Politics

Diamond mines to receive ‘targeted’ financial relief from territorial government

Measures a response to 'to urgent economic concerns,' from industry leaders and Indigenous development corporations, say cabinet ministers


The NWT’s largest industry and biggest contributor to the economy will receive targeted government financial relief in response to growing financial pressures and industry-wide uncertainty. The GNWT stated that its actions are designed to maintain economic stability, support local employment and businesses, and sustain decades of Indigenous economic partnership and…



Dene Nation to take ‘immediate and unified action’ as drug crimes continue at crisis levels

Following several recent shootings and homicides, the Dene Nation calls for policy and legislative changes to bolster community safety


The Dene Nation is taking “urgent action” to confront the rising tide of drug-related crimes that threaten communities in the Northwest Territories. This month, the Dene Nation will host a Leadership Discussion on Justice and the State of Emergency in Denendeh, stated a release on Wednesday. Dene leaders will gather…


Cabinet shuffle sees Premier Simpson hand off some of his responsibilities

Environment and Climate Change Minister Jay Macdonald adds Justice file; Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek adds newly created portfolio of Strategic Infrastructure, Energy and Supply Chains


“Now that we’re more than a year into this government’s mandate, it’s a good time to take stock and make adjustments to ensure we’re set up to deliver. Northerners expect a government that gets things done, and that’s what we’re focused on.” — Premier R.J. Simpson NWT Premier R.J. Simpson…



Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę members vote on self-government agreement

If ratified the Indigenous government will take effect in 2026


Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę members are casting their ballots during the ratification process for a final self-government agreement – marking the last step toward establishing the Northwest Territories’ newest Indigenous government. “I think it’s a new horizon, and it’s something we should take a risk on because we finally got a deal,”…


Private smoking in public housing to be butted out across the NWT

Policy to be implemented in a staged approach for Housing NWT-owned units, including market rentals


Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana on Thursday told the NWT Assembly smoking will not be permitted in all new buildings and in any new or amended leases for existing public housing and market rentals. She said: “Eliminating smoking in our owned units will have positive health outcomes for our residents and…


Elders can be financially, emotionally abused by family members seeking cash for illegal drugs

'I've heard about people pressuring elders for pension cheque money. It's like they are trapped, and their money belongs to others,' says MLA Sheryl Yakeleya


Seniors are too often mistreated by the very people responsible for their care, this can include financial abuse by younger family members pressuring them for cash to buy illegal drugs, says an MLA. Dehcho MLA Sheryl Yakeleya told the NWT Assembly on Wednesday that there is an urgent need to…


‘Policies and procedures protect the criminals,’ says angry MLA

Mackenzie Delta's George Nerysoo says Housing NWT units in Fort McPherson are openly used as drug dens


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…


Problems, solutions emerge in hearing on closure of 19 Community Learning Centres

'For the past 10 to 15, years, (the) Centres have become increasingly problematic, with low enrolment, high costs,' says Aurora College President Angela James


Aurora College President Angela James might not want to visit Fort Good Hope anytime soon after a remark she made about the closing of Community Learning Centres caught the ear of two MLAs at a hearing Thursday morning. James was justifying the abrubt closure of 19 Community Learning Centres across…