Caroline Wawzonek

"Issue #1 – Creating A More Reasonable Business Environment for The Sale of Alcohol in Yellowknife
The Liquor Act, and its Regulations, need a substantial review and overhaul. I support making that happen in consultation with stakeholders from our business community, including the hospitality and tourism industries. A vibrant hospitality industry attracts new residents, makes current residents happier and delivers a better tourism experience. Updating the Act is an opportunity to create a progressive tool that can support small business start-ups and positively impact festivals and events. The rules should be streamlined, consistent and easy to navigate.

The kind of review I envision will include an opportunity to examine the way liquor is currently purchased through the NWT Liquor Commission for re-sale in the NWT. I believe in seeking solutions that are both efficient and competitive and I believe the current purchasing system can be improved. For example, I want to ensure accountability in the purchasing system for business owners who are investing their capital in order to provide a positive experience for the public.

Issue #2 – Fibre Redundancy
After a summer of internet interruptions, there is little doubt that the NWT would benefit from fibre redundancy. One project that I understand to already be in progress is to connect a fibre line between Dawson city, Yukon and Inuvik which would close the loop with the Mackenzie Valley fibre optic cable. I believe the GNWT needs to see that project through.

I agree that the government should commit in the short term (within the first 12 months of the 19th Assembly) to identifying options that will continue to advance fibre connectivity. The solutions to be sought should include not only Yellowknife connectivity but also connectivity in smaller communities and solutions to the high costs residents and businesses pay across the NWT.

Issue #3 – Community Government Underfunding
It should be seen as a strong show of collaboration that the GNWT through MACA and the municipalities as represented by the NWTAC came together and determined a reasonable formula for community funding. Failing to follow through on that agreement erodes trust between governments that need to work together for communities to thrive. The gap has been reduced but those reductions appear to be ad hoc, rather than by following a plan that would allow for better long-term budget planning on both sides. I would commit to support a plan to bring funding in line with the 2014 formula.

Without knowing the potentially competing priorities of other MLAs or the complete picture for the next budget, it is irresponsible to commit to exactly how or when that the funding gap will be fully resolved. I would support an approach that would see a gradual correction over the term of the Assembly and bearing in mind that needs will naturally have increased over the past five years.

Issue #4 - Post-Secondary Transformation
I support an NWT based polytechnical institution to anchor a knowledge economy, create opportunities for residents, and drive diverse partnerships between governments, industry and communities as well as existing adult learning institutions. I believe any NWT-based institution should include programs in high-demand professions such as trades, nursing and social work. I also think this is an opportunity to be a leader in our areas of particular strength such as rare earth minerals, arctic climate science, permafrost studies and land- based programs. I note that we also need to invest in early childhood education so that students have the tools to be ready for post-secondary. We cannot succeed in one without the other.

It is my understanding that the local governments of Yellowknife, Fort Smith and Inuvik are in contact with one another and are in agreement that all three centres should retain their existing campuses and that Fort Smith should retain the institution’s head office. As a starting point, I would rather work with the municipalities and build good will to move this project forward promptly than take an opposing position that could potentially slow down the entire process.

Issue #5 – Transfer of Commissioners Land to The City of Yellowknife
The current system that the City of Yellowknife must navigate in order to access land within the municipal boundary is cumbersome and inefficient. I see this as a barrier to development and growth. As a starting point, I support streamlining the process for approving city land use and, maybe more importantly, identifying a simplified process for amending plans to be able to respond to emerging needs or innovative development proposals.

Medium to long term during the next Assembly, I believe transferring tenure of the lands within the City’s municipal boundary is a better solution to increase efficiency in both the city government and NWT land administration. I would support creating a plan for this to occur. Actions that can begin immediately include: 1) consultation with Indigenous governments; and 2) confirming whether existing land surveys are suitable for a transfer or whether new surveys will be required because if so, funding for surveys will need to be considered."