N.W.T. election underway

The election is underway in the Northwest Territories and some MLA hopefuls are saying education is top of mind for many residents.

The writ was dropped Monday and the official campaign period has begun.

Patrick Scott is running for MLA in Great Slave Lake and said there are limited education resources in the North, adding that it "costs a lot to send kids to school."

The father of eight said a new approach is needed on the issue.

"I think we need freshness," Scott said. "I can bring that to the table."

Robert Hawkins, who is seeking re-election in Yellowknife Centre, said the territory needs improvements to its education facilities, particularly at two schools in his area – J. H. Sissons and Mildred Hall.

"These two schools were slated for renovation for many years and kept getting pushed aside," he said.

Although the campaign officially got started Monday, many elections signs were already visible in many parts of the territory last week.

David Brock, chief electoral officer for the Northwest Territories, told CBC News candidates can only spend up to $30,000 in their bids to become MLAs, including expenses incurred during the pre-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 the writ has been dropped, potential candidates have until Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. to file nomination papers.

There are 19 electoral districts in the N.W.T.