Former territorial cabinet minister Michael Miltenberger has confirmed he is not looking to regain his MLA seat in the Fort Smith-area riding of Thebacha.
The politician turned businessman has however endorsed Denise Yuhas for the job.
“She is a successful, local, Metis businesswoman and I belive she is the best person for the job,” Miltenberger told CKLB in a phone interview Wednesday. “She has years of experience working with governments and she’s good with people. She knows how to form alliances and fully understands working with allies.”
Miltenberger was defeated by current Thebacha MLA and Justice Minister Louis Sebert in the last election and some observers thought he might give it another run.
“I served five full terms including 14 years as a cabinet minister. I’m going on 69 years old and I am enjoying spending time with my family. My wife recognizes me once again which isn’t always a good thing,” Miltenberger joked.
Sebert has already announced that he is seeking re-election..
Yuhas and Sebert are joined by Don Jaque and Salt River First Nation chief Freida Martselos as declared candidates for Thebacha in the Oct. 1 territorial election.
Like Miltenberger, Jaque lost to Sebert in the last election.
Martselos is the latest to enter the race and brings the number of declared female candidates in the NWT to a record 19.
Robert Hawkins in Kam Lake and David Ramsay in Frame Lake are two former MLAs, defeated in the last election, who are running for MLA again.