In the race to become the next Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, Kimberly Fairman is running with the Conservative Party of Canada (PC).
BACKGROUND:
Fairman was born in Inuvik and grew up in Yellowknife. Fairman earned her graduate degree from the University of Alberta, and has experience living and working across Canada’s North.
“My early years were in the communities of the Mackenzie Valley, which have given me a deep understanding of northern and community life. My experiences connecting with people and my knowledge and experience navigating government operations will help me serve your interests in Ottawa. I will advocate for unique Northern viewpoints and implement strategies steadily and consistently. I will be a champion for Northern voices.”
Fairman recognizes the critical role of leadership in the territory for the country as a whole.
“I believe the Northwest Territories can provide leadership for Canadians on issues of the economy, sovereignty, and regional strength with an emphasis on Indigenous strength and resilience, especially given the current complex geopolitical context and focus on resource development and economic growth.”
HEARING FROM THE PEOPLE:
Talking with community members in the area, Fairman hears and understands people in the Northwest Territories are concerned about the cost of living.
“Everything is more expensive: food, fuel, housing, and other necessities.It can be hard for people to get by.”
Talking with community members, Fairman also hears and understands that people need to feel safe and have access to health resources.
“People are tired of feeling threatened by violent crimes related to drugs and drug trafficking. Communities want more options for recovery and meaningful, productive options in their communities.”
Fairman understands the tremendous economic difficulties people are experiencing.
“The economy has been suffering and people in all sectors of the territory want a thriving economy, whether they’re working in tourism or fisheries or mining. A strong economy means good jobs, and good jobs mean we can afford life up here. They also provide revenue for governments so they can provide the proper services for our people.”
COST OF LIVING:
To ease cost of living pressures, Fairman supports cutting income tax by 15 per cent.
“Pierre Poilievre has promised a massive ‘Bring it Home Income Tax Cut’ to cut income tax by 15% to save the average family $1,800 a year and the average worker up to $900 annually. Everyone who pays income tax will pay less, but the average, hardworking Canadian will save the most. Our plan means Canadians will keep more of their pay and their hard work will be rewarded.”
To support families, Fairman stands behind the Conservative Party’s childcare pledge to bring home flexibility and freedom for parents, providers and the territory.
“No child will lose their $10/day childcare. We’re currently stuck with an overly restrictive model that hurt many daycare operators. It has harmed parental choice and resulted in less access to childcare and longer waiting lists.”
Fairman wants families to have choices and access to needed childcare resources.
“Conservatives will deliver a more flexible system that will allow private care, home-based care, and a range of options that will actually allow families to access the care they need.”
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Fairman wants to cut taxes to help families invest in home ownership.
“We will axe the sales tax on new homes, saving families up to $65,000 on the purchase of a home while spurring a massive new home building boom. We’re going to address the drug trafficking and addictions that contribute to homelessness by cracking down on the repeat offenders hurting our communities and expanding treatment options for our loved ones experiencing addiction.”
TARIFFS AND TRADE:
Fairman believes in protecting Canada’s businesses and workers by building a strong economy, stopping tariffs and renegotiating trade agreements.
“These tariffs are unjustified. Canada will never be the 51st state. Our immediate response should be to impose reciprocal tariffs to discourage the American attacks. We will propose renegotiations to replace the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. We will propose that both countries pause tariffs while we renegotiate. Canadian businesses & workers need certainty now. Our sovereignty, our laws, our currency, our land, our culture, our resources, and Indigenous rights will remain in our control for all time. We must be prepared for the impact, and our response must prioritize our industry and our workers. Mark Carney will keep Trudeau’s industrial carbon tax & his cap on Canadian energy, driving business south. Carney’s “keep-it-in-ground” agenda will make our economy even more dependent on the US. The only way to stand up to President Trump is to unleash our industry, cut taxes, build homes, mines, and more.”
THE NWT’S BIGGEST ISSUE:
Fairman believes that cost of living is the most important issue she hears about from people in NWT.
“Cost of living is the most important issue I hear about. When people can stop worrying about how to pay the rent or their mortgage, buy food, and get the basics for their family, they are in a better position to look for solutions for more complex issues in their community. As it is now, many people don’t have the time or energy to worry about more than their basic daily needs. It’s tough for families.”
WHY SHOULD SOMEONE VOTE FOR YOU?
Fairman believes that ‘everyday’ people across the North matter and their voices need to be heard.
“I’ve been listening to Northerners, which is the most important thing to me during this campaign. Normal, everyday people hold the key to the issues we are facing. It’s also key for me to increase voter turnout. In my view, this really depends on people feeling like their voice matters. I am in communities of all sizes across the North to listen to all voices and to represent their concerns. People should be able to have trust in the system and should feel confident that they will be heard when they speak. I want to hear from you. Get out and vote, make your voice heard!”
FINAL THOUGHTS:
“I am really inspired by all the people I have talked to in the community. Many people are already doing some important work to provide leadership in these difficult times. It would be an honour to work for you and bring your valuable voices to Ottawa”
True North FM has reached out to all of the NWT candidates with the same questions and will share their responses once they have been given.
