MLAs representing communities outside the city are giving their thoughts on what they want to hear from the candidates running in the federal election campaign.

Monfwi MLA Jane Weyallon Armstrong said that with mines closing, the majority of her constituents risk facing unemployment. 

"That was a steady income for many of our people," she said. "So we need something to replace that."

Education is also a primary concern for Weyallon Armstrong as she wants the federal government to help the NWT improve its educational outcomes through more programs and resources, in particular for youth. 

Long-term, she said she wants to make sure the next generation will be equipped to enter the workforce.

"It would be nice if we had our own homegrown doctors," she said.

She also wants to see all outstanding land claims settled so the territory can move forward.

Weyallon Armstrong said she hasn't met with any of the candidates yet during this campaign, but noted she received an email from Liberal candidate Rebecca Alty earlier this week. 

She has plans to meet with Alty next week when she stops in Behchoko and would also like to meet with the other candidates face-to-face is possible.

Inuvik Boot Lake MLA Denny Rodgers said he currently plans on sitting down with both Alty and Conservative candidate Kimberly Fairman to talk about their platforms and issues he wants to see addressed during the next government.

Rodgers noted they are the only two so far to reach out. 

"I am happy to speak with all candidates - I just haven't heard anything from the others yet," he said.

Infrastructure spending remains on the top of the GNWT's list as a government, Rodgers said, specifically support for the Mackenzie Valley Highway. 

He added that defence and sovereignty spending are critical to his region, noting that Inuvik has a Forward Operating Location and a NORAD base already.

Both are in need of a significant upgrade, he noted, and Ottawa if plans to spend on defence, it should be done in the Arctic.

Rodgers added that natural gas development could also have a major impact on the territory's economy, saying it would not only bring jobs, but also revenue for the GNWT to increase programming around housing, health, addictions and education. 

Sahtu MLA Danny McNeely said his concerns are common across all 33 communities in the NWT with mental health, addiction and housing as some of his primary concerns.

Employment in his constituency and Arctic sovereignty are also top of mind for McNeely.

"We, the Northwest Territories and the Sahtu, need a lot of help," said McNeely.

McNeely said he hasn't met with any of the candidates yet, but is trying to set up a meeting with Alty. Should he meet her, he said he'll reaffirm his previously mentioned concerns.

"With the limited amount of fiscal capacity with the GNWT, there's only so much the government in the Northwest Territories can do to make improvements or move the needle a little bit higher than what it is," said McNeely, describing the territory as resource-rich but cash-poor.

McNeely also credited each candidate for their efforts and wished them all the best of luck. 

"It's always admirable,鈥� he said. 鈥淧eople running for public office should be complimented on their efforts to try to make a difference in their public representation."

Election day is April 28.