Liberal Rebecca Alty’s political career trajectory continued unabated on Monday night, as the current Yellowknife mayor scored a convincing win over three candidates to be the NWT’s sole MP in the House of Commons.
As she celebrated with jubilant supporters in a warehouse full of campaign signage and large posters of Liberal Party Leader Mark Carney — who will return to power again in a projected minority government — results showed Alty had 54 per cent of the vote.
Conservative Kimberly Fairman pulled 34 per cent, while NDP candidate Kelvin Kotchilea garnered 12 per cent. Green candidate Angela Davidson (who goes by Rainbow Eyes) had only one per cent of the vote share.
“This win is not just mine. It belongs to all of us who believe in a better future for the Northwest Territories, together with the Liberal team that MADE GOVERNMENT,” Alty said, to cheers from the 50-or-so supporters.
“I just want to say a big ‘thank you’ to the people across the Northwest Territories who’ve placed their trust in me. I promise to work hard to represent you and to be your strong voice in Ottawa.”
MLA Kieron Testart brought his kids to the celebration for newly elected Liberal MP Rebecca Alty celebrate Monday night after her convincing win over three other candidates for the NWT’s sole seat in the House of Commons. . (James O’Connor/CKLB)
Alty said she will fight for more housing infrastructure, and for help dealing with the illegal drug crisis that has spared few communities in the NWT.
The MP-elect thanked all of the volunteers and supporters who have gave their “time, energy and heart to this campaign,” from putting up signs and knocking on doors — thousands of them.”
She thanked the other candidates, for a “respectful and thoughtful campaign,” acknowledging the courage they had to step forward and put their name on the ballot. “I respect the time and commit and commitment each of you have given to this race.”
Alty will cut short her second term as mayor. Prior to that, she served as a Yellowknife City Councillor for two terms, and worked in communications and community relations for the Diavik Diamond Mine.
MORE TO COME…
