Federal Party Leaders’ Campaign Promises: Key Issues for the North

As the April 28 federal election approaches, party leaders and candidates in the Northwest Territories (NWT) are making a flurry of election promises. From tax cuts to climate action and housing, this election cycle shines a spotlight on key Northern issues such as Arctic security and reconciliation. This article summarizes party pledges and candidate positions on these critical topics.

Party Platforms Overview

All major parties—Green, New Democratic Party (NDP), Liberal, and Conservative—have released their full platforms, outlining their plans should they form the next federal government. Candidates vying for the NWT’s Member of Parliament seat include Rebecca Alty (Liberals), Kimberly Fairman (Conservatives), Kelvin Kotchilea (NDP), and Angela Davidson, known as Rainbow Eyes (Green Party).

Climate Change

The rapidly warming Arctic poses unique challenges, such as flooding and wildfires. Each party aims to tackle climate issues distinctly:

Green Party

The Greens promise to cut pollution and phase out fossil fuels by 2045. Their commitments include:

• Establishing legally binding emissions reduction targets.
• Investing in clean energy and protecting biodiversity through a national adaptation strategy.

New Democratic Party (NDP)

The NDP plans to tackle big polluters by investing in home retrofitting and ending fossil fuel subsidies. Key components include:

• Implementing a border carbon adjustment.
• Committing to biodiversity loss reversal by protecting 30% of high-carbon lands and waters by 2030.

Liberal Party

Mark Carney, leader of the Liberals, aims to replace the scrapped consumer carbon tax with incentives for green choices. Promises include:

• Doubling the pace of new housing construction.
• Investing significantly in energy-efficient systems.

Conservative Party

Pierre Poilievre’s campaign has famously centered on "axe the tax". His climate approach focuses on deregulation and rewarding industries that emit low greenhouse gases. Commitments include:

• Ending the carbon tax for large industrial emitters.
• Funding outdoor heritage initiatives.

Arctic Security and Sovereignty

As geopolitical dynamics shift in the Arctic, the importance of security has surged:

Conservative Party

Poilievre’s plan includes:

• Building a military base in Iqaluit by 2027.
• Doubling the Canadian Rangers’ operational capacity.

Liberal Party

Carney promises to expand northern military operations and strengthen defense procurement strategies. His focus includes partnerships with allies in the region.

NDP

Singh advocates for enhanced marine rescue capabilities and developing a comprehensive Arctic policy framework involving Inuit.

Green Party

The Greens propose investing in Arctic infrastructure and ensuring regulatory protections for Arctic fishing.

Housing Crisis

A critical issue in the NWT is the housing crisis, characterized by a lack of affordable dwellings:

Liberal Party

Carney promises to eliminate GST for homes up to $1 million for first-time buyers and launch new housing initiatives.

Conservative Party

The Conservatives aim for a broader tax cut to homebuyers and incentivize municipalities to ramp up housing construction.

NDP

Singh proposes expanding the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to offer long-term loans and ensuring affordable housing through rent control.

Green Party

The Greens emphasize the creation of permanently affordable housing and enhancing regulations to prevent corporate monopolization of the housing market.

Infrastructure and Resource Development

The NWT faces an infrastructure gap that hinders economic progress:

Conservative Party

Poilievre’s proposal includes fast-tracking approvals for key infrastructure projects and repealing regulations that obstruct resource development.

Liberal Party

Carney pledges to establish a Trade Diversification Corridor Fund to speed up national infrastructure project approvals.

NDP

Singh emphasizes a Northern Infrastructure Fund focused on addressing critical needs in remote communities.

Green Party

The Greens oppose new fossil fuel infrastructure unless it demonstrably reduces long-term emissions, highlighting the necessity for rigorous assessments before new projects.

Healthcare

Healthcare delivery in the NWT is under strain, with an acute shortage of professionals:

Green Party

The Greens plan to increase healthcare workforce training, prioritize mental health, and expand community health services.

NDP

Singh aims for accessible healthcare across Canada, with specialized training programs for Northern practitioners and increased focus on Indigenous representation.

Liberal Party

Carney’s approach includes bolstering community healthcare infrastructure and increasing residency positions to attract new doctors.

Conservative Party

Poilievre’s focus is on reducing barriers to healthcare access, including reforms for the licensure of medical professionals in the North.

Justice and Addictions

With rising rates of substance abuse, tackling the addiction crisis is paramount:

Conservative Party

Poilievre promotes stringent bail reforms and harsher penalties for trafficking. His approach encourages hiring more Border Services agents to clamp down on drug flow.

Liberal Party

Carney emphasizes a balanced method that involves enforcement along with prevention and rehabilitation services for those affected by addiction.

NDP

Singh advocates for a public health approach to addiction, prioritizing community-led initiatives and increased funding for mental health services.

Green Party

The Greens promise improved access to mental health and addiction treatment, emphasizing the need for decriminalization of drug possession for personal use.

Reconciliation Efforts

With a significant Indigenous population, reconciliation is a crucial issue in the NWT:

Green Party

The Greens pledge to implement all recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and support Indigenous self-determination.

NDP

Singh commits to harmonizing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and enhancing funding for Indigenous-led healing initiatives.

Liberal Party

Carney highlights an Indigenous Pathways to Prosperity initiative, promoting capacity-building and self-determination.

Conservative Party

Poilievre supports economic reconciliation by suggesting measures to allow Indigenous communities to directly benefit from resource wealth on their territories.

Conclusion

With the April 28 election closing in, the Northern electorate is faced with key issues that directly affect their communities. How party leaders address climate change, Arctic security, housing, infrastructure, healthcare, justice, and reconciliation will shape the future of the NWT. As candidates campaign, their promises will undoubtedly influence the direction of policy in the region, impacting the daily lives of its residents.

For ongoing coverage and detailed updates on the election and its candidates, be sure to check out Cabin Radio’s election hub.