Half of candidates in Sahtu are female
Riding bucks trend as only 10 of 60 candidates across territory are women
John McFadden
Northern News Services
Monday, November 16, 2015
SAHTU
Only one sixth of the candidates vying for seats in the Nov. 23 territorial election are female. However, in the Sahtu half of the candidates are female.
Both Judy Tutcho and Yvonne Doolittle are running for the seat vacated by the now-retired Norman Yakeleya. Tutcho said she firmly believes more women should be represented in the legislative assembly. She believes females have a strong ability to realize the repercussions of their decisions before actually making
them.
"It's very difficult in the Sahtu because it is traditionally a men's territory. Women are caregivers automatically. We are born with it. Women seem to be logical about making decisions, thinking things through thoroughly," Tutcho said, adding her experience in government, including social work and corrections as well as her time languages commissioner for the NWT, gives her the kind of background that would make her an effective MLA. She does not like the idea of candidates "parachuting" into the riding, candidates who do not currently live in the Sahtu. That includes her cousin and fellow candidate Yvonne Doolittle, Tutcho said.
Doolittle, who lists her address as Yellowknife on the Elections NWT candidates list, said she disagrees with that notion that she has parachuted into the riding.
"I am a beneficiary of the land claim. Leonard Kenny from Deline is my chief. That's my hometown. I am committed to living in Norman Wells," Doolittle said.
"I do still have a home in Yellowknife. But if I am successful in becoming the Sahtu MLA, then I will be there. Even if I don't win I'm pretty sure I am relocating there."
Doolittle has taken a leave from her job as a regional director for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs to run in the election. She agrees with Tutcho that women are underrepresented in the assembly
"We have women in different positions who are strong leaders and who would like to be leaders in the communities. I hope that we are inspiring women," Doolittle said.
"I am hopeful that we will continue to motivate women to make positive choices for themselves … and come join us."
Sahtu candidate Paul Andrew said he agrees there should be more female MLAs but added the voters should elect their members on merit, not gender.
"Women's voices need to be heard. The men have to do a good job at representing everyone.
"Obviously women do not feel well represented enough that they have raised concerns about issues like daycare, domestic abuse and equal pay. The message is clear to the men that they have not done a very good job," Andrew said.
Sahtu candidate Daniel McNeely agrees women are underrepresented in the assembly but added he doesn't think men have an advantage when running for territorial politics. "We live in a democratic world and if females want to put their name forward then the invitation is there," McNeely said.
"I'll be honest and say that I don't quite know everything. I don't know every program that exists but I am certainly willing to hear people's suggestions on how to develop and deliver those programs that do exist. Everybody's input is valued."
The winning Sahtu candidate will replace the now-retired Norman Yakeleya, who represented the region for three consecutive terms.
