The candidates: Yellowknife Centre

Election day in the Northwest Territories is Oct. 1, and CBC North is working to bring you all the information you need to cast your ballot. As candidates were announced, CBC provided each an opportunity to answer a questionnaire tackling a wide range of subjects, from their own qualifications to themes impacting their riding and the territory as a whole.

Read their responses below, presented in the order they were received by CBC.

• Julie Green
• Niels Konge
• Thom Jarvis
• Arlene Hache

Some answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Julie Green

• Campaign Facebook page
• Campaign website

Why did you decide to run for office?

During my first term, I learned a lot about how government works and how to get things done. I want to use that knowledge to continue working on behalf of my constituents and people of the N.W.T. as a whole.

Priority areas for me include more economic diversification with a focus on tourism and housing/building retrofits, affordable and appropriate housing for seniors, accessible and affordable child care, expanding clean energy initiatives, and continuing work with both the homeless and intoxicated population and residents and neighbours downtown to ensure everyone feels safe and respected.

What previous experience would you bring to the role of MLA?

I was first elected in 2015 after spending three years self-employed as a fundraising and communications consultant in the non-profit sector, and three years as director of community relations for YWCA NWT. In those years I worked to create an anti-poverty strategy and action plan and sat on a number of non-profit housing boards.

Prior to joining the non-profits, I was a reporter for CBC for 16 years, focusing on resource development. All of this experience ensures I can bring skills to a broad range of issues facing the N.W.T.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

I have worked tirelessly to ensure that women are better represented in the Legislative Assembly. The fact there are 22 women on the ballot for the 2019 election and women of great diversity and accomplishment is very satisfying.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing the territory?

The biggest issue facing the territory is the anticipated closure of the diamond mines in the next decade. Our economy is dependent on mining jobs, taxes and royalties. While there are mines with authorizations, companies have been unable to raise the money to put them into production. This is a global investment issue that's not unique to the N.W.T.

I would like to see a focus on putting the Slave Geological Province Road and the Taltson Hydro expansion into environmental assessment as soon as feasibility studies and business cases are complete. The 19th Assembly also has to invest more significantly in tourism infrastructure, such as a visitor's centre in Yellowknife, campgrounds and a new boat launch to access Great Slave Lake.

What is the biggest issue in your riding?

There are two issues that I hear about in equal measure: concern for the people who live and work downtown where there is a cluster of intoxicated and/or homeless people; and ideas to reduce the high cost of heating, power bills and child care.

If you could accomplish only one thing while in office, what would that be?

My riding has a large and under-served population of seniors who require affordable housing options when they downsize from their homes, an adult day program to promote social inclusion and provide respite for caregivers, and expanded homecare so that elders can stay in their own homes for as long as possible.

What would you like to see the territory do to address the impacts of climate change?

I would like to see a vastly expanded program of incentives for retrofits to private and public buildings that would have the effect of creating work, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the cost of heat and power bills. Evidence points to a nine-per-cent return on investment over 10 years on this kind of initiative.

What would you change about how the government currently operates?

The last assembly made progress on increased accountability and transparency. That work needs to continue. Development of business plans and the operations and maintenance budget takes a huge amount of time from the civil service and members.

It's time to consider whether it's possible to budget for two years at a time, with the use of supplementary appropriations to fill gaps that arise in the meantime.

What do you think the GNWT must do to improve and protect the territory's economy?

The most useful thing the GNWT can do is to examine its approach to land rights negotiations and expedite changes that would accelerate the process. Economic development in parts of the North and South Slave is limited by land tenure uncertainty. Making every effort to resolve land rights would expand the range of choices we have to diversify our economy and assist with reconciliation with Indigenous people.

What would you do as MLA to improve the GNWT's relationship with Indigenous people?

The GNWT has attempted to engage Indigenous governance organizations (IGOs) through the Inter-Governmental Council and co-drafting legislation. But not every IGO belongs to the Council. The GNWT must renew efforts to bring everyone to the table.

I like the efforts the City of Yellowknife is undertaking with reconciliation and the GNWT could learn from this approach.

If elected, will you be seeking a cabinet position?

Yes.

Would you like to be premier?

Not this time.

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Niels Konge

• Campaign Facebook page
• Campaign website

Why did you decide to run for office?

As a city councillor for Yellowknife, we have come up against some walls that are seriously holding us back, including the lack of land available for development, community government underfunding, and proper solutions to the day shelter.

So, if I cannot get important things done at the city level because of GNWT-level policies, then I felt the need to try and get elected to that level of government to make changes that will benefit not only residents of YK Centre, but Yellowknife as a whole, and the territory as well.

What previous experience would you bring to the role of MLA?

I have been elected threetimes to Yellowknife city council.I started and continue to operate a successful construction company.

I have been the chair of the NWT Apprenticeship board and sat as a member on the NNWTCA board.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

Being a father, my greatest achievement for sure!

What do you think is the biggest issue facing the territory?

The economy. We need to get mining exploration going again.

What is the biggest issue in your riding?

Social issues like the day shelter/sobering centre.

If you could accomplish only one thing while in office, what would that be?

Transfer all Commissioner's land within municipal boundaries to the municipality.This will allow for municipalities to properly plan into the future, service emerging industries like tourism better, create local jobs through built infrastructure, and increase the tax base to lower the cost of living.

I also believe that it will increase population in the North, which is a major contributor to the GNWT budgetthrough transfer payments.

7. What would you like to see the territory do to address the impacts of climate change?

Well I think it's very interesting that we bring up energy (like oil/propane) to heat homes, while at the same time we waste energy (heat).

One example that should ring true to most in Yellowknife is the fact that we are a sub-Arctic community, so it's cold in the winter. Yet we waste so much energy that we keep a lake from freezing every year, year after year.It would cost money to capture that heat, or distribute that heat to buildings, like the Legislative Assembly, but it is free energy, so how many years of heat would it take to pay the infrastructure costs? This is happening in all communities that have diesel generation.

We also send recycling around the world to be processed. Cardboard can be turned into pellets to burn for heat. The Aurora Research Institute did a study and found that it was either marginally profitable, or a loss, depending on the model used. However, there was no accounting for the cost of landfill cells, which could in all likelihood push this into a profitable venture, as well as a positive for the environment.

Also, building standards should be increased for efficiency, and research done to build as close to net zero as possible.

What would you change about how the government currently operates?

This is a hard question when you are not actually in the government.But one re-occurring item is that the different departments work in silos.If this is, in fact, true, then this should change.

What do you think the GNWT must do to improve and protect the territory's economy?

Improve infrastructure, like power and roads.Help local and Aboriginal governments improve community economies, like land transfers and supporting small business.

What would you do as MLA to improve the GNWT's relationship with Indigenous people?

During my time on council, I think the relationship with our Indigenous neighbours has improved.Relationships improve with mutual respect, common goals, proper communication and helping each other out.This would be a start.

If elected, will you be seeking a cabinet position?

Absolutely.But it really depends on who is elected.If there are stronger leaders than I am who are elected, then I would want them in cabinet.As a territory, we need the best leaders possible doing the right jobs.

Would you like to be premier?

No.I think this position requires someone who has previous experience at the territorial level, because there is a ton of knowledge that one gains with experiencethat would take too long for a first-time MLA to learn. On this one, government experience matters.

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Thom Jarvis

• Campaign Facebook page

Why did you decide to run for office?

Having been a long-term resident of Yellowknife Centre, I recall what drew me to the area in the first place:a safe and prosperous community. I am deeply concerned with both the current state of the economy andthe long-range forecast, as well as the conditions and problems impacting the riding.

What previous experience would you bring to the role of MLA?

I have travelled the territory extensively over the years and have been involved in economic development. I understand the difficulties facing business in the North as well as conditions in the various communities.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

Outside of personal milestones, the work I have done for many of the N.W.T.'s entrepreneurs over the years. It has been very personally satisfying to assist various people seeing their dreams and goals become reality.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing the territory?

At this point of time, economic uncertainty leading to lower investment and opportunities.We need take steps to quickly to ensure intermediate and long-term economic stability and growth. The GNWT is nearing its debt ceiling. New revenue streams realized through growth are urgently required.

What is the biggest issue in your riding?

The downtown core is in crisis. The street situation is negatively affecting residents, business and tourists.

If you could accomplish only one thing while in office, what would that be?

To help set the territory on course for future and ongoing economic renewal, expansion and diversification.We are an entity that is still under construction and have many needed social programs that are going to require ever-increased funding that will come in from a strong and growing territorial economy.

What would you like to see the territory do to address the impacts of climate change?

We need to work on the development of new building codes as well as more work on gathering baseline data from across the territory to measure and prepare for changes yet to come.

What would you change about how the government currently operates?

Better communication between sitting MLAs and cabinet for the benefit of the public would be a good place to start.

What do you think the GNWT must do to improve and protect the territory's economy?

Adopt a co-ordinated strategy across departments to restore investor confidence and adopt sensible measures to streamline various permitting processes and other red tape that is currently acting as a deterrent.

What would you do as MLA to improve the GNWT's relationship with Indigenous people?

Adopt a stance of more and direct communication with the various First Nation governments. The settling of outstanding land claims would do much to create a more stable and certain environment for investment. This would enhance opportunities for Indigenous people in general and Indigenous entrepreneurs.

If elected, will you be seeking a cabinet position?

Yes.

Would you like to be premier?

No.

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Arlene Hache

• Campaign Facebook page

Why did you decide to run for office?

I decided to run for MLA for Yellowknife Centre because, from my perspective, there needs to be a new approach in terms of how you work with community MLAs and Yellowknife MLAs, to really consider the whole picture across the territories. I think balance is so critical when you realize the gaps in service, and where they're landing, and how community people engage in services in Yellowknife and at home, and how to create a better continuum for people across the territories.

I've spent my entire working life advocating for people. I am excited at the opportunity to put my shoulder to the wheel and use my advocacy skills to help increase the resiliency of Yellowknife Centre businesses and households.

What previous experience would you bring to the role of MLA?

Lived expertise iscreditedby decision-makers as being key to success when it comes to developing concrete, workable solutions that address homelessness, mental illness and addictions.I have that inside perspective.

I was among the group of women who founded the Yellowknife Women's Society in 1990 and was its executive director for almost 30 years. I established the Centre for Northern Families and a broad range of programs, including an emergency shelter for women who were homeless and experiencing violence.

I am well-known by community people across the North and in Canada as an advocate for social justice and was awarded the Order of Canada in 2009 and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

In 2016, I obtained a Master's Degree in Leadership from Royal Roads University. Subsequently, I was a key lead in designing an Aboriginal Women in Mining pre-employment program.

I co-wrote an Indigenous Cultural-Linguistic Competency Framework and was co-developer of an Indigenous hub that managed an annual budget of $6 million. In 2019, I was honoured by Elders and Keepers of the Circle with a Star Blanket Ceremony.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

It would be difficult to choose a single accomplishment to be most proud of given that each had a unique set of circumstances surrounding it.

Having said that, I am most proud of myself when community people in the North say and show that they trust me.Trust is not easily given in an environment of such massive institutional betrayal and it is a humbling responsibility. The Order of Canada and honour of being presented a Star Blanket are of equal importance to me and giveme confidence I am making a difference.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing the territory?

Political and socio-economic disparity that continues to marginalize Indigenous communities, and especially Indigenous women is the biggest issue facing the territory. Economic indicators show the North is about to experience a decline and so we need to plan for that outcomes. A healthy economy is the means to tackling social ills.

A strong riding, like a strong community or city, is one that is economically resilient.For most of Yellowknife's history our downtown was the beating heart of the Northwest Territories' economy.We've lost some of that, but I firmly believe that we can regain that strength through good planning, partnerships, strategic investments, and support for small businesses. I would:

• Support tourism and boost retail activity by investing in a bricks-and-mortar visitors information centre

• Support the establishment of a polytechnic main campus in downtown Yellowknife. The economic and community-building impacts of such an investment would be game-changing.

• Follow in Yukon's footsteps and support innovation centres and small business that tap into the sharing economy it's time to unleash the creative energy of our entrepreneurs.

• The downtown business community needs a voice so that it can take more control over the decisions that are affecting it.I will work with all levels of government and the downtown business community to create a new organization to represent downtown businesses.

• Airport improvement fees and the recently increased land transfer fees are just two examples of new taxes that are little more than cash grabs. Together, they contribute to the "death by a thousand cuts" that is straining Yellowknife household budgets.If elected, I will work to repeal these new taxes.

• Renters in Yellowknife are extremely vulnerable to increasing rents, especially given the near-monopoly situation in our rental housing market. I will fight to introduce rent stabilization legislation to prevent unfair rent increases in the future.

What is the biggest issue in your riding?

Many Yellowknife Centre residents are concerned about two issues above all others:public safety and the health and welfare of the people in the downtown who are struggling with mental illness and addictions. The consumption of alcohol in public has increased dramatically since the RCMP reduced their enforcement of the liquor act about four years ago.

As a result, many residents, workers and tourists feel unsafe walking our downtown streets, as do members of the community who are struggling with mental illness and addictions, particularly seniors and women. This state of affairs is not acceptable.

The greatest challenge lies in the misapplication of a harm reduction model that fails to require a level of accountability for behaviour that puts residents at risk. The current service environment takes the approach that these poor people are totally incapable of doing anything. It simply is not true.

If you could accomplish only one thing while in office, what would that be?

If I had to pick one priority, it would be to implement a plan to address the downtown challenges. That plan would include:

• Institute good neighbour agreements with teeth.

• A new small-scale facility in the heart of our downtown with combined teams of RCMP officers and social workers who will patrol, supervising public intoxication and ensuring public safety.

• Peer support initiatives that trainindividuals with lived experience of alcoholism and homelessness to interact with and assist members of the street-entrenched community.

• An expanded day shelter and sobering centre with better security measures and new programming including a managed alcohol program.

• Support for new programs similar to the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation camp people who are working toward recovery from addictions need more options for healthy living.

• Renegotiation of the RCMP contract to ensure increases attentiveness to violence and open alcohol in high-risk areas, such as near the day shelter.

As someone with lived experience of homelessness, and having spent my entire adult life working with people who struggle with mental illness and addictions, my approach to these issues blends compassion with an emphasis on personal accountability.

I believe I can help reverse the decline of downtown Yellowknife and improve the quality of life of all its residents.

What would you like to see the territory do to address the impacts of climate change?

Climate change is one of the most serious environmental, economic and political challenges of our time and is an important issue to N.W.T.residents.

Implement the 2030 NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework and 2019-2023 Action Plan laid out in the GNWT's comprehensive and co-ordinated response to climate change, outlining the GNWT's long-term approach to developing a strong, healthy economy that is less dependent on fossil fuels; increasing our understanding of the impacts of climate change; and improving our ability to build resilience and adapt to a changing climate.

I also support expansion of the Taltson dam and the support of green energy.

What would you change about how the government currently operates?

The GNWT is a colonial institution that labels its governance model "consensus,"however, evidence shows it fails to understand what it actually means. I would like to work with MLAs to actually apply a consensus model of governance.

What do you think the GNWT must do to improve and protect the territory's economy?

Diversity is the key to a strong, sustainable and resilient economy. Mining and exploration has been a core part of our economy, but diamond production will decline in the next decade.

The sustainability and growth of the N.W.T. economy requires strategic investment and diversification. I agree with the recommendation to implement a governance structure for a destination marketing organization that will maximize the economic benefits of tourism; working with partners to maximize the community and economic development benefits from an expanded post-secondary presence in Yellowknife; and updating the city's economic development strategy.

While we are pursuing new opportunities for economic growth, we can also increase the resiliency of households and businesses by bringing down the cost of living.

What would you do as MLA to improve the GNWT's relationship with Indigenous people?

Apply the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and respond to the TRC Calls to Action. Be prepared to take a back seat, give up the need for control and micro-managing and support Indigenous self-determination. Settle outstanding land claims.

If elected, will you be seeking a cabinet position?

My focus is on the election so the question is premature.

Would you like to be premier?

Not at this point.

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