Yellowknife, NWT – Robert Hawkins promised the Northwest Territories “new solutions” as he announced his bid to become the territory’s next MP.
Hawkins, currently the MLA for Yellowknife Centre, confirmed on Friday that he will seek the Liberal nomination for the Northwest Territories federal riding (known until this year as “Western Arctic”).
The federal election is tentatively set for October 19, 2015. Kieron Testart has already announced a separate bid to stand as the Liberal nominee.
The NDP’s Dennis Bevington has been the incumbent since 2006, but has yet to confirm whether he will seek re-election next year.
“It’s an exciting time to bring a northern perspective to federal politics,” Hawkins, pictured above, told Moose FM.
“I’ve got 14 years-worth of politics. I have served on city council, I grew up in Fort Simpson, I’ve got a lot of links in Hay River, Fort Smith, Fort Providence. I know a lot of people across the North,” he said.
“My whole belief is that trying to connect with people and solve their issues really matters. My goal is to reach out to northerners and demonstrate that I’m a guy who’s willing to get out there and get things done.”
Hawkins, who believes Liberal leader Justin Trudeau is “getting people re-engaged” with politics, added: “I think we can bring a vision to Canada as well. Canada can learn a lot from the Northwest Territories.”
The Hawkins campaign will prioritize the environment and housing, alongside longstanding northern issues such as infrastructure, power and the cost of living.
“We need to challenge these things in ways that have never happened before,” he said.
“In the past nine years we’ve seen very little investment in the NWT to change the dynamics or improve the lives of northerners, and that’s very frustrating. It’s time that we get job creation happening on the ground.
“It’s about knowing the folks and pulling it together, and it’s about the energy we can build together.”
Kieron Testart, also seeking the Liberal nomination in the territory, speaks to Moose FM on Monday, November 17.
CJCD Moose FM News
