N.W.T. MLAs compile wish list of projects for coming session

Northwest Territories MLAs revealed their wishlist for the next four years Friday, and despite calls to keep the list short and sweet it runs to 25 items.

Some, like building a better relationship with aboriginal governmentsand settling outstanding land claimshave been front and centre in this assembly since day one.

Othersreflect a new crop of MLAsthat are socially and community-minded. Voters selected 11 new MLAsin November's territorial election.

Some of those priorities include :

• more safe, affordable housing,
• a focus on mental health and addictions,
• universal affordable childcare, and
• ways to increase the number of women running for office.

"It is an ambitious list for sure and it probably costs more money than we have, so that's why this is going to be an iterative process where cabinet goes away now and looks at what can be accomplished with the resources available and then comes back again," said Yellowknife Centre MLA Julie Green.

MLAs used to set priorities in secret, but this time the planning session was open to the public.

For the first time in many years, MLAswill conduct a mid-term review to ensure they're on track. That review will take place in two years.

In another move to boost accountability, the code of conduct forelected officials specifically mentions the need to follow the laws of the N.W.T. and Canada. And MLAswill now be required sign the code.