilities and NTPC. But, we need to continue to intervene on behalf of Yellowknifers to ensure the best deal for our residents.

On greenhouse gas targets:

I support fully initiatives that reduce our GHG emissions and save taxpayers' money. Some of the initiatives undertaken by the present council, which I was part of, include: Re-routing waste heat from the Multiplex (saving an estimated 87,500 litres of fuel annually).

New energy efficiency standards for building that will save new homeowners money.

John Westergreen

On city boundary:

I look forward to working with the nearly completed proposal and coming up to speed with the detail changes and ensuring those changes are well shared, advertised and public awareness is upheld for both sides.

On power bills:

I would support connecting the Taltson line into Yellowknife and believe a cost sharing partner like the mines is the only way it can economically happen.

The cost of just using Taltson in any choice has to be factored with the cost of the transmission lines it take to connect it to any paying customer.

On greenhouse gas targets:

While the city can change its buildings to wood heat, which is renewable, the replacement of diesel fuel for heavy equipment is ethanol. Ethanol derives from grain, which is a food product, which has been raising prices of food which really hurts third-world countries.

So no, I would not approve a carbon free city as it hurts third-world economics.

Bob Brooks

On city boundary:

As I was one of the councillors involved from the beginning to help the Yellowknives Dene not only achieve their vision toward their own community boundaries and own identity, I am very interested in seeing the parties complete the process.

On power bills:

As a government employee working with the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, specifically – I am a senior policy analyst with energy amongst my portfolios – I would be declaring a conflict of interest on this issue, and step out of the discussions.

On greenhouse gas targets:

Yes, the city has made great strides toward greenhouse gas reduction, and reaching those targets five years earlier than expected has given us some insight that these targets were not as difficult to reach as we had originally envisioned. Should we continue to strive for even greater reduction targets? Absolutely!

Francis Chang

On city boundary:

If the current agreement has been settled, why would you want to proceed with any further actions with an agreement. If both parties agreed to this proposal, then it would be a remiss for us to try and renegotiate.

On power bills:

In general, residents of Yellowknife are trying to conserve our use of energy and some are using more pellet stoves, the government and city is converting to pellet boilers.

The need to increase the use of electricity will be a minimal increase at best. The reduced population over the past three years will again minimize the increase in any extra use of diesel generation.

On greenhouse gas targets:

The city has spent many dollars on the geothermal study. It appears that to be feasible it would have to be delivered to large commercial buildings in the downtown core.

The city could start to look at conversion of city hall, lead by example, then expand to fire hall, works garage, Multiplex, and fieldhouse as they are all in close proximity, as well as the curling club, community arena and pool.

Mark Heyck

On city boundary:

While there have been initial discussions between the city and the Yellowknives at an administrative level, saying that we "have nearly settled a new city boundary" is an overstatement. I expect the new council will be presented with an analysis and range of options on the issue, and would have the opportunity to provide input before any final decisions are made.

On power bills:

We have a great opportunity through the potential Con Mine geothermal heating project to not only provide our downtown core with an emissions-free renewable source of heat, but as the project would require electric heat pumps to bring the geothermal heat up to a usable temperature, we may be able to create the demand for power that would strengthen the Power Corp.'s business case for an earlier-than-scheduled expansion of their hydro power resources.

On greenhouse gas targets:

The city has made great strides in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. We are due to complete another GHG inventory in 2010, at which time we'll have a much better idea of the areas we need to focus on next.

Having said that, I believe we could revise the city operations reduction target for 2014 to 40 per cent from the original target of 20 per cent, and based on our success thus far, I have no doubt we could achieve that goal.

David McCann

On city boundary:

In a word, yes, an agreement will provide more certainty both for the city and the YK Dene First Nation to exploit the area in the future. Good fences make for good neighbours!

On power bills:

Current electrical rates, now 3-400 per cent over those in the provinces, are a major component of Yellowknife's high cost-of-living.

Proposed rates would simply be an economy killer – guaranteeing backwater status for Yellowknife.

On greenhouse gas targets:

If we are really serious about GHG reductions, the lessening of factory-produced meat (carbon intensive with large methane GHG release) consumption may well be a better next move toward carbon neutrality.

Diets with less livestock (versus wild) consumption would also make for a healthier community (fewer cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes, etc.).

Shelagh Montgomery

On city boundary:

Firstly, as an incumbent, I would like to clarify that the statement made in the question about a new city boundary being "nearly settled" is not true. Council was involved in one brief discussion on the matter.

It is my understanding that further discussions and possible decisions will be brought to the new council.

On power bills:

I am very supportive of the concerns and ideas brought forward in this question, and feel there are long-term benefits to be gained by bringing hydro power to communities rather than diamond mines. I would point out though, that the Northwest Territories Power Corporation is a public utility of the territorial government. As such, the City of Yellowknife has no direct influence over its operations.

On greenhouse gas targets:

The City of Yellowknife has achieved some amazing reductions since implementing the Community Energy Plan; both in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and costs of operating city facilities.

Personally, I would fully support having the city move toward being carbon neutral in its operations. I am unable, however, to state a time line for achieving this.

David Prichard

On city boundary:

Should both the Yellowknives Dene and the city be in agreement at this time regarding the proposed boundary there seems little reason to start anew.

On power bills:

In its argument to the Northwest Territories Public Utilities Board, the city acknowledges the need to replace Blue Fish Dam but has concerns that NTCP is underestimating cost overruns, which would increase rates, and indicates that studies done by EBA Engineering suggest NTCP do more thorough soil studies regarding bedrock.

Cory Vanthuyne

On city boundary:

I have a sincere appreciation for the processes involved to negotiate such a settlement and I have the utmost respect for the Yellowknives Dene and value them being our neighbour.

It would be my due diligence to review the boundary agreement in full, however, I believe that both parties have fairly negotiated the best possible boundary too satisfy the City of Yellowknife and the Yellowknives Dene.

On power bills:

A number of individuals and businesses have excellent ideas on wind, solar and ground source energy concepts that should be given full consideration.

With regard to NWTPC, I would work meticulously to lobby the GNWT to find less expensive and environmentally responsible means of supplying Yellowknife with consistent reliable power.

On greenhouse gas targets:

I will support actioning a clear and concise environmental policy and vision for Yellowknife.

Our city needs to inspire actions in an effort to continue to reduce Yellowknife's ecological footprint.

In my vision for Yellowknife I express the need for city hall to include environmental performance in all decision-making processes that effect our current and future quality of life.

David Wind

On city boundary:

Regarding the possible new municipal boundaries for Yellowknife, I am glad to hear that an agreement is near. Certainly the improved working relationship between the city and the Dene First Nations is a welcome improvement over what was happening in the past.

As for the boundaries, of course I would want to base my decision on whether to support or not on the actual position of the new boundary worked out with the DFN.

On power bills:

Regarding the ever increasing power rates, I was the only councillor to speak against the power corporation application at the hearings conducted by the Public Utilities Board at which the latest round of hikes were being considered.

At that time the power corporation put forward the outrageous position that they had to charge more on a per unit basis because the amount of power they were selling had been reduced.

On greenhouse gas targets:

Having the city go carbon neutral seems like a wonderful goal and I would be more inclined to be supportive if the money which had to be spent to get there would be spent in Yellowknife.

I am pleased we have almost reached our target with this approach several years ahead of schedule.

School board candidates:

Due to an editing error, Catholic school board candidates Marta Simek de Jorge and Barb McDonald were omitted from Yellowknifer's Wednesday coverage of candidate responses to our questions. Yellowknifer apologizes for the error.

• Question #1: Do you endorse a Catholic-only board?

• Question #2: What do you intend to do about government plans for board mergers?

• Question #3: Which is more important – that children be kept with their age group or that they meet curriculum standards?

• Question #4: Are you happy with the school facilities as they are?

Marta Simek de Jorge

Age: Did not answer

Profession: Business owner

Years in Yellowknife: 20

Family status: Married

Question #1:

This particular question has been formally discussed and the decision has been made. Even though I was never opposed to a non-Catholic trustee, I believe that it is very important that all Catholic school board trustees must respect and follow the principles of the Catholic education system.

Question #2:

Without a doubt, there will be plenty of discussions about this proposal.

Question #3:

I believe the purpose of an education system is to encourage all students to be intellectually challenged. Students who surpass their age level should be allowed to progress to their next challenge.

Question #4:

Yes, our school facilities are in excellent condition. During my term as a trustee I have seen significant improvements to the school's infrastructure, especially the most recent retrofit at Ecole St. Joseph School.

Barb McDonald

Age: 59

Profession: Retired

Years in Yellowknife: 16 years

Family status: Single

Question #1:

Over the years I have only endorsed the Catholic School Board.

Question #2:

Following the lobbying we did last year, my position continues to oppose the merger.

It is hoped that the feeling of this position will be maintained and that the government will have to reconsider cancelling that option.

I think that with discussions and lobbying the matter should get resolved to the will of the constituents.

Question #3:

Continuing education is requiring that we met curriculum standards in order to pursue further studies.

I feel we can provide alternative programs to assist students having difficulty meeting the curriculum so they could reach the curriculum standard.

Even if their age group is different, they could participate in supporting programs to help reach the level appropriate to their age group.

Support and alternative programs may lead the student to catch up to his or her level for age group.

Question #4:

Our schools provide education to the needs of the students coming from different backgrounds and languages.

The schools also provide the spiritual aspect for the student to have a wholesome education in preparation of life. I am happy and satisfied with the schools and how they have grown and dealt with the crises with students; they have been working it out with providing additional programs to deal with the issues.

Each year there is something new in the programs given that the schools and the students know that compassion and caring is given at school each day.

There is also community partnership, collaboration and inclusion to achieve their delivery.

We welcome your opinions on this story. Click to e-mail a letter to the editor.