Articles by James O'Connor

Featured, Justice, News, Politics October 21, 2024

Drug-fuelled violence in Fort McPherson has MLA pleading for help

Also in the NWT Assembly on Monday, rough roads in Mackenzie Delta, and catcalls for a snippy Finance Minister


Pointing to an alleged drug-related knife-point hostage taking in Teetł’it Zheh (Fort McPherson), Mackenzie Delta MLA George Nerysoo continued his plea from last week for help from the territorial government to fight what he called a crisis situation in communities in his riding. “During the past week in my community…

Environment, Featured, News, Politics, Transportation, Wildfires October 18, 2024

Cash-strapped GNWT to ask Ottawa to raise $1.8B debt limit

Natural disasters, strained health-care system, have pummelled territory's finances, says Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek


As drought conditions and wildfires have dried up the territory’s finances, the GNWT will now ask Ottawa to raise the debt level cap beyond the current $1.8 billion borrowing limit, says Finance Minister Carolyn Wawzonek. In an update to the Assembly on Friday, Wawzonek noted Marine Transportation Services, the Northwest…

Featured, News October 18, 2024

State memorial service for former Commissioner Tony Whitford tomorrow

Tributes continue to pour in for former Speaker; call made for legacy project with naming of GNWT building


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…

Environment, Featured, News, Politics, Reconciliation, Transportation, Weather, Wildfires October 17, 2024

‘We are in a dire situation right now,’ says Deputy Premier Caroline Wawzonek

Low water levels this year, climate change overall draining NWT's coffers; Sahtu region in pricing crisis as winter approaches


The Members of the Legislative Assembly were back in session Thursday after their summer break. And the “humanitarian crisis” in the Sahtu region, especially with cost-of-living and fuel shortages in Norman Wells, MLAs entered into and emergency debate following a motion by Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart. At the time…

Featured, News, Wildfires October 16, 2024

Better assessment of tree hazards, tougher protective gear, needed for wildland firefighters

NWT Chief Coroner Garth Eggenberger issues nine recommendations following the death of Adam Yeadon near his home of Fort Liard last July


The territory’s Chief Coroner Garth Eggenberger has issued nine recommendations for the GNWT’s Department of Environment and Climate Change following the death of wildland firefighter Adam Yeadon on July 15, 2023. The 25-year old died battling a blaze near after being hit by a falling tree his home community of…

Featured, Health, Housing, News, Transportation October 11, 2024

Youth sobering centre and street outreach program needed in Yellowknife, says group

HomeBase YK says there is a gap for the 'crisis our youth are facing' when experiencing homelessness, addiction or both


An organization working with vulnerable youth in Yellowknife says there is a need for a Safe Sobering Site for youth, especially as winter approaches. HomeBase YK says youth under the age of 19 experiencing homelessness, addiction or both do not have any type of street outreach program or sobering space…

Featured, News, Politics October 10, 2024

MLA Richard Edjericon’s smear campaign chases terrified senior nurse out of the Northwest Territories

Integrity Commissioner recommends reprimand and $2,500 fine, as the Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh rep's campaign was based on 'innuendo, hearsay and rumours'


“(The MLA) has not brought forward to senior management, a single complaint containing a specific scenario or situation, which would indicate racism or incompetence. He has not provided any evidence to substantiate his claim that I am ‘killing people.’” – Nurse Jennifer Patterson The NWT Legislative Assembly’s Integrity Commissioner has…

Featured, News, Politics, Reconciliation October 8, 2024

‘Voice of the North’ bends ears of Ottawa power brokers in advance of budget

'NWT council of leaders is not just a forum for discussions; it is a catalyst for action,' says Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty


The NWT Council of Leaders can be “the voice of the North,” when it comes to lobbying Ottawa to advance some of the major projects the territory needs to survive, thrive and compete with southern Canada. On its first group trip to meet with federal officials, Premier RJ Simpson and…

Featured, Health, News, Police October 4, 2024

Inquest rules Tuk woman accidentally died of alcohol poisoning while in RCMP custody

Sylvia Panaktalok, 54, was found extremely intoxicated on the steps of a residence on a summer night in 2021


A coroner’s inquest has found a Tuktoyaktuk woman accidentally died of alcohol poisoning while in RCMP custody in 2021. The jury at the hearing in Inuvik this week also made 11 recommendations for the RCMP, territorial government and NGOs. Shortly before 10 p.m. on July 31, 2021, a call was…

Education, Featured, News October 3, 2024

Former premier Joe Handley honoured for ‘exceptional contribution’ to Canadian life

The NWT's 10th premier currently serves as chairperson of Aurora College's Board of Governors


Former NWT premier and current Aurora College board chair Joe Handley will be honoured on October 14 with the prestigious Symon’s Medal at a ceremony in Charlottetown. Handley was premier of the Northwest Territories from 2003 to 2007, after beginning his professional life as an educator in both elementary and…