Michael McLeod wins N.W.T. Liberal nomination

Michael McLeod won the N.W.T. Liberal nomination Saturday night at a meeting in Yellowknife.

McLeod, a former MLA and the brother of N.W.T. premier Bob McLeod, captured 71 per cent of the ballots cast, defeating Gail Cyr.

The riding association declined to give specific vote totals, but said 53 per cent of "a membership hundreds strong" voted in the contest.

"I was whomped today," Cyr wrote Saturday in a Facebook post. "Michael MacLeod won by a long shot."

"I'm quite pleased with the outcome," McLeod said Monday. "I think it's gonna be an expensive campaign. I think it's gonna take a lot of dedication and a lot of work."

McLeod says he'll be focussing on a number of issues in his campaign, including the high cost of living and the need for affordable housing, sustainable energy, and more attention on social justice issues such as addictions and homelessness.

He'd also like to see a government that reaches out to youth and tries to build relationships with aboriginal governments.

McLeod has been working as a tourism development officer with Industry, Tourism and Investment and sitting on a number of boards. He says he's taken leave from all of his duties to dedicate himself full-time to the campaign.

McLeod will take on at least two political heavyweights for the Oct. 19 vote. Former premier Floyd Roland will run for the Conservatives, and incumbent Dennis Bevington has said he intends to run again for the NDP.

Bob Stewart is running for the Libertarian Party, while the Greens have yet to nominate a candidate.