Upon election, what do you plan to accomplish in your first 90 days, what about a year?In August I was evacuated to Edmonton alongside 20,000 Yellowknife residents and I have heard the concerns of fellow constituents who feel the response could have been done better.That is one of the reasons I decided to run for office. I want to build back better so that we’re ready to deal with future emergency situations. In my first 90 days I will focus on turning that plan into action. I will start by taking the same approach that I advise younger coworkers in my work as a professional by listening and learning from my constituents in developing that plan.While the evacuation was the final point that pushed me to take action, I have long worked to be a part of the solution. I’ve served on the NWT Disability Council since 2022 and I have been heavily involved in bettering my neighborhood of Northlands over the past five years.I’m already speaking with my neighbours in Frame Lake, understanding their needs and learning how best to move within the system to meet their goals and needs.What are the most pressing issues you plan to address during your time in office?The events of this summer drive home the critical need to diversify our infrastructure, especially in power and telecommunications. Introducing a submarine cable under Great Slave Lake would allow for this and could lead to a cheaper, greener, more reliable power source.We need to do better to protect our seniors, elders and people living with disabilities.
There is work to be done to ensure that the new NWT Extended Health Benefits Policy supports people living with disabilities. While some beneficial changes have been made to the original plan, many concerns about this new policy still need to be addressed. Solid protections are needed to make sure that seniors will not be negatively impacted.What is your plan to bring workers to the north, and keep residents in the NWT?We need to build back better and look for ways to lower the cost of power through projects such as the Taltson project. As MLA I will work to re-invigorate small businesses impacted by the wildfires and the pandemic so the local economy can thrive. To keep residents in the NWT we need infrastructure that is up to the standards that all Canadians should expect. As housing prices continue to rise, do you have plans to address the needs of those struggling to live in the north?There’s no question we have a housing crisis in NWT. I’m already meeting with contractors to come up with housing solutions tailored to the needs of Frame Lake.As your MLA I will pressure the federal government to invest in housing for everyone in the territory while removing barriers making it harder for contractors to build. Beyond the dire need for public housing, the 2021 census found that more than 13% of NWT did not meet at least one of the criteria adequacy, affordability or suitability standards.This needs to change. As MLA I will push to reduce housing costs and attract developers to build in Frame Lake through a solutions-driven approach to housing affordability. Due to the rise in drug crime and homelessness in the territory and its communities, can you describe the number one crime-related issue you plan on addressing first?I plan to meet with law enforcement and community groups to come up with solutions tailored to the needs of Frame Lake residents to tackle crime, reduce homelessness and drug addiction.Investing in the economy and job creation is one way to help reduce the propensity to gravitate toward crime. We need better education and opportunities to ensure our youth have a future in the NWT. We also need new supportive housing, complex care spaces to address homelessness and drug addiction that often go hand in hand in our territory and communities.
