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Campaigning on brotherly love

The political process of Canada's Northwest Territories is as unique as its landscape. There are no political parties. Instead, candidates are elected by the community based largely on family ties and personality. The N.W.T. has seen dramatic changes from its days of "benign neglect" before 1950 to the evolution of its current consensus-style of government. Deeply rooted in native tradition, the Northwest Territories' distinct form of government has been described as the most interesting parliamentary system in the world.

Improvements are desperately needed in areas such as education, housing and health in the Northwest Territories. The N.W.T. also has one of the highest costs of living in Canada. Up here in the North, explains candidate Bob Lyall in this CBC Television clip, a litre of milk sells for $5.49 and a pound of butter costs $5.97. The soaring cost of living, coupled with high unemployment is becoming a crucial election issue.

That issue is one that Bob Lyall's opponent, who just happens to be his brother, is campaigning on as well. In the sparsely populated North, elections can pit friends and family members against one another. But Bob Lyall insists there are no hard feelings, just brotherly love, as he gives his opponent and brother Bill Lyall a big kiss.
• It hasn't all been about brotherly love in Canada's North. Name-calling and personal attacks in the legislature have become common, as epitomized by Nick Sibbeston. In 1982, Sibbeston, a Métis and a long time MLA, showcased his infamous temper when he punched another MLA in the head. Ironically, the incident occurred during a heated discussion about order and decorum.

• Nick Sibbeston was the government leader from 1985 to 1987.
• While government leader, Sibbeston made headlines again when he threw a coffee cup at the Speaker.
Medium: Television
Program: The National
Broadcast Date: Oct. 4, 1987
Guest(s): Bob Lyall, Billy Lyall, John Ningark
Host: Peter Mansbridge
Reporter: Whit Fraser
Duration: 3:41

Last updated: January 24, 2012

Page consulted on August 21, 2012

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