Politics

Featured, News, Politics March 4, 2025

American liquor purchases frozen, as GNWT does what it can in Trump Trade War

'It might be a difficult few years for us, but I know that we're going to stay united and we're going to resist,' says Premier R.J. Simpson


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…

Featured, News, Politics March 3, 2025

Speaker to MLAs: ‘We were not elected to quarrel and bicker’

Shane Thompson admonishes NWT Assembly after two MLA complaints in one week over conduct of their peers


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…

Featured, News, Politics February 28, 2025

Cell service dead zones, cash for communities and another upset MLA round out the week

The availability of consumer cell phones with emergency satellite connectivity could alleviate some drivers' concerns, says Minister Wawzonek


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…

Featured, News, Politics, Weather February 28, 2025

Norman Wells is ‘a community living in fear,’ says Sahtu MLA

NWT Assembly passes motion declaring a humanitarian state of emergency for the regional centre


The Sahtu region’s hub of Norman Wells is in a dire situation, with residents living in fear and some already choosing to move away, says MLA Danny McNeely. The MLA presented a motion declaring a state of emergency for Norman Wells due to severe impacts from climate change, including rising…

Featured, News, Politics February 27, 2025

Bullying on rise beyond our borders thanks to ‘odious’ American president, says MLA

As NWT Assembly marks Pink Shirt Day, calls made to speak up for equality and acceptance of everyone


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…

Featured, History, News, Politics, Reconciliation February 26, 2025

Ancestral remains at Fort Resolution residential school site can’t be moved

Process to update Archeological Sites Act is underway; but family of girl whose remains are in gravesite want to hold proper burial


The elderly sister of a young girl who died while at St. Joseph’s Mission residential school at Fort Resolution is desperate to honour a promise she made to their mother. That was to have the young girl’s remains exhumed, to be re-interred beside her mother gravesite at Fort Smith. However,…

Featured, News, Politics February 24, 2025

Ottawa provides $7M for Indigenous-led protected and conserved areas

Canada–NWT Nature Agreement promises to advance nature-related priorities in collaboration with Indigenous governments


Ottawa and the GNWT today announced the Canada–Northwest Territories Nature Agreement, designed to advance nature-related priorities, in collaboration with Indigenous governments, across the territory. The two levels of government have agreed to an initial investment of $7 million in the fiscal year 2025–2026. The agreement will be supported by up…

Featured, News, Politics February 19, 2025

Traditional activities, lower taxes could provide cover in Trump’s threatened trade war, say NWT leaders

‘This is … an unhinged U.S. president who is forgetting who his friends are and turning them into enemies,’ says MLA Kieron Testart


U.S. President Donald Trump has a callous heart and he should be ashamed of himself for threatening what would be an illegal trade war with Canada. That’s what some NWT political leaders had to say on Denendeh Sunrise on Wednesday about Trump’s tariff threats, which are in limbo until the…

Featured, News, Politics February 14, 2025

Three MLAs stand up to cabinet, say they aren’t being listened to

'We are going to save our consensus government system and keep the NWT strong and free,' says MLA Kieron Testart


“We’re here to set the record straight. We’re here to save the consensus government. The future of the NWT has never been under such a great threat.” – Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart A trio of MLAs that are fed up with the performance of Premier R.J. Simpson and his…

Featured, News, Politics February 13, 2025

‘Monumental accomplishment for Indigenous peoples; the GNWT honoured to be part of it.”

Our Land for the Future agreement funding by partners anticipated to flow by mid-year, says Minister Jay Macdonald


One of the most significant achievements of 2024 for Environment and Climate Change Minister Jay Macdonald was the finalization of the Our Land for the Future agreement. The funding, $300 million from the Government of Canada and $75 million from private donors is now expected to start flowing by the…