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MACKENZIE DELTA
In the Oct. 3 territorial election, voters in the Mackenzie Delta will be voting for better health care, better housing and more environmentally-sound policies, according to community leaders, and for the first time since 1995, David Krutko's name won't be on the ballot.

The constituency, which includes Aklavik, Fort Mcpherson and Tsiigehtchic, will be choosing from a new pool of candidates, although none have stepped forward yet.

Krutko, who has been Mackenzie Delta MLA for four straight terms, won't seek re-election.

Chief William Koe of Fort McPherson said whoever wins will be put to task to protect the region's plants, animals and waterways.

"We always have to protect our history out there," he said.

He puts environmental protection as a top priority because so many residents rely on the land for employment, recreation and food.

He said the contamination caused by oil spills and the oil sands in Alberta has to be avoided, and any development projects by the GNWT should tread lightly on the Earth.

Phillip Blake, chief of Tsiigehtchic, said the poor quality of health care in the region is a danger to residents and needs to be addressed by the next government.

Currently, Tsiigehtchic is the only Beaufort Delta community without a permanent nurse in town, and this summer doctor visits have been cut off completely.

"I would like to see someone posted here," he said.

Although the high cost of housing in the Mackenzie Delta is nothing new, Koe and Blake are both hoping the issue will be seriously addressed after the election.

Blake said the GNWT also needs to provide more assistance to the Gwich'in people during their self-government negotiations.

"If they're going to cut back on the costs, it's going to take longer to sign it," he said.

In addition, he hopes a permanent police presence will be made in town. Currently, the closest RCMP detachment is in Fort McPherson, almost 50 km away.

Koe and Blake both had high praises for the work Krutko has done in the Mackenzie Delta since 1995.

"I know he pushed hard and fought hard for all the issues," Koe said.

Blake said Krutko continually put his name forward, and neck out, to address the concerns of his constituents.

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