N.W.T. election campaign heating up

Although the election is not yet underway, many candidates have already started campaigning by posting signs throughout the territory.

David Brock, chief electoral officer for the Northwest Territories, says that is allowed but those hoping to become an MLA in October can’t receive any financial contributions until they’ve officially become a candidate.

The campaign period begins on Monday and all nominations forms must be completed and submitted to election officials by Sept. 9.

Brock said candidates can spend up to $30,000 which "applies to all monies that have been spent in the so-called pre-election period as well as the election period."

"So any money that was spent between June 5 of this year, right up to Oct. 3 – voting day," he said.

 The limit is designed to ensure that no one has an "unnatural advantage" Brock said.

Although signs have already started popping up, election rules say they cannot be posted within 25 metres of a polling station.

And all posters must name a candidate’s official agent along with a contact phone number.

Election rules also prevent campaigning within 25 metres of polling stations on Oct. 3.

MLAs receive slaps on wrists

The speaker of the N.W.T. legislature, Paul Delorey, has already had to speak with two MLAs for skirting election rules.

Delorey sent a letter to Robert Hawkins, representative for Yellowknife Centre, for using his constituency telephone number in advertisements despite requests to stop. Delorey also said he was concerned Hawkins was using artwork paid for by the N.W.T. government.

However, Delorey said there would be no disciplinary action.    He says "what's done is done".   Hawkins feels he had a right to do that because the ads ran during the pre-election period when he was a sitting member of the legislature.

Delorey said he contacted Wendy Bisaro, MLA for Frame Lake, for also using artwork paid for by the legislature. Bisaro, however, immediately stopped running the ads.

The pre-election period will end Monday when the offical campaign begins.