I wanted to get involved in municipal politics, initially, in 2015. I broached the subject with my father, who immediately suggested I'm far better suited for territorial politics. He knew I was passionate about not only Yellowknife, but the entire North.

"I've seen you in action, kid. I know you bring people together to help make a real difference. You are well respected in the North, and Yellowknife, which really needs champions like you."

It took everything I had to maintain my composure. I made a promise to him that day: "Dad, if I even enter politics, I promise you I will do so with compassion, dignity, honesty, respect and represent the people who elect me into office, if successful."

His response was simple: "I know you will."

Hearing these words from the man I respect most was surreal. The confidence he instilled in me was immeasurable.

When I got back to Yellowknife, I was prepared to enter the territorial election and was just starting to research what that entailed, the roles and responsibilities, etc. Three weeks afterwards, I received a call that anyone would dread.

"Jan, dad passed away last night."

I was in complete disbelief and stunned. I was just talking face to face with him three weeks ago. Needless to say, my drive to enter politics was shattered. I didn't have it me anymore. I was devastated, angry and sad.

Roll forward four years and that drive is back, alive and stronger than it has ever been.

My passion for our North and her people is strong. I want to make and be the difference in people's lives, for the better. I want to bring people together at a time when it's needed most. We need to drive positive change collectively, and more importantly, co-operatively. To be able to fulfill a promise I made to my father is a dream I want to turn into reality.

My entire life, I've been a leader, team builder and decision maker. My passion for positive change is deeply entrenched in my blood stream. I have over 30 years experience in the GNWT, two decades of which are directly in the heart of health care, at Stanton, in the IT field.

I was president of a territorial sport organization for over 10 years, have been a member of territorial and national committees, chaired a western Canadian committee and most importantly, I lead by example. I'm not one to sit on the fence. I'm decisive and here for the people of Yellowknife and the North.

I'm also open to correction if fact-based, majority constituency desired, or scientifically-backed information is brought to my attention. I actively support open debate.

I have already made positive changes in the North by volunteering well over 10,000 hours and raising more than $250,000 for several NGO's. I am committed to community and have helped many. This is how I was raised. I intend to bring this same energy to the Legislative Assembly and BE the difference our North needs.

Practising what I preach, walking my talk, committing to my community and living by example. I've had so many people reach out and thank me for inspiring them to make positive lifestyle changes and living a more positive life, in general.

In 2015, I made a conscious effort to live better and focus on increasing better lifestyle choices. I have shared this ongoing journey in person and on Facebook and many have reached out to let me know what a difference my journey has made in their lives. It has encouraged them to embrace a healthier lifestyle and volunteer in their community.

I wish to continue this type of legacy at a level where I can reach more people. This is, by far, the best human quality, period.

The number of hours volunteered and dollars raised is one that I am very proud of, as is representing Canada, the N.W.T., and Yellowknife, with dignity and honour on the world stage and nationally.

I changed the conversation with Broomball Canada. All of their materials, (coaches' and officials' manuals, bylaws, constitution, etc.) only had references to provinces throughout. I ensured all future revisions contained the word territories. All of the documents and the language at meetings have since been modified with the proper references: provinces/territories. I can enact change at the most fundamental levels.

Everything I've had the opportunity to be involved in directly has seen improvements.

Health and social issues are the largest issue facing the North. Cost of living and the economy are also substantial issues facing the North. They are all equally significant and important.

Cost of living and lack of available recreational lots.

We need to be able to reduce the cost of living by doing a better job with rebates that everyone can afford, not the few. Not everyone can afford $15,000 to switch over to propane, so these incentives reach but a few. The intention is excellent, but in reality, it needs to be improved so more residents can access this funding.

The lottery for recreational lots was an obvious indicator of the need for more lots. People want to enjoy our amazing wilderness and teach children what it's like to re-energize with nature. Nature is good for the soul.

Improving the health and social well being of northerners. This is a colossal task that will require engaging multiple groups and every government. When we work together, we can accomplish amazing feats for our most important resource: our people. But it will take collaboration among many. I've extensive experience building teams, so this is a task I could lead.

We also need to see additional funding from the federal government for wellness programs, especially 'on the land' programs. We are seeing fabulous gains from other communities embracing this structure of healing. Cambridge Bay is a fabulous example.

Hydroelectricity will bring cheaper power to all northerners. It would significantly reduce GHG emissions and allow communities to drastically reduce their dependency on diesel.

We need to offer better incentives for residents wanting to embrace cleaner energy solutions: wood pellet, solar, small windmill technologies, conversion to propane, to name a few. Open the territory up for green energy companies wanting to test cold climate energy solutions. Research other circumpolar communities for solutions that work in their cold climate environment.

I would also like to see more greenhouses developed in the communities to ensure better food security and less transportation of food supplies.

More accountability and more transparency for all GNWT programs. We don't know how successful, or not, the existing programs within the GNWT are if they aren't measured. Are we wasting money on programs that are not being utilized? Are there two programs offering the same services? Can we combine programs that cross over? We just don't know until they are measured.

We need to streamline the resource development application process. At present, it is horrendously cumbersome, bureaucratic and time consuming. It deters exploration companies from investing in the North, providing much needed jobs. This must be done while maintaining cultural and environmental stewardship.

We also need to diversify our economy by expanding tourism, agricultural, and commercial fishing opportunities. The South Slave and Deh Cho regions could feed the North with their fertile soil.

We could bring portable sawmills into the smaller communities to create fire barriers and utilize the harvested wood for building more public housing. The by-product can be turned into wood pellets. This will create much needed employment.

Without diversifying with out of the box solutions, we will witness stagnant growth, if at all.

We have to ensure the Indigenous people and governments are at the table, period. We must be inclusive, transparent and work closer together to come up with made in the North solutions. I've mentioned some already (above).

We need face to face meetings on a regular basis and to collaborate with one another to come up with solutions that benefit all people. The GNWT must recognize that Indigenous culture needs to be a factor in all the decisions.

Very likely, if this is something members feel I would be suited for. I would look to the health and social services portfolio, which I fully recognize is significant. I have extensive experience, over two decades, directly in the health industry, so who better to represent health issues than a member who has worked in the industry, specifically in the hospital.

Not at this stage. I would consider it after fulfilling the first four-year term.

I believe the GNWT has lost sight of larger ideals and putting a vision forward that reflects the true potential of all our citizens. I want a territory where our largest corporations are owned and operated here and compete for contracts across the North, as opposed to the status-quo of southern and foreign ownership sending money out of territory.

We are on a tipping point, where the GNWT must take action to become more adaptable to change — not only climate change, but adapting to a global economy with increasing inequality, while navigating to the closure of the diamond mines. The Northwest Territories has one of the highest rates of income inequality in Canada, especially between our Indigenous and non-Indigenous population.

As a lawyer working in government I felt I was part of the problem and not part of the solution. I found my co-workers either overworked or unmotivated. In seeing no one step up and put forward a vision and progressive agenda, I felt I was in between a rock and a hard place. Continue to be a participant in a misled government, or run and give those who want to ensure our government can adapt a voice.

As a lawyer, I have spent years working firsthand with legislation. Most recently, as a senior adviser, legislation and legal affairs at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, I helped develop legislation from the policy research to drafting stage, working closely with Indigenous governments.

I have no doubt I will be one of the strongest legislators in the assembly, something many of our politicians forget is key to the role. I will aim to introduce more private member's bills than any other MLA in history. I have read legislation from across the world and have consistently seen our government miss solutions that are already working in other jurisdictions.

I am most proud of my role in enacting the Protected Areas Act of the N.W.T. It was humbling to play a role in laying the groundwork for the landmark Thaidene Nene National Park and giving the territory the tools to protect our environment for the future. I just recently received a Deputy Minister's Award for this work.

The biggest issue facing the territory is the biggest issue facing the planet: climate change. We are especially vulnerable to the consequences here in the Northwest Territories. Inaction is not an option if we want to protect our economy, keep our communities connected, and maintain our way of life in the future.

When I go door-to-door, I'm hearing a lot of people who are anxious about the state of our economy. The Conference Board of Canada and Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses agree that our economy is in a tough spot and our territory is one of the worst in Canada for emerging entrepreneurs.

I believe that's in part because our bureaucracy is stifling and inflexible. And that's why I plan to advocate for smart policies to unleash entrepreneurship in our territory, incentivize businesses to come North, and break down the barriers to innovation and economic development.

Yellowknife North is an extremely unique riding with so many amazing local businesses. Removing the red tape and government competition they face is key. We have seen the GNWT balloon and start entering into areas of the private sector, stifling our local northern businesses. We must ensure the GNWT is working with local businesses, not against them.

I would like to implement a pilot project for universal daycare in the N.W.T.

Today, it costs around $1,000 a month for daycare in Yellowknife, and daycare services are not available in many communities.

This is a huge point of anxiety for families around the territory. And it's a drag on the economy. At this price point, many choose not to enter the workforce.

I want to see a future where people aren't paying more than around 10 bucks a day for their daycare services to relieve the anxieties of families, and help our territory reach its full potential.

First and foremost, we need to continuously evaluate how our carbon pricing is working, and retarget if our emissions aren't coming down fast enough.

Next, we need to make big investments in clean energy. Right now, the Taltson expansion is one relatively defined way forward, but I also think we need to look outside the box for micro-grid solutions that make sense in each region. By this I mean things like small-scale hydro, solar, or wind projects where they make the most sense. We must step back and work with Indigenous governments to let them take the lead in federally funded renewable projects.

On the political front, I believe the N.W.T. needs to be an active participant in international discussions by sending our leadership to remind the world that we are disproportionately feeling the effects of climate change. We also need to make sure the GNWT allies with Indigenous governments in this fight ⁠— there is an incredible amount of traditional knowledge and leadership we would be smart to tap from these organizations.

I think fundamentally, we need to move our approach to providing public services to a more client-focused model. That means creating a culture of service where the endless telephone tag ends and people get what they need without the headache.

I also think we get failing grades on transparency. I want to see a truly open government, where the public and the press know what's going on in our institutions. I would support looking at our access to information legislation to align our laws to these ambitions.

And to complement that, I want to get citizens more involved in our policy deliberations. Most provinces have a public engagement division driving this forward, and I think it's high time we make that investment in citizen participation.

One opportunity we're missing out on right now in the territory is building a knowledge economy. I think a big part of finding success on that front will be building a polytechnic university in Yellowknife as its hub.

In order for the university to succeed, it can't just be a re-branded Aurora College. We need to offer something unique that is going to attract world-class researchers here, and incentivize innovators to choose the Northwest Territories.

We already have a lot going for us. Researchers already come here in droves from the University of Alberta and other institutions to study permafrost, climate change, and our huge slice of the Canadian Shield.

This is a solid foundation for us to build a cutting-edge university around which a new economy can thrive.

I also think we need to go big on tourism.

We have a lot of catching up to do compared to our neighbours in Yukon. While their highways are dotted with immaculate, engaging tourism infrastructure, ours sometimes make the news for offering tourists very different experiences.

I want to see transformative investments in tourism infrastructure across the territory so guests from around the world have they amenities they expect from their vacations.

I also want to see an end to unnecessary red tape and an evaluation of our licensing process. I hear too often from people who have an idea for businesses which would offer amazing experiences to visitors, but gave up on their ideas when faced with the bureaucratic process. This aligns with giving municipalities control over their land so they can take the lead in economic development. We should be encouraging entrepreneurship, not stifling it.

And I believe responsible development is going to play a role in our economic future. While it is largely rooted in market trends, I think we would be smart to bring the rest of our resource management legislation — the Mackenzie Valley Land and Resource Management Act — under territorial jurisdiction.

It's one of the last missing pieces for our territory to truly have control over how our land and resources are managed. That kind of control is going to be important to what our economy looks like in the future.

I believe we need to accelerate our path toward the promise of co-management at the heart of the devolution project.

That means empowering Indigenous governments to take the reins on managing their own affairs and doing our part to give them the tools to do it effectively. I believe there are numerous steps we can take immediately. We just need a GNWT that is willing to give up control, and let Indigenous governments operate free from interference.

But there's no denying that one of the biggest things we could do to improve our relationship with Indigenous peoples is bringing a respectful, equitable conclusion to our outstanding land claims. This would be a big win for reconciliation and our collective economic fortunes. Once again, the solution here is to realize that the best thing we can do for the territory is allow our Indigenous governments to lead, they are better suited to be flexible and better suited to obtain federal funding. We are leaving millions of dollars in Ottawa by not settling land claims.

Another big way we can improve this relationship is making a special effort to make sure Indigenous peoples and their governments shape our public policy. This is the least we can do to help right our wrongs and build a government that operates in a way that works for our majority-Indigenous population.

No.

No. For various reasons I believe it is important that we have an Indigenous premier, especially until such time as land claims and self government agreements are settled.

I was born in Inuvik and I grew up in, and currently live in, the riding of Yellowknife North. I have a deep passion for our city and territory. I'm focused on the opportunities we have to effect change and shape our future. I'm more confident than ever that our future is now and the right time is now for positive and productive change.

I am running to be your MLA for one reason: to build a healthy, sustainable and prosperous territory, where all N.W.T. residents share in the benefits. I have the experience you can count on to make it happen.

I bring extensive experience from my two terms on city council and four years as MLA for the riding of Yellowknife North. As MLA I was on a number of committees, including the chair of the standing committee on economic development and environment, that conducted extensive reviews of bills, department business plans and annual budgets. I'm a critical thinker and make decisions based on triple bottom line principles.

I have also owned two successful small businesses, where I have gained an ability for understanding financial statements and fiscal responsibility. I also bring a wealth of experience gained through a number of diverse management roles throughout my working career. I have a reputation for working collaboratively and positively with individuals, NGOs, business and industry, and other orders of government.

I have lived a very good life which has provided me with more than I could ever imagine. I want to be able to give back to our city and territory, as it has given so much to me.

My public service over the last 10 years as a city councillor and MLA has been my proudest accomplishment. My view is that I want to leave this great city and territory in a better state than prior to my contribution. I feel I have done that so far, and that's why I continue to say that I am running to build a healthy, sustainable and prosperous territory, where all N.W.T. residents share in the benefits.

We are an Indigenous territory that still has unsettled land rights. In order for Indigenous peoples to move toward self-determination and gain more cultural, political and economic autonomy we must settle and finalize those agreements. Then, we can move closer to devolving more responsibility and independence through the self-government agreements that would follow.

This is not going to happen overnight, but we must keep heading in a positive direction and bring more certainty for the territory.

Yellowknife North is a diverse riding. In general, the riding is made up of families and individuals that are educated and have good standards of living.

That said, the impacts of homelessness, addictions and mental health have always been present in Yellowknife, but recently, the impacts have become increasingly visible within the community. While significant work has been done to address homelessness, addictions and mental-health issues in Yellowknife, individuals and families continue to struggle with these complex and often intertwined problems.

Close co-operation must continue to be encouraged between the city, GNWT and Canada, because much of the funding available through the federal government is only accessible through such partnerships. The GNWT must step up and re-affirm its leadership on these files.

It would be to build an undeniable sense of spirit and pride from within all N.W.T. residents, knowing that they are enjoying the standard of living and quality of life that they have always dreamed of!

Greenhouse gas is the largest contributor impacting climate change. Lowering the consumption of energy that is, directly or indirectly, generated by the burning of fossil fuels is typically the first major step that is taken in greenhouse gas reduction initiatives.

This can be achieved through either just using less energy, increasing the efficiency of the things that consume energy, or increasing the efficiency of the things that create energy, particularly electricity. There are several established technologies that are proven in providing clean energy, including solar, wind, geothermal and hydro, although they are not without their critics.

Nuclear energy is also often touted as a "clean" alternative to fossil fuels, although public opinion has been biased against it as a result of high-profile accidents. Wind and solar power generation are viable options for power production in the N.W.T. and are being applied in certain areas. The continued rollout of these technologies should be furthered by the GNWT, with the N.W.T. Power Corporation taking a proactive position regarding green power generation, particularly in those communities still dependent on diesel powered generators. Nuclear options should continue to be monitored as new, innovative, safer and most importantly, small scale solutions continue to be developed.

In the meantime, existing power generation should be evaluated to utilize cleaner burning fuels, such as natural gas and biodiesel. This should be done in conjunction with evaluating the feasibility of utilizing natural gas resources in the N.W.T. and test piloting certain communities with the use of biodiesel. Where we can, hydro-electric development should always be considered where appropriate, including the further development and utilization of current capabilities.

Reducing energy consumption is the flip-side to more efficiency in energy production. This is an area in which the GNWT (through allied agencies such as the Arctic Energy Alliance) has had many years of experience. The provision of incentives to Northerners to build more energy efficient homes and to purchase more energy efficient appliances for example, are examples of initiatives that have a proven track record of success. More of this is needed.

Improved efficiency in building construction standards (residential, commercial, and government) should also be regulated and incentivized, where necessary. Reducing actual consumption of energy, both in the home and workplace can now also be assisted by new "smart home" technologies. Promotion of their use should also be encouraged.

We became a government in 1967, over 50 years ago. So much has changed since then: globalization, internet, smartphones, climate change, reconciliation, etc.

Industry and business have evolved with all these changes, even municipal governments have redesigned and modernized themselves. While change is happening elsewhere, the GNWT has stayed stuck in the past. This is the age of change, and while all of us are living in the competitive 21st century, our government is still struggling to get out of the 20th.

Over many years and several assemblies, the GNWT has added many new programs, services and departments. Rarely have we seen any of our departments or agencies downsized or streamlined, much less the reduction or removal of antiquated programs or services.

If anything, we have grown exponentially.

Before separation in 1999, we had 2,500 employees looking after the western and eastern Arctic. Now, we have 4,600 employees managing the west only. On occasion, we have seen departments amalgamate but that has resulted in a mega-department rather than a downsize. The result: overlapping and even duplicative responsibilities that waste resources and needlessly complicate government.

This is why we continually receive a grade of F from CFIB and continue to have an enormous amount of red tape and layers of bureaucracy that no one can navigate. It's also why we struggle to come to terms with our Indigenous partners and settling land rights and self-government agreements.

We are a lopsided, top-heavy organization that has no ability to be flexible or pliable enough to adjust with the quick moving pace and changing times of our world. We need to begin a process of re-inventing government where we create a more linear or horizontal organization that puts the resources at the front lines and better serves the residents through efficient and quick responses and effective results that provide long term solutions for residents' needs.

The sustainability and growth of the N.W.T. economy requires strategic investment, diversification, and modernization. We also need investment in innovation and technology if we are to work toward a carbon free future.

Mining and exploration will continue to play a significant role in the N.W.T.'s economy. But, in addition, we need to support economic diversification through investment in entrepreneurship and small business, green energy, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, fisheries and arts and film.

Economic development must be supported by improved and strengthened skills development for the labour market, so that residents can take advantage of current and future job opportunities and build lasting careers. I believe in a responsible, sustainable and balanced approach to land use. With devolved responsibility for lands and resources, now is the time to work collaboratively with Canada, Indigenous governments, industry and environmental partners to evolve and improve our regulatory system.

We need to work together to create the conditions for economic investment, while preserving the values of sustainability. This also means having a strategic response to climate change that recognizes territorial and national emissions targets, while recognizing the realities of our geography and cold climate which drive energy consumption and the cost of living in the North.

I am grateful every day that I have the opportunity to live in this great Indigenous territory. I have the utmost respect and appreciation of all our Indigenous peoples. Going forward, it is essential that our government to government relationships continue to be based on mutual respect, recognition and shared responsibilities.

To further strengthen relationships and in the spirit of working toward self-determination, the GNWT must communicate and work with leaders and communities from every region of the territory to discuss ways we can continue to work together. A number of key areas need to be strengthened as we move forward, including committing departments to undertake appropriate consultation when proposing actions that may impact on Indigenous governments, and continuing the commitment to negotiate and finalize land rights agreements in all regions of the N.W.T.

We need to engage in a way that acknowledges the unique governance structures, status of Indigenous rights negotiations, economic opportunities, and culture in each community. As I discovered when travelling through the territory with many pieces of legislation, we need to recognize and contribute to addressing capacity challenges faced by Indigenous governments in terms of human and financial resources that make it difficult for them to effectively engage. We must be open and transparent by committing to sharing information with Indigenous governments. And we must continue our commitment to work with all governments to ensure that we make decisions that support a healthy and diverse ecosystem.

There is much more we can do, but ultimately we need to do it together so that the positive benefits can be had by all N.W.T. residents.

There are many important roles for all 19 MLAs to fill once elected. I will respect the collective decision making process that takes place to decide who will fill what role and I will give 110 per cent no matter what role I am in.

Maybe someday…ha!