Question 1 - Yellowknife is entering a significant economic transition as the NWT's diamond mining industry changes, with two mines now moving through closure while many of the major projects expected to create new economic opportunities are still several years from full construction. What should Yellowknife be doing now to navigate this transition and position the community for long-term economic success?

Yellowknife should be working with the business community and discussing their needs going forward with the expected downturn in the economy. I am particularly interested in seeing how the city can contribute towards the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce in their efforts

Question 2 - Crime and public safety concerns are also creating direct costs for Yellowknife businesses through theft, property damage and increased spending on security and other measures to protect their employees and property. As a member of City Council, how would you address the impact these issues are having on the business community?

I intend to discuss these issues with the Municipal Enforcement Division and see where the gaps are, and if the city is best utilizing the existing resources, and if not, work with MED to find a solution to ensure that services meet the needs of the business community. The next step will be to work with the business community on how MED can further support, learn where MED services work, and where they they can improve.

Question 3 - Yellowknife needs more development to support housing, economic growth and the long-term needs of the community, but development can involve difficult trade-offs and face barriers that prevent projects from moving forward. As a member of City Council, how would you approach growth and development in Yellowknife?

I would like to see council work together with GNWT and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation on acquiring more land for development. It needs to be a collaborative process where the different levels of government work together to support growth. One thing that the city can do is to allow the permitting process to go quicker for new developments, especially for developments in the downtown core.

Question 4 - The major projects expected in the North will require a larger and more diverse workforce in the years ahead. How should Yellowknife prepare its residents and businesses to participate in and benefit from those opportunities?

Housing, communication, collaboration. The city needs to prepare for more people coming in by making more land available for housing developments. The city should also be increasing their communications to the public and organizations like the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce in order for residents and business organizations to be fully informed and ready to meet the moment. Finally, the city should be meeting with the AESC project partners in order to fully understand how the city can support the incoming investment.