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INUVIK
Social issues and roads topped concerns of Inuvik leaders for candidates thinking of campaigning in the next territorial election in October.

Duane Smith, chair of the Inuvik Community Corporation, and Denny Rodgers, mayor of Inuvik, voiced the issues on their wishlist for candidates in the territorial election to discuss and address during their term.

Smith had concerns over health services, unemployment and the high cost of living, while Rodgers wants candidates to keep in mind the upkeep of the 10-km stretch of road to the airport and the fibre optic link.

Both also want to make sure the Tuktoyaktuk-Inuvik highway stays on the agenda.

"It's not a given. It has to go through a review process," Smith said.

"The proposed highway goes through private lands on both sides and each community corporation will have to review and assess the road."

Rodgers has a more optimistic view on the road, but wants to ensure the territorial government comes up with a financial plan to fund the remaining portion of the road.

With the federal commitment of $150 million over five years, the GNWT will likely have to pick up the more than $70 million in funding that remains.

"It's such an important road," Rodgers said.

"The government has been very supportive to date, but the MLAs have to make sure to work on that."

Rodgers' other road concern sits with the portion of road between the Inuvik Airport and town - 10 km of bumps that needs repaving, he said.

"It's a little pathetic," Rodgers said.

"It's bad enough in a passenger vehicle, but I've heard of people who drive big trucks risk breaking an axle or campers with trailers."

Rodgers would also like to see devolution completed and the territorial government better able to manage debt, especially now, with the surplus funding from the federal government ending.

As for social issues, Rodgers thinks Inuvik residents are pretty well-situated.

"We have a new hospital so I don't see us being too hard done by," he said.

"Housing is always a concern, but the housing corporation has good staff and we've been treated well by staff."

Smith doesn't agree with Rodgers' synopsis. He says health services continue to be an issue because of the difficulty in retaining staff.

"In the community and region, it's unfortunate, but it continues to be an issue," Smith said.

"Maybe they need a review done. The candidates need to take a look at it and address this issue."

He also had concerns about the high cost of living and local economy, but acknowledges the difficulty in addressing it.

"Good luck with that," Smith said. "It's another detraction for people to come live this far North."

Education, employment and the economy could be linked together, Smith said, and addressed.

He would like to see more targeted courses and programs by Aurora College to match the demands of the economy so that businesses don't have to hire from the south.

The territorial election takes place in less than two months, on Oct. 3.

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