Gaeleen MacPherson, the vice president of corporate affairs of Dominion Diamond Mines, has declared her intent to run for MLA in the constituency of Yellowknife South.
Photo courtesy of Gaeleen MacPherson
“This is a critical time for the Northwest Territories,” stated MacPherson in a news release this week.
“On the economic front, our two largest diamond mines are nearing end of mine life and that will have a significant impact on northern employment, in particular here in Yellowknife."
MacPherson says her experience in the industry and business knowledge are vital to changing the course of the NWT.
She states cost of living to be the "single greatest impediment" to growth in the territory.
MacPherson also states education in the North to be an important issue she would address and develop an economy with a focus on products and services.
“Developing a sustainable Northern workforce starts here at home, and as a government we need to take the lead on this,” she stated.
A world-class polytechnical university would also attract a larger population base -- a positive development for the territory, stated MacPherson.
"If we are able to attract students to a world‐class polytechnical institute here in Yellowknife, we increase the likelihood of students becoming long‐term residents," she stated.
"Building this local capacity and tax base not only increases our population‐based federal transfers, but will also provide skilled labour for employers, who continually acquire these skills from the south. Higher federal transfers can be invested to address our infrastructure gaps."
MacPherson will be running in incumbent Premier Bob McLeod's constituency along with Caroline Wawzonek. McLeod has not declared whether he will be running in the next election.
Visit the NNSL Elections coverage page for the latest on the upcoming territorial elections on Oct. 1.