The Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs Paulie Chinna declared an NWT-wide state of emergency earlier this week. It took three days for the government to inform the public. A news release sent Friday says Chinna declared the state of emergency on Tuesday, March 24. “We’re just releasing it today…
Earlier this week, more than a dozen NWT lawyers called on corrections facilities to release inmates temporarily to protect them from an outbreak while in jail. The territorial Department of Justice has since said it is “looking to use Temporary Absences to allow inmates to return to the community where…
The Government of the Northwest Territories has clarified travel restrictions for Albertans near the border. Smith’s Landing First Nation and Fort Fitzgerald residents are only allowed to enter the NWT to get gas, groceries, go to the post office or access health services. Fuel and water delivery to these communities…
Minister of Education, Culture and Employment R.J. Simpson spoke with education leaders across the territory on Tuesday to recommend keeping all schools closed until the fall. The move, according to a news release is, “due to the significant health concerns posed by COVID-19 and the importance of following direction from…
The Northern Arts Cultural Centre (NACC) launched an online fundraiser today to support performing artists in its mentorship program during the COVID-19 pandemic. NACC’s goal is to raise $16,000, or $2,000 for each of the eight artists in the program by April 8. According to a NACC news release, “All…
Yellowknife resident Trudy Hause is encouraging everyone to show their support for health care providers and other essential services during the COVID-19 outbreak tonight by banging pots and pans outside. “Let them echo through the city,” Hause said. “Get out and beat your pots and pans to show your appreciation…
The Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation has closed its urban healing camp in Yellowknife to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The camp directors decided to do so last week. However, now it says it will have phone sessions for Indigenous people needing support across the territory. Phone sessions will be between…
The territorial government’s Department of Health and Social Services (HSS) is now offering virtual care to make sure that health care provides can continue to address the needs of patients safely and effectively while reducing the potential spread of infection. According to an HSS advisory – the department will be…
The Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) has now developed a risk assessment tool to guide employers in determining if a worker can safely be on the worksite under the current direction of the Chief Public Health Officer of the Northwest Territories. In a news release, the commission states that…
The Yellowknife Education District No. 1 has decided to close all of its schools for the rest of the academic year. The YK1 board passed the motion at a special meeting on Tuesday. In a notice about the decision, the board said its “focus is contingency planning, staff wellness and…