An official memorial service will take place to honour the life of former NWT Commissioner Tony Whitford on Saturday at the NWT Legislative Assembly starting at 2 p.m.
Whitford, 83, who served as an MLA and Speaker, passed away at 5 a.m. September 16th at Stanton Territorial Hospital.
In the Assembly this week, Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins recalled his long friendship with Whitford.
The GNWT’s barrier free apartment building on 52nd Street. (Photo courtesy of Google Street View)
He called for a legacy initiative by the GNWT, so Whitford’s name will live on in public for future generations.
“He was such a special person,” Hawkins said. “That’s why, in 2015 I requested the government name the new government building, which was unnamed at the time, the Whitford Building. But it was not to be.”
However, the GNWT’s barrier-free building on 53rd Street, remains unnamed.
“I call upon this government to do the right thing, set aside bureaucratic processes and protracted policies and needless debate that doesn’t have to happen,” said Hawkins.
“Take the courage and name the 53 Street building the Whitford Building, which would be a fitting honor for a man for a building that was built to give people hope and dignity.”
Minister of Housing Lucy Kuptana said she needs to examine the naming process and will discuss the request with cabinet.
As a large number of mourners are expected, an overflow area with a large screen will be set up in the nearby Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. A Zoom link is also available.
