Hay River North | Robert Bouchard, Karen Felker, Rocky (R.J.) Simpson

It's a three-way race in Hay River North as incumbent Robert Bouchard tries to win a second term.

This constituency was held for many years by former Assembly speak PaulDelorey, who opted not to run again in 2011. Bouchard, a longtime towncouncillor,captured the seat in a competitive three-way race last time out.

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One ot two ridings in the N.W.T.'s second-largest community, Hay River Northis comprised of Vale Island in the river delta, and the north tip of mainland Hay River, ending at Poplar and Riverview roads. It also includes the West Point First Nation and the West Channel fishing village, as well as shipyards and transportation industry services.

Hay River has struggled economically in recent years, thanks to a decline in industry that's meant a slowdown in shipping and transportation. But steps to counteract that decline have been made in agriculture and fishing.

Robert Bouchard

A Hay Rivertown councillor for 11 years, Bouchardwas born and raised in The Hub. After earning a bachelor's degree in management from the University of Lethbridge he went into business in Hay River and also worked for five years as an economic development officer for the territorial government.

Bouchardsays his priority for asecond term is finding ways to kickstartHay River's economy. He would push to get the town's harbour dredged to make life easier for shipping and other marine traffic, work to boost the fishing industry and try to secure more jobs for the riding through further decentralization of the territorial government. Bouchard also says the territorial government needs to communicate better and be more transparent.

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Karen Felker

Born and raised on the West Channel side of Vale Island,Felkerattended high school in Hay River before upgrading through Aurora College. She also studied at Red Deer College in Alberta. Felker served as chief of the West Point First Nation. She's also worked at the First Nation's group home and the family support centre in Hay River. Felker said she's worked closely with other First Nations and Mtisorganizations over the years.

Felker says her main priority is to find ways to boost Hay River's flagging economy. She's concerned about the number of families leaving the community. To turn things around, she says Hay River needs to lobby for a greater share of government jobs and make it easier for local companies to get contracts. There should be more local procurement and hiring, as well as action to reduce power costs, including renewable energy, she says.

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Rocky (R.J.) Simpson

At 35, Simpson is the youngest candidate in the Hay River North race. Last year he completed a law degree from the University of Alberta, after graduating with a bachelor of arts degree from Grant MacEwan University in 2011. Before that he worked for the Hay River MtisNation, the federal government and his family's business, Concept Energy Services, where he did everything from construction to IT and advertising.

Like the other candidates, Simpson says revitalizing Hay River's economy is his most important issue in this election. He wants to bring together industry, small business and government to find ways to improve the economy and "solidify Hay River's reputation as the 'Hub of the North.'" He also wants to see local businesses hire more apprentices and find ways to lure young professionals back from the South after they finish their education.

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