Articles by James O'Connor

A clearly frustrated elected official from a small Gwich’in community says complaints of drug dealing in public housing are ignored by authorities at all levels. Mackenzie Delta MLA George Nerysoo said he was confronted on the weekend by residents of his home community, Teetl’it Zheh (Fort McPherson), who are fed…

Vaccine hesitancy and online misinformation are weakening trust in the science, leaving residents — especially elders and children — vulnerable to preventable diseases, says Health Minister Lesa Semmler. Measles vaccination rates amongst two-year-olds have dropped from nearly 90-per-cent in 2019 to just over 82-per-cent in 2024 — well below the…

Take a hike Jack and Jim — that’s Daniels and Beam, respectively — as American-made alcohol products will no longer be purchased by the NWT Liquor and Cannabis Commission. That’s one of the only direct moves the NWT can take at present to protest United States President Donald Trump’s 25-per-cent…

Open and respectful communication between all Members is the most essential feature of consensus government. While it is impossible to reach unanimous agreement on all issues, the opportunity for all Members to have meaningful input into important decisions is fundamental. – From Consensus Government in the NWT Guiding Principles The…

On Friday, Dehcho MLA Sheryl Yakeleya raised the longstanding issue of cell reception dead zones along major highways, especially the busy stretch between Fort Providence-Behchokǫ̀-Yellowkife. “People have safety concerns regarding the inability to call for help if something were to happen while travelling on our highways,” said Yakeleya. “Some people…

Education, Culture and Employment Minister Caitlin Cleveland issued a statement on Pink Shirt Day about how important it is for everyone to feel safe and accepted for who they are. “By wearing pink, we promote safe environments, free from bullying and harassment, for everyone. It is a call to take…