A few Northern leaders say they're encouraged that the Northwest Territories' new MP will be part of the sitting government.

Rebecca Alty is the new NWT MP-elect with a winning total of 8,854 votes, returning a Liberal to Ottawa.

"It's great the NWT has an MP from the party that's going to form government," said Inuvik mayor Peter Clarkson. "I think we always have more leverage and input into government and ensuring that the North and Arctic are on the radar screen of the federal government.

"Hopefully this government can move forward with issues that are important to Canadians. Look at the economy, look at housing. Arctic security and the infrastructure needs in the Arctic are still priority, no matter who is in government. Ensuring our communities are good places for people to live. If we don't have people living in the Arctic, we don't have Arctic security."

Clarkson noted much of the infrastructure in the North was due to for replacement. He said he was encouraged by plans to establish larger military hubs but wanted to see a greater presence by the Canadian Forces in the North, particularly around the Beaufort Delta.

Having a former mayor and head of the NWT Association of Communities as MP will also be beneficial as she is well aware of the difficulties facing municipalities in the North, added Clarkson.

Norman Wells mayor Frank Pope concurred, noting that all three candidates were good but having an MP as part of the government would be good for the North.

He said the government should prioritize the all season road to the Sahtu, as well as tackle the deficit and rebuild the economy strategically.

"First priority is to put Dictator  Trump in his place," he said. "Then work to have all provinces and territories have open trade borders. Do not allow Trump in to Canada he is a convicted criminal."

Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart, who is also the secretary for the federal Liberal Party's riding association in the NWT, said the top priority for the federal government should be the economy and the way to progress that in the North was through military spending and resource development.

"We need Ottawa to take the heavy lifting with investments," he said. "We need to fast track a lot of resource development. With so much of our regulatory decisions in the hands of the federal government, they need to be a part of that process. We need a significant amount of defence infrastructure, deployment and spending to secure the North.

"Not just in a way that looks good in a photo-op like sailing an icebreaker through the Northwest Passage, but actual boots on the ground that will bring more families to the North, more active reservists that can contribute to the local economy."

He attributed the Grits' success in the North to their many investments in infrastructure and aggressive work on reconciliation.

From this new government he said he hopes to see more of that, noting programs like pharmacare, dental care and $10-a-day child care are essential to reduce the cost of living.

"That was a lifesaver for my family," he said. "We went from paying $1,300 a month per kid to less than half of that. So I want to see more of that, for sure."

Testart said more work needs to be done to settle outstanding land claims as well.

With Canada's first Northern-born prime minister, Testart said the NWT had an opportunity to be far more visible in Ottawa.

He noted Alty's main job will be to remind Carney of his origins and keep the North on top of the agenda in cabinet.

Clarkson said he was more skeptical that Carney's Northern origins would translate into a major shift in how the North is handled in Ottawa, but remained cautiously optimistic.

"At least he knows where the NWT is," said Clarkson.

Pope was more skeptical, saying that while Carney was born in the North, "he is not a Northerner. I hope he proves me wrong."

Hay River Mayor Kandis Jameson told SA国际影视传媒 on April 29 that sheSA国际影视传媒檚 not surprised with how everything turned out. 

SA国际影视传媒淩ebecca is well-known, she knows a lot of people and sheSA国际影视传媒檚 very gung-ho,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淚SA国际影视传媒檝e worked with her as part of the NWT Association of Communities in recent years and she really cares about the territory.SA国际影视传媒� 

As for what she wants to see for Hay River, Jameson said sheSA国际影视传媒檚 hoping there will be work on housing, addictions and economic development. 

SA国际影视传媒淎ddictions is an issue that affects every community in the NWT,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淵ou like to think youSA国际影视传媒檙e in your own small world and that it canSA国际影视传媒檛 happen here, but weSA国际影视传媒檝e seen far too often that no community is immune.SA国际影视传媒� 

Premier R.J. Simpson issued his own congratulatory statement to the Liberals and Alty on Tuesday morning. 

In it, he touted CarneySA国际影视传媒檚 connection to the North having been born in Fort Smith and that he looks forward to meeting with him as soon as possible. 

SA国际影视传媒滻 look forward to building a strong and productive partnership focused on unlocking the full potential of the North for the benefit of all Canadians,SA国际影视传媒� he stated. SA国际影视传媒淎s a proud Northerner, (Alty) brings a deep understanding of the territorySA国际影视传媒檚 people, challenges, and opportunities. I look forward to working with her to deliver results for Northerners in Ottawa.SA国际影视传媒� 

The Liberals are going to form a minority government with 169 seats, just short of the required 172 for a majority. The Conservatives have 144 seats, while the NDP fell to just seven, meaning they will lose party status in the House of Commons. A minimum of 12 seats is required to be an official party.