Alternatives North and Ecology North collaborated to develop a set of questions on environmental and social justice issues for the NWT federal election candidates. The questions were sent to each of the candidates to an email address identified on their respective websites or social media on April 14, with a request for a response by Friday April 18 at 5 pm.
Only one response was received from Rebecca Alty, the Liberal Party candidate (see below). No responses were received from Kimberly Fairman (Conservative Party), Kelvin Kotchilea (New Democratic Party) and Rainbow Eyes (Green Party).
This information is provided to the public to assist in making informed decisions. We encourage all eligible residents to vote and take no position on who they should vote in the April 28, 2025 federal election.
What environmental and social priorities have you identified as key in this election?
Rebecca Alty (Liberal Party)–The NWT is on the front lines of climate change, and needs a partner at the federal level to make our communities more resilient. There are also many social issues affecting communities in the NWT, and what I have heard during the campaign is a strong need for more support for mental health and addictions across our territory.
What is the position of your political party on the climate crisis? What actions would you take to support Northern-specific climate solutions?
Rebecca Alty (Liberal Party)– In recent years the Liberal government has worked with Northern communities to support local climate resiliency projects, including funding fire breaks for each community that may be threatened by wildfires, as well as infrastructure to address shoreline erosion in Tuktoyaktuk. I want to work with communities to ensure that more of these types of projects are able to proceed with the support of the federal government. We also know that conservation can also help make communities more resilient, which is why Mark Carney has announced a Liberal government will create at least 10 new national parks and marine conservation areas, invest $100 million in a strategic water security technology fund, and establish a new Arctic Indigenous Guardians program. Beyond these new initiatives, I’ll continue to support the historic agreement – Our Land for the Future Agreement. This agreement was signed between 22 Indigenous Governments, the Government of Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and private donors signed on November 14, 2024. The agreement will provide $375 million over 10 years for Indigenous-led conservation, stewardship, and economic development across the Northwest Territories. It will be one of the largest Indigenous-led conservation land initiatives in the world.
What are your views on mining critical minerals in the NWT? Are public subsidies and/or regulatory fast-tracking necessary?
Rebecca Alty (Liberal Party)– The Northwest Territories has incredible economic opportunities that can be supported by the federal government. Mining has been and will continue to be a key driver of the North’s economy, and I want to work with Indigenous communities and industry to support responsible development of natural resources in the NWT, including critical minerals. We know that closing the infrastructure gap will support economic development, which is why I advocate for projects like the Mackenzie Valley Highway and the Slave Geological Province Corridor. I will also be a strong voice for growing other sectors of our economy, including Indigenous tourism and culture, conservation, and agri-food and fishing. As MP, I will advocate for Indigenous employment and skills training and apprenticeship opportunities that address the needs of local communities. I will also work hard to secure federal investments from CanNor and other departments and agencies for projects that will spur Indigenous economic development. Through working with Indigenous governments and businesses, together we can help create a healthy and diversified economy in all communities across the NWT.
The Ticho Government requested a Regional Study in June 2021 to examine options for development between Yellowknife and the Arctic coast. The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada approved the concept in February 2023, but nothing has been started or announced. What is your position on this Regional Study? Will you advocate for this initiative?
Rebecca Alty (Liberal Party)– I am commited to working with all Indigenous governments in the Northwest Territories to advance their priorities with the Government of Canada.
Do you support a Basic Income Guarantee program for residents in the NWT? What will you do to ensure the federal government identifies this as a priority and provides appropriate support?
Rebecca Alty (Liberal Party)– I would be supportive of the federal government examining the concept of a basic income. However, my understanding is that a more effective way to address poverty would be to enhance existing programs that expressly benefit lower-income individuals, such as the Canada Workers Benefit and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. We have announced a one-time boost to the Guaranteed Income Supplement, which will provide up to $652 more to low-income seniors.
What is your role and the role of the federal government in reducing the many and varied waste products in the NWT?
Rebecca Alty (Liberal Party)– The federal government has many tools to help reduce waste, as we have seen the Liberal government make progress on in recent years. There is a comprehensive regulatory agenda that will help move Canada towards our targets for reduction of plastic pollution. Through working with all levels of government, industry, NGOs, and international partners, we can make further progress on reducing waste globally and locally.