What followed was an informal Q&A between Mulcair, Saganash, and the audience. Moderated by the multilingual Laakuluk Williamson Bathory, the evening's conversations took place in a mix of English, French, Inuktitut, and Cree. Saganash and Mulcair stood in the spotlight, fielding questions about topics like economic development, social policy, electoral reform, and language laws. Here are a few of their responses:

On seismic testing: Mulcair stated that "the science should be allowed to prevail" and noted that he had imposed a moratorium on seismic testing in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in 2004, when he was Quebec's Minister of the Environment. He expressed his disappointment that the North has become "the world's laboratory for climate change" and vowed not to continue that trend.

On food insecurity in the North: Recalling Federal Minister James Moore's comment that it is not the Federal government's job to "feed my neighbour's child," Mulcair responded by saying, "I think it is my responsibility if my neighbour's child doesn't have enough to eat."

On child welfare and social determinants of health: Mulcair's NDP is focused on the relation between social settings and outcomes. For this reason, if elected, an NDP government will implement a National Childcare Program - and Mulcair personally promised that Tumikuluit Saipaaqivik, Iqaluit's Inuktitut daycare, would get the 75 spots it needs to fulfill its wait-list.

On affordable housing: The NDP believes that it is the obligation of the federal government to work with provincial/territorial and municipal governments to create a National Housing Policy. That one is not currently in place baffles Mulcair, as he sees Canada as "a wealthy country" with no excuse for poor housing.

On northern broadband connectivity: For Mulcair, "economic development includes the tools," and this must include high-speed, reliable Internet, an important resource for business and communication. Exploring other options for broadband in Canada's North was highlighted as a priority by Mulcair.

On an inquiry on missing and murdered indigenous women: Without hesitation and with passion, Mulcair reiterated his stance that an NDP government will launch a commission on missing and murdered indigenous women in their first 100 days of power.

On Nunavut in general: Saganash stated during his opening speech that "the future of Canada is Northern Canada." Mulcair went on to say that the North's greatest resource is its people, and thus sees socially-driven policies as smart investments. Throughout their answers, both Mulcair and Saganash reflected on the particular and peculiar realities of the North, be they environmental, political, or social.