Yellowknife seniors fear they'll be forgotten by election candidates
In the race for Legislative Assembly seats, seniors say they've been left behind
As the nomination period for N.W.T. election candidates drew to a close Friday, people at a Yellowknife Seniors' Society lunch told CBC they have yet to hear from any of them.
"I'd like to see a candidate in my riding at least come by and say hi — at least," said Wally Watson, 64, who has lived in the N.W.T. since 1980.
He said the lack of seeming interest from candidates made him feel "not worthy," and he wants to hear what their pitches are for seniors' supports.
Several others at the society's Lunch With A Bunch event echoed Watson's thoughts. Many hadn't heard from candidates at all, or only from ones they knew personally.
Ajjie Shaw, 82, said she feels seniors aren't really being heard. She wants to see in-person town halls where residents can come out and listen to candidates discuss their ideas.
The nomination period for candidates closed Oct. 20, locking in the list of names that will appear on the ballot in November. About a dozen dates have been announced so far for various forums, including a forum co-hosted by the NWT Seniors' Society on Nov. 2 at the Baker Community Centre.
The list of issues seniors at the lunch said they want to hear from candidates about is hefty: many told CBC they're worried about how much the cost of living has gone up, and about how increases to the N.W.T.'s carbon taxes will affect them.
Some said they've been on the wait list for affordable housing units for decades. Others said the issue of health care for seniors is their top priority — in particular, impending government changes to extended health benefits.
Barbara Weatherby, 77, said the cost of home heating is a big one on her list and she wants to hear what candidates plan to do to lower fuel taxes for the N.W.T.
"If it's gas for your car, that's one thing ... but people heat their houses, too, and up here you don't have a choice," she said. "It's cold."
Fifty-three candidates are vying for 16 seats this election, with three other seats acclaimed. A full list of candidates can be found here.
Election day is Nov. 14 and there are several ways for people to vote.
Written by April Hudson with interviews by Taylor Holmes and Julie Plourde