The constituency of Great Slave is one of six ridings that has only two candidates this territorial election, and it’s expected to be a close race between retired videographer, now cafe owner Patrick Scott, and consulting engineer Katrina Nokleby.
This riding is mostly residential, and covers most of downtown Yellowknife, joining up with part of School Draw avenue which runs down into Old Town.
The riding was formerly held for 12 years by outgoing Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy, who also was a homeowner in the riding. Abernethy announced during the last sitting of the 18th Assembly that he would not be seeking re-election, and had come under-fire after a second critical Auditor General’s Report on the status of Foster Care in the NWT.
Nokleby was the first to announce her intentions to run in Great Slave, ahead of Abernethy’s decision to not run.
“I’ve been speaking with constituents and have been intending to run and serve this area before the writ was dropped. I have called the riding home since I moved here in 2007,” Nokleby told CKLB.
Nokleby also says it’s time for someone with a science-based background to help deliver better programs and a review of services the GNWT delivers.
Patrick Scott challenged Abernethy in 2011, losing by 210 votes.
“I’ve thought long and hard about this. I wasn’t prepared to run against Glen, and I supported him in the last election. When he decided not to run, some of the things I voiced in 2011 came into play. I’ve lived in Behchoko, Yellowknife and Fort Simpson. I think I have a broad enough perspective to bring to the table,” said Scott.
Election day in the Northwest Territories is October 1st.
Katrina and Patrick participating in the NWT Chamber of Commerce candidates forum.