Articles by Francis Tessier-Burns

Community, Featured, Health, News January 8, 2021

Lack of engagement creating ‘barriers’ for COVID vaccine rollout: MLA Semmler

GNWT says special vaccine characteristics easier to account for with mobile teams.


Lesa Semmler says she feels like the territorial government is trying to reinvent the wheel when it comes to administering the COVID-19 vaccine. The Inuvik-Twin Lakes MLA says the GNWT should do more to leverage local healthcare workers in the regional centres to get the vaccine to communities. The COVID-19…

Community, Featured, Health, News January 6, 2021

Remote communities first to receive vaccines for all eligible adults

Vaccines for the general population will arrive in mid-March. 


Residents in the NWT’s most remote communities should expect to see mobile vaccination teams arrive starting next week. On Tuesday, the territorial government released its strategy to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. While the majority of doses will be kept for priority groups over the next two months, some communities will…

Community, Featured, Health, News December 17, 2020

One person diagnosed with COVID-19 in Fort Smith

The territory’s new rapid test machines have diagnosed on case of COVID-19 in Fort Smith. In a public health advisory, officials say the individual recently returned from travel outside of the NWT and is isolating at home with one other person. There is no additional exposure risk. The ID Now…

Community, Featured, Life Style, News December 17, 2020

NWT residents can expect faster internet at better prices in next 3 years: Northwestel president

Curtis Shaw, Northwestel’s president, says every NWT community will have upgraded internet speeds at better prices in the next three years. During a committee meeting on Wednesday, Shaw presented his company’s plan to improve internet services with the help of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commissionthe broadband fund. Northwestel will…

Community, Featured, Health, Justice, News December 15, 2020

Alberta police investigating alleged sexual harassment complaints at Poundmaker’s Lodge

Poundmaker’s is one of six southern facilities residents are sent to for treatment, but the only one with a focus on Indigenous healing.


Two complaints of inappropriate sexual behaviour at Poundmaker’s Lodge are currently being investigated by police. Poundmaker’s is one of the facilities the territorial government sends NWT residents to for alcohol and drug treatment. The centre is located in St. Albert, Alta. “We are aware of the allegations against Poundmaker’s and…

Community, Featured, Industry, News December 15, 2020

Inuvialuit, Gwich’in team up to build new contracting company

The Inuvialuit Development Corporation and Gwich’in Development Corporation have come together to create Delta North Alliance, a general contracting company. In a news release, the partners say the company will “pursue work in areas of common interest in the Mackenzie Delta.” Leaders mentioned the historic relationship between the Inuvialuit and…

Community, Featured, Health, News December 12, 2020

Individual diagnosed with COVID-19 in Hay River

One person has tested positive for COVID-19 in Hay River. A public health notice says the person was tested after returning from domestic travel. They are now isolating and doing well, according Dr. Kami Kandola, chief public health officer. Her office identified two flights with possible exposure risk stemming from…