N.W.T. candidates for premier get mixed reaction to speeches

Dozens of people gathered in the legislature Wednesday as Bob McLeod and Glen Abernethy each spoke on why they should be the next premier of the Northwest Territories.

• Bob McLeod, Glen Abernethy vie to be N.W.T. premier

• N.W.T. MLAs add 1-week waiting period to premier selection process

The two MLAs spoke about many of the same issues: government transparency, the economy and improving the government's relationship with aboriginal groups.

But Mike Bradshaw, executive director of the NWT Chamber of Commerce, detected some differences.

"I guess I like that Bob spoke to a range of priorities, both social and economic matters," Bradshaw said.

"I thought Glen's focus was more on the process and advising his new, fellow MLAs on how things would work. I think we're at the stage here in the Northwest Territories where we need some action."

Former Premier Joe Handley said he was impressed by both candidates.

"Bob talked more broadly about what has to be done," Handley said. "But they were both good from a little different perspective. No big surprises there at all."

Bob Brooks, who works for the territorial government and is a former Yellowknife city councillor, said MLAs will have a difficult choice to make, but he was more focussed on this year's innovation — the addition of a week-long waiting period between the candidates' announcement and the MLAs' vote. 

"The residents of the Northwest Territories can hear what was said and let the MLAs know what their priorities are and give them their input," Brooks said.

He plans on talking to all of the MLAs.

"I end up walking on the streets of Yellowknife and they're all here. I'll probably try and contact all 19."

The vote for premier will take place Dec. 16.