Special passes are now available to NWT residents traveling between Fort Smith and neighbouring towns in Alberta. The GNWT said in a press release the checkpoint between the NWT and Alberta was created to provide protection from COVID-19. However, the territory has established exceptions, implemented by passes that ensure safe…
Reconciliation and universal basic income are two policies voters can expect from Courtney Howard’s platform for the federal Green Party leadership race. In a virtual press conference Thursday, Howard, a Yellowknife-based emergency physician, said the platform would not be available until July, but addressed what she has planned for it….
You’d be forgiven to think non-residents (other than essential workers) weren’t allowed to enter the NWT. However, now the Government of the Northwest Territories is saying that isn’t the case. “While the (chief public health officer) does not have the authority to prohibit Canadians from entering the NWT, she does…
The territorial government has extended the public health emergency and state of emergency until June 23. The government can only extend the states of emergency for two weeks at a time. There have been no cases of COVID-19 in the NWT since April 5, but Premier Caroline Cochrane said in…
Yellowknife summer day camp registration opens Tuesday. However, camps can’t begin until Phase 2 from the Emerging Wisely plan is implemented by the chief public health officer. This is expected to be in mid-to-late June and refunds will be issued if it’s delayed, a press release said. Camps will operate…
Aurora College has developed a plan for the fall semester, offering tuition refunds and primarily distance education classes. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of courses will be delivered by distance, but there are plans for safe “face-to-face instruction,” a press release said. Some courses are not…
The Dene national chief says the community should use their time in isolation as opportunity to reflect. “If you look at the flip side of it, it’s a golden opportunity to take a step back from this modern lifestyle, modern world,” said Dene National Chief Norman Yakeleya. One of those…
The Northwest Territories government is taking greater precautions by having some of the personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies be made within the territory. Lisa Giovannetti, communications officer at NTHSSA (Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority) stressing the importance of quality assurance, she said, “all vendors that we purchase…
Even COVID-19 can’t stop patio season. As a way to combat virus transmission, the City of Yellowknife is encouraging restaurants to open outdoor spaces to meet physical distancing rules. The city said in a press release, restaurant owners in designated areas downtown can receive up $10,000 for the installation of…
The NorthWords Writers Festival will be hosting the annual event online this year. In a notice on its website, organizers wrote this year’s event would be a scaled-down version — although it will include the usual workshops, panel discussions and readings by authors. Valerie Gamache, executive director of NorthWords NWT,…