N.W.T. has one 1 official, and 1 unofficial, candidate for the next federal election

The next federal election may not be until the fall of 2025, but some federal parties have declared their candidates in the Northwest Territories.

After announcing his decision not to seek re-election next year, N.W.T.'s Liberal MP, Michael McLeod, told CBC it will be important for the next candidate to focus on some key improvements.

"The issue of land claims and self-government is still there, we haven't resolved all our negotiations … we need Indigenous governments to stand shoulder to shoulder with us," McLeod said.

He also highlighted the territory's challenges around climate change.

"We are experiencing this more than any other jurisdiction … Right now water levels are so low on the Mackenzie River, our resupply barges can't travel down the river anymore, so it's increasing the cost of living of the communities depending on it," McLeod said.

The Liberals have not yet announced a candidate for the N.W.T.

The three-term MP also expressed confidence in the current Liberal Party leadership.

"I think a change in the messaging is more important than changing the leadership," McLeod said.

Jackie Jacobson files appeal to Conservatives 

Matthew Lacusta, president of the N.W.T. Conservative Electoral District Association, told CBC an appeal was filed by former Nunakput MLA Jackie Jacobson on July 5 after the candidate election, and they are still deciding on the official N.W.T. Conservative candidate.

Former Nunakput MLA Jackie Jacobson has filed an appeal with the Conservative Party of Canada, but the N.W.T. Conservatives didn't offer any further details. (Julie Plourde/CBC)

"The board is aware that there was an appeal filed by Jackie Jacobson to the National Conservative Party of Canada, and that is being reviewed currently," Lacusta said.

He said the board is not part of the appeal process, so they are unaware of the details of the appeal.

Unofficially, Kimberly Fairman is the candidate after receiving the most votes, Lacusta said.

"Because of the appeal, it has stopped the official appointment. So until we have confirmation from the national party, unofficially Kimberly Fairman is the candidate".

Last year, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and the N.W.T. NDP team nominated Kelvin Kotchilea as their candidate for the next election.

CBC News tried reaching out to Kotchilea, but he wasn't available for an interview.