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DEH CHO
Constituents in the Deh Cho will decide the outcome of an election re-match on Oct 3.

Michael Nadli and Michael McLeod, who also ran against each other in the 2003 election, are vying for the seat again this year. McLeod, who won the last race, is seeking a fourth term. McLeod was acclaimed in 2007.

McLeod, 52, said he is the best choice for the people of the Deh Cho.

"I have a proven track record, I have, I think, experienced leadership skills and there's a number of issues I think we need to continue to work on to move forward," he said.

McLeod said he's particularly concerned about the lack of opportunities in the region and in the communities. There's little to no resource development or other types of development, he said.

If re-elected, McLeod said he would work with his aboriginal government counterparts to sign off on initiatives like the Dehcho Land Use Plan and protected areas and accelerate discussion on the Dehcho Process. Progress in these areas would further discussions on other fronts including devolution and resource revenue sharing. Once all these things are settled development and opportunities will arise, he said.

McLeod said there are also lots of social issues in the region that are stemming from a number of factors including issues with housing.

"Our programs, as they're currently designed, don't seem to be working," he said.

McLeod said the NWT Housing Corporation's programs need to be reviewed. There's also a lack of social housing.

"We have to put priority on producing, building more social housing units," he said.

Other issues McLeod said he'll be focusing on include continuing to improve education and training, enhancing traditions, culture and languages, and protecting the integrity of the environment.

On the issue of devolution, McLeod said he challenged the position adopted by the territorial government.

"I felt, and still feel, we need aboriginal involvement," he said.

If re-elected, McLeod said he would maintain his position that the residents of the NWT and aboriginal governments need to be on side before the territorial government moves forward with devolution.

McLeod has served 12 years as the Deh Cho MLA. During that time, he was a cabinet minister for eight years and held eight different portfolios. He also spent time in municipal politics as the mayor of Fort Providence and a hamlet councillor and was a founding member of the Dehcho Regional Council that was a precursor to the Dehcho First Nations.

"I think I have lots to offer," he said.

"I still have a lot of energy and desire to continue working for the people in the Deh Cho."

The challenger to the incumbent is Michael Nadli.

Nadli, 46, said he decided to run in the election because he got the sense from residents that they want change and an MLA who will engage and work with them and express their views in the legislative assembly.

"I feel like I can contribute to the Deh Cho constituency in terms of the overall betterment of the communities," he said.

Nadli said housing is by far the biggest issue in the Deh Cho. The policies of the NWT Housing Corporation need to be assessed so improvements can be identified, he said.

The current rental system is a deterrent for people to find work because rental rates are proportional to income. People who have managed to find a job, are supporting their family and building a level of self-esteem are being affected by the rental rates, said Nadli.

If necessary, Nadli said a task force could be formed to look at the housing situation in the North.

Another important issue facing the Deh Cho is job creation, he said. If elected, Nadli said he would push for sustainable development such as tourism. The four communities in the Deh Cho are on a major highway system and have access to airports, and tourism could build on the positive strengths of the communities, he said.

Nadli said he's also interested in supporting natural resource development such as forestry.

The industry could branch into log home construction and wood pellets, he said.

When asked about other issues facing the constituency, Nadli said he has his own views but needs to touch base with residents and hear their interests, ideas and concerns.

On the issue of devolution, Nadli said there has to be some logic to it. The relationship of First Nations with government needs to be discussed before the implementation of devolution. Some people may accept devolution in principle but, so far, the cart has been put before the horse, he said.

Nadli was the grand chief of the Dehcho First Nations from 1997 to 2003. He also just finished a two-year term on the band council for Deh Gah Got'ie First Nation during which he served as the sub-chief.

Nadli is currently on leave as chair and chief executive officer of the Dehcho Land Use Planning Committee.

He added he has also held key leadership positions and has strong skills in executive-level management and leading organizations so they run effectively. Nadli said his philosophy as an MLA would be to represent the constituents and work relative to what they need and want to have expressed in the legislative assembly.

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