Articles by Francis Tessier-Burns


Minister, CPHO talking isolation exemptions for Yukon travel

"The Dempster Highway is a vital lifeline for the Beaufort-Delta," said Lesa Semmler.


Now that the territorial government is granting isolation exceptions for some Nunavut residents travelling to the NWT, Lesa Semmler wants something similar for residents in the Beaufort-Delta going to the Yukon. “The Dempster Highway is a vital lifeline for the Beaufort-Delta and access to essential services, services they cannot get…



Independent assessment coming for clerk’s office

The Board of Management decided on an assessment of the "culture and atmosphere for the entire office" rather than an investigation into Clerk Tim Mercer.


The Legislative Assembly’s Board of Management has decided to launch an independent workplace assessment of the Office of the Clerk. The decision comes days after reports of multiple complaints against Tim Mercer, the clerk of the Legislative Assembly. Earlier in the week, Tu Nehdé-Wiilideh MLA Steve Norn called for a…


GNWT wants feedback to improve addictions recovery

Residents who currently live with an addiction or have in the past can now have their say in how the territorial government can improve its recovery services. The Department of Health and Social Services has launched a survey asking for information on what services are working, what needs to be…




Trappers affected by Taltson flood eligible for up to $40,000

"I want to let you know that trap season, for a lot of my constituents, is a wash," says MLA Steve Norn.


Trappers whose cabins and equipment remain stuck in blocks of ice due to flooding from the Taltson River are likely eligible for up to $40,000 from the department of Environment and Natural Resources. Shane Thompson, minister of ENR, says the department has increased the compensation amount under its Harvester Disaster…


New Behchokǫ̀ school coming in 2025 at the earliest

Behchokǫ̀ residents will need to wait until 2025 for a new school in their community — and that’s if “everything goes smooth.” R.J. Simpson, minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), said the project hinges on federal funding. But that work is on hold as the territorial government and Tłı̨chǫ…