Latest Election News

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N.W.T. scrapping consumer carbon tax following federal cancellation CBC North
March 19, 2025
...to kill the measure. The N.W.T. is one of three provinces and territories that has its own carbon tax legislation, something Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek said would allow the territory more flexibility to adjust how the tax is applied to northerners. That means that federal changes don't automatically...
Will the NWT’s forgotten ferry ever make a comeback? Cabin Radio
March 17, 2025
... However, asked by Yakeleya if the Merv Hardie is salvageable and could be returned to service somewhere in the system, infrastructure minister Caroline Wawzonek appeared to rule out any comeback. The GNWT “doesn’t have specific plans to attempt to refurbish the Merv Hardie or to get it back up to...
MLA drafts bill that would allow nurses to bargain separately Cabin Radio
March 15, 2025
...North MLA Shauna Morgan has drafted a private member’s bill which, if passed, would allow NWT nurses to pursue their own collective agreements. Currently, nurses are part of the same collective agreement as nearly all other unionized NWT government employees, who are represented by the Union of...
N.W.T. MLAs to discuss separate collective agreement for nurses CBC North
March 14, 2025
...member nurses across different N.W.T. communities. MLA Shauna Morgan proposed the motion Thursday, which she said was the idea of Frame Lake MLA Julian Morse. It was seconded by Monfwi MLA Jane Weyallon Armstrong. (Julie Plourde/Radio-Canada) Motion passed to strengthen support of health-care workers ...
Carney scraps parts of Canada’s carbon tax, GNWT sets out response Cabin Radio
March 14, 2025
...be able to propose any required legislative amendments for consideration by the Legislative Assembly in an upcoming session.” Finance minister Caroline Wawzonek had previously suggested her department could use the same strategy Carney appeared to use on Friday: dropping the tax to zero. Increasing rebates...
Carney scraps parts of Canada’s carbon tax, NWT response not clear Cabin Radio
March 14, 2025
...legislative approval or the recalling of MLAs, who broke for two months on Thursday. In February, Wawzonek – asked by Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins about the prospect of the tax being altered or lifted – said staff were monitoring developments. “We have the option to zero out our values if...
N.W.T. budget passes with $41.6M addition to housing CBC North
March 14, 2025
... "This is probably the single biggest budgetary change, that I'm certainly aware of, ever being made, but we're proud of it," Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek said in the legislature. "It's one that does reflect the priorities of the assembly and I thank my colleagues for getting us here." The new...
The NWT’s budget has new housing cash. What will it buy? Cabin Radio
March 14, 2025
...done. “Now we have that funding, and now we can open up these units and we can reduce waitlists in the communities,” he said. Housing minister Lucy Kuptana told reporters on Thursday night: “This critical investment will support the replacement of aged public housing units and address needed repairs...
Private smoking in public housing to be butted out across the NWT CKLB 101.9
March 14, 2025
...listen to all perspectives and together weigh our options for the best path forward,” she stated in a late Thursday night release. Regular MLAs Richard Edjericon, Robert Hawkins and Kieron Testart — the newly formed Independent Members Caucus — believe the 20th Assembly is not moving fast enough to meet...
With added housing cash, NWT’s 2025-26 budget comfortably passes Cabin Radio
March 13, 2025
...for workforce development and, in particular, the role that education needs to play in economic development in this territory.” Great Slave’s Kate Reid said the budget “proved to me that our cabinet is listening and doing what they can with the resources they have and even a bit beyond, as...
Motion to halt Indigenous Employment Policy is defeated Cabin Radio
March 13, 2025
...of the original Affirmative Action Policy and dealing with them one at a time, I am alright with this,” Reid said. Yellowknife North’s Shauna Morgan abstained, saying the motion was about “the wrong conversation entirely.” Morgan called for a much broader examination of the educational,...
Elders can be financially, emotionally abused by family members seeking cash for drugs CKLB 101.9
March 13, 2025
...from the program. “I’m wondering what is the Minister’s plan, if that funding is diminished in whatever capacity?” Education Minister Caitlin Cleveland said she shares Testart’s “huge concerns” as the GNWT relies on Jordan’s Principle funding across the NWT. “This week, I have meetings...
NWT adds $41M in housing spending to draft budget Cabin Radio
March 13, 2025
... MLAs must still vote to pass the budget before that spending is finalized. That vote is expected later this week. Inuvik Boot Lake MLA Denny Rodgers, who chairs an accountability and oversight committee made up of all 11 regular MLAs, said housing is a priority need. He described the new spending...
‘Policies and procedures protect the criminals,’ says angry MLA CKLB 101.9
March 12, 2025
Outsiders often will set up shop in Housing NWT units, either coercing or working with the tenants. “The residents know who these drug dealers are and where they are stationed, yet, when they give tips to any of the authorities, it is the ‘policies and procedures’ that protect the criminals. The Indigenous Employment Policy establishes “preferred hiring status” for Indigenous peoples, with primary consideration given to those who are recognized members or descendants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit peoples indigenous to the present boundaries of the Northwest Territories. Additional consideration will be given to Indigenous peoples who are recognized members and descendent of a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit peoples indigenous to areas of Canada outside of the present boundaries of the Northwest Territories. Monfwi MLA Jane Weyallon Armstrong said more GNWT office decentralization would be helpful, providing opportunities for Indigenous people where they live, where their families are.
Some MLAs still critical of Indigenous Employment Policy Cabin Radio
March 11, 2025
...or proactively disclose but where accommodations can be available proactively by the department and by hiring,” she said. Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins added the new employment policy also drops women as a priority hiring group. Tisha Heron, manager of diversity and inclusion, said the government...
NWT immigration cap could go up again if it takes more asylum seekers Cabin Radio
March 11, 2025
...there revolves around the Northwest Territories welcoming asylum seekers to the territory,” she said, responding to questions from Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart. NWT Liberal MP Michael McLeod had previously observed that Ottawa appeared to be tying immigration allotments to jurisdictions’ willingness to...
Hawkins ordered to withdraw remarks aimed at Morgan Cabin Radio
March 11, 2025
...Speaker of the House began Tuesday’s NWT legislature session by ordering Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins to withdraw remarks about Yellowknife North’s Shauna Morgan. On February 28, Thompson inadvertently mixed up regular MLA Morgan’s Yellowknife North district with Yellowknife South, the...
Women’s society disputes Northview claims of housing program Cabin Radio
March 11, 2025
...YKWS in delivering this program,” according to the letter. Quest for dedicated building Following the presentation on Wednesday, Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart – Wellborn’s spouse – asked if Northview has a practice of blacklisting tenants. Wellborn said Northview has no “formal system for that.”...
New transitional housing project opens in Yellowknife Cabin Radio
March 10, 2025
...residents of Yellowknife. After the program takes off in the next few months, people from all over the territory will be accepted. Housing minister Lucy Kuptana. Aastha Sethi/Cabin Radio Tony Brushett, left, and Yellowknife Mayor Rebecca Alty. Aastha Sethi/Cabin Radio Brushett said the house, acquired last...
5-bedroom transitional home opens in Yellowknife for people back from addictions treatment CBC North
March 10, 2025
...services for people returning from treatment. "We are not just opening a building. We are opening up a new chapter of hope and healing," said Lucy Kuptana, the N.W.T.'s housing minister. The home will have staff with training in addictions treatment on-site 24 hours a day. (Sarah Krymalowski) ...
Deaths of 3 Dehcho residents have MLAs demanding an investigation CBC North
March 7, 2025
... The motion also calls for the minister to table any recommendations the investigator finds along with a plan to address them. Health Minister Lesa Semmler extended her condolences to the families and recognized their need for answers. Health Minister Lesa Semmler said it's important the government...
Problems, solutions emerge in hearing on closure of 19 Community Learning Centres CKLB 101.9
March 7, 2025
...sitting, tears flowed in what was an emotional time for Speaker Shane Thompson and Great Slave MLA Kate Reid. Thompson was moved as Frame Lake MLA Julian Morse eulogized Ian Legaree, a dedicated public servant, tireless advocate for the North, and champion of youth and community development through sport...
MLAs call for critical incident investigation into deaths Cabin Radio
March 7, 2025
...a higher level of training to administer life-saving medications or intravenous fluids. ‘These tragedies will not be ignored’ Health minister Lesa Semmler shared condolences to those affected and said she recognized family members’ need for answers, accountability and meaningful change regarding the...
When Aurora College’s CLCs close, what will happen to the buildings? Cabin Radio
March 7, 2025
...community.” Asked by Yakeleya if Indigenous governments were being approached to look at taking over any of the centres, NWT education minister Caitlin Cleveland said the territory has a process to go through “for assets that are no longer in use.” “We have had a tremendous amount of outreach from...
Ice road to Łútsël K’é now ‘even more necessary,’ MLA says Cabin Radio
March 7, 2025
...an ice road built between Yellowknife and Łútsël K’é, though cabinet’s response suggests the project is unlikely to happen any time soon. Richard Edjericon raised the issue in the NWT Legislative Assembly on Thursday. He said constructing a winter road could help reduce the cost of living in Łútsël...
MLAs question Aurora College’s plans to close community learning centres, boost online learning CBC North
March 6, 2025
...another option away from these individuals, having them go online and try to do another form of education," Nerysoo said. Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh MLA Richard Edjericon echoed those concerns, saying students in smaller communities often graduate two or three grades behind, which is concerning. Edjericon says these...
Housing NWT sometimes evicts tenants in winter. MLA asks why notices served in coldest months CBC North
March 6, 2025
...were to evict tenants in Hay River. There were sixteen in Yellowknife, 14 in Inuvik, 11 in Délı̨nę and eight in Fort Providence. Dehcho MLA Sheryl Yakeleya pressed Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana in the Legislative Assembly last month about why the housing corporation seeks eviction orders against public...
Facing skeptical MLAs, college defends community centre closures Cabin Radio
March 6, 2025
...MLAs – almost all of whom attended the briefing – suggested they had reservations about closing CLCs and moving online. Yellowknife North MLA Shauna Morgan said the college had “characterized it as the CLCs were simply about upgrading.” She said her understanding was the centres had been “about...
‘When they arrive, the distressing reality is there’s nowhere to stay’ Cabin Radio
March 6, 2025
...accommodation and the March tourism surge appear to have made the current situation exceptionally difficult. Responding to Rodgers, health minister Lesa Semmler directly attributed the problem to “a rise in tourism … putting additional pressure on an already strained system.” The territory’s health...
Future of award-winning Literacy Outreach Centre unclear Cabin Radio
March 6, 2025
...Centre, which won an award from Canada’s premiers in 2023, is in danger of closure. In the legislature on Wednesday, Yellowknife North’s Shauna Morgan said Aurora College was pulling out of its partnership with Inclusion NWT, the charity with which the college jointly runs the centre. The centre,...
NWT ministers tackle questions in annual ‘bear pit’ Cabin Radio
March 6, 2025
...1. Aastha Sethi/Cabin Radio Simpson said the GNWT is also expanding its stock of transitional housing through federal funding. Housing minister Lucy Kuptana said her government is refining its policies around evictions, adding that a majority of those occur as a result of illegal activity inside public...
Patients on medical travel have nowhere to stay in Yellowknife right now CBC North
March 6, 2025
...along with all the city's hotels, are currently booked up — and that's leaving some medical patients without accommodations. Inuvik MLA Denny Rodgers said that's making the stress of medical travel all the more taxing as patients from other communities arrive for doctor and dentist appointments in...
Low vaccination rates put most vulnerable people at serious risk, says NWT Health Minister CKLB 101.9
March 5, 2025
...Science has given us the tools to fight these diseases. It’s up to us to use them.” Also in the Assembly on Wednesday, Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh MLA Richard Edjericon, for the second day, argued about the need to replace the half-century old Kaw Tay Whee School, made from four portables, with its separate and...
‘No new sources’ to replenish Arctic Energy Alliance funds Cabin Radio
March 5, 2025
...project. … It’s something that I think is an important area. I think it’s important to residents.” Earlier that day, Yellowknife North MLA Shauna Morgan had questioned Wawzonek on what she said was a view that energy initiatives are “a luxury we can’t afford.” “Wasting energy is a luxury we...
In the NWT, who received a King Charles III Coronation Medal? Cabin Radio
March 5, 2025
The King Charles III Coronation Medal – commemorating the 2023 coronation of Canada’s monarch – is being awarded to a total of 30,000 people across the country, including 4,000 members of the armed forces. An exhaustive list of every Northwest Territories resident to receive a medal is not readily available. Many of the recipients received their medals at a ceremony inside the NWT Legislative Assembly last week. If you know of an NWT resident who received the medal through another organization and is not listed below, tell us and we’ll confirm it then add them to the list. Medal recipients’ names are as they were provided to us by the nominating office, and recipients are listed in the order provided to us.
NWT’s chief electoral officer to be reappointed Cabin Radio
March 5, 2025
...its plans leading up to the next territorial election in 2027. The legislature’s five-person board of management – MLAs Caitlin Cleveland, Caroline Wawzonek, Robert Hawkins, Shane Thompson and Richard Edjericon – said it had determined Dunbar’s “leadership and contributions warranted his...
Shelter-in-place policy in works for Yellowknife hospital following weekend firearm incident CBC North
March 5, 2025
...in Yellowknife after pointing a firearm at a security guard outside Stanton Territorial Hospital. In the legislature Tuesday, Yellowknife MLA Kieron Testart asked why Stanton doesn't have a "code silver" shelter-in-place policy like other hospitals in Canada. Health Minister Lesa Semmler said there is a...
American liquor purchases frozen, as GNWT does what it can in Trump Trade War CKLB 101.9
March 4, 2025
... He said: “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.” Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart asked Premier Simpson about the potential impact the trade war could have in the North. Said Testart: “Today is a fairly momentous day in the...
Trudeau tells Trump tariffs are ‘very dumb thing to do’ Cabin Radio
March 4, 2025
...message of using the North and mining to unlock significant new sources of Canadian revenue. In the NWT legislature on Monday, Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart said the territory needed to pivot “towards a new economic strategy” as tariffs come into effect. “While northerners have felt left out of...
MLA’s social media post doesn’t affect finance minister’s work, N.W.T. Speaker rules CBC North
March 4, 2025
...made the ruling Monday on a point of privilege raised by Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek, who argued that comments made on social media by MLA Kieron Testart impede Wawzonek's ability to engage freely with MLAs. A point of privilege is a tool for members to address something impeding their ability to do...
Speaker to MLAs: ‘We were not elected to quarrel and bicker’ CKLB 101.9
March 3, 2025
...look forward to answering some questions in that regard.” And Sahtu MLA Danny received what he called “wonderful news” from Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana about housing materials successfully being trucked North on the winter road: “The volume of material being shipped over the winter road … the...
‘I expect more of you,’ speaker says of NWT MLAs Cabin Radio
March 3, 2025
...complaint from one MLA about another. Finance minister Caroline Wawzonek told the speaker last week that she felt a Facebook post by Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart had put “a chill on all relationships as elected officials and on our ability to communicate one-on-one.” After losing a vote when two regular...
MLA pushes for Inuvik’s airport to add security screening Cabin Radio
March 3, 2025
...town’s airport to add security measures that would open up the possibility of welcoming a broader range of flights. In the legislature on Friday, Denny Rodgers called for Inuvik Mike Zubko Airport to have security screening installed when planned upgrades take place in the coming years. Flights taking...
Cell service dead zones, cash for communities and another upset MLA round out the week CKLB 101.9
February 28, 2025
...their peers. Following concerns raised Thursday by Minister Wawzonek about Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart, on Friday morning, Yellowknife North MLA Shauna Morgan was irked by something said off-microphone by Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins. “A few minutes ago in the House, when you mixed up the...
‘Our children are not artifacts’: N.W.T. First Nation says efforts to find gravesites hampered by permit CBC North
February 28, 2025
...children and why they were buried. But in the meantime, Alma's remains must be returned home," he said. Education, Culture and Employment Minister Caitlin Cleveland told Edjericon that the territory's justice department is of the legal opinion that the Archaeological Sites Act does apply to the ancestral remains...
MLAs endorse call for federal aid to Norman Wells Cabin Radio
February 28, 2025
...the community – especially the seniors who reside there and may be vulnerable if the town is forced to shut down services. Communities minister Vince McKay said the GNWT has taken steps to ease the financial burden on residents and businesses. He said the territorial government is focused on both...
Norman Wells is ‘a community living in fear,’ says Sahtu MLA CKLB 101.9
February 28, 2025
...like something that was written on Facebook and is now rising a point of privilege … that is not the correct way to use privilege.” Speaker Shane Thompson will rule on the matter in coming...
N.W.T. nominee program reopening day brings uncertainty for many CBC North
February 28, 2025
...the N.W.T. cancels your driver's licence and health-care card, adding to more frustration," she said. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Caitlin Cleveland said foreign nationals on maintained status are eligible to extend their health-care coverage and drivers licences with valid proof that they are on...
Nominee program reopens in NWT after six-month pause Cabin Radio
February 27, 2025
...and its future. “I don’t think anybody across the country expected their allocations to be cut in half,” Cleveland told Great Slave MLA Kate Reid, who asked on Tuesday how the territory planned to meet its business targets under the current cuts. “We will certainly have to pivot to ensure...
Testart defends ‘rhetorical flourishes’ after minister’s complaint Cabin Radio
February 27, 2025
...NWT’s finance minister has asked the speaker to intervene over a Kieron Testart Facebook post that the premier said was part of a “campaign of intimidation.” After Testart and seven other MLAs were voted down in an attempt to cut funding for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment on...
Bullying on rise beyond our borders thanks to ‘odious’ American president, says MLA CKLB 101.9
February 27, 2025
...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...
How NWT MLAs have voted in the 20th Assembly so far Cabin Radio
February 27, 2025
...capital budget. The six included those three plus Morse, Morgan and George Nerysoo. Even so, third reading of the bill passed with Kate Reid, Denny Rodgers, Danny McNeely, and Jane Weyallon Armstrong voting in favour alongside six cabinet members. Regular MLAs initially said they would not support the...
Budget must improve lives in small communities, says Yakeleya Cabin Radio
February 27, 2025
...everything MLAs want, she said she believes it is “responsible, sustainable and the first step towards reducing our debt.” A culture shift Kate Reid, the MLA for Great Slave, said discussion about the budget should not just be about investing money but also intention and leadership. “I am not...
First Nation urges respectful return of residential school children Cabin Radio
February 27, 2025
...so that Indigenous children and culture and traditions are upheld and the remains of these children are treated with the utmost respect.” Caitlin Cleveland, the minister of education, culture and employment, told Edjericon the territory’s justice department had provided the legal opinion that the...
MLAs narrowly defeat bid to remove $5.25M from ECE’s budget Cabin Radio
February 27, 2025
...MLA Kate Reid supported the motion, saying she did so in solidarity with the “frustration” of smaller NWT communities’ MLAs and constituents. Richard Edjericon, Jane Weyallon Armstrong, Denny Rodgers and George Nerysoo also voted in favour. Motion ‘would have negative impact’ The motion was defeated...
New mining legislation for N.W.T. expected to come into force in 2027 CBC North
February 27, 2025
...Resources Act] development process that the active mines that we have in the Northwest Territories would not be allowed under the revised MRA," said Kate Reid, MLA for Great Slave. "So can the minister explain why this may be?" Strand, the deputy minister, says the act is not designed to have a negative...
Ancestral remains at Fort Resolution residential school site can’t be moved CKLB 101.9
February 26, 2025
...was to have the young girl’s remains exhumed, to be re-interred beside her mother gravesite at Fort Smith. However, Tu Nedhé – Wiilideh MLA Richard Edjericon told the NWT Assembly on Tuesday the identified grave at the former school site is classified as an archeological artifact, which can’t be...
Tłı̨chǫ communities to receive 10 new housing units Cabin Radio
February 25, 2025
...by the spring. “There is no question that housing challenges in the NWT require a collaborative approach,” territorial housing minister Lucy Kuptana stated. “By working with Indigenous governments and organizations, we can maximize investments, create more opportunities for northerners, and...
New public housing units in Behchokǫ̀, N.W.T. expected to welcome tenants next month CBC North
February 24, 2025
The long public housing waiting list in Behchokǫ̀, N.W.T. (Luke Carrol/CBC)The units will go to those at the top of the public housing waiting list, a list that is determined through a point-based system. "People who apply, it depends on what situation they are in," said Lillian Erasmus, the housing manager for Behchokǫ̀ Ko Gha K'aodee, the local public housing authority. A new public housing unit in Behchokǫ̀, N.W.T. (Luke Carroll/CBC)Territorial Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana says the seniors and the bachelor units were a collaboration between Housing NWT and the Tłı̨chǫ Investment Corporation.
What do former NWT MLAs think of an independent members’ caucus? Cabin Radio
February 21, 2025
...an independent members’ caucus, largely depending on how they see consensus government. Three current MLAs – Kieron Testart, Robert Hawkins and Richard Edjericon – pitched their plan at a press conference last week to form an independent caucus that could vote as a bloc, which they said would “save...
Traditional activities, lower taxes could provide cover in Trump’s threatened trade war, say NWT leaders CKLB 101.9
February 19, 2025
...a lot of uncertainty right now. I personally think Donald Trump should be ashamed of himself.” NWT’s Environment and Climate Change Minister Jay Macdonald said the national message through the Team Canada approach has been very clear that, “we’re united, and I think across the Northwest...
Reid questions proposed $100K family violence budget cut Cabin Radio
February 18, 2025
...Yellowknife MLA says a proposed budget cut to an NWT family violence shelter network will remove important funding for training. Great Slave MLA Kate Reid told the legislature she and others had received a letter from the Family Violence Shelter Network asking for help reinstating a $100,000 Building...
N.W.T. premier responds to MLAs’ proposed voting bloc by emphasizing co-operation CBC North
February 14, 2025
..."These discussions are important and we welcome constructive dialogue on how we can continue to evolve and strengthen our consensus system." Kieron Testart, the MLA for Range Lake, on Thursday presented the idea of forming a committee of regular members who vote together on issues in the territory's...
Three MLAs stand up to cabinet, say they aren’t being listened to CKLB 101.9
February 14, 2025
...dialogue on how we can continue to evolve and strengthen our consensus system.” Thursday afternoon in the Assembly, Mackenzie Delta MLA George Nerysoo said he wondered how long a community should expect a danger such as an abandoned buildings to remain in a community before Housing NWT will tear it...
N.W.T. gov’t scrapping $100K to family violence shelters, shelters say bring it back CBC North
February 14, 2025
...the Department of Health and Social Services since learning in August about the planned cut. To advocate further, the network brought concerns to Kate Reid, MLA for Great Slave and former president of the YWCA N.W.T. "Does the minister believe that in-person connections for a sensitive sector such as...
Collaboration is ‘foundation of consensus,’ premier says Cabin Radio
February 14, 2025
...premier says “the foundation of consensus government is collaboration.” At a Thursday afternoon press conference, regular MLAs Kieron Testart, Robert Hawkins and Richard Edjericon – who have been critical of cabinet – unveiled their pitch to form an independent members’ committee or caucus that may...
In detail: What’s in this new ‘independent caucus’ proposal? Cabin Radio
February 13, 2025
...will “save consensus government” in the NWT. Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart, Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins and Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh MLA Richard Edjericon announced the proposal at a press conference in the NWT legislature building on Thursday. All three highlighted concerns with the 20th Legislative...
3 MLAs pitch idea of voting bloc as way to be taken more seriously by N.W.T. cabinet CBC North
February 13, 2025
...both elected and unelected to account," said Testart, who was joined by Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh MLA Richard Edjericon and Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins. "Small wins aren't good enough anymore, we need change, systemic change, and that's not happening in the current system. If there's a group of...
N.W.T. minister defends government’s decision not to disclose costs related to former hospital building CBC North
February 13, 2025
...from the auditor general that the territorial government rejects. At the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Morgan pressed Infrastructure Minister Caroline Wawzonek on why the government won't accept that final recommendation. "Who or what are we protecting by refusing to acknowledge mistakes," Morgan asked. ...
‘Monumental accomplishment for Indigenous peoples; the GNWT honoured to be part of it.” CKLB 101.9
February 13, 2025
...up by international legal standards which were reaffirmed through in this chamber.” With Premier R.J. Simpson in Washington, Deputy Premier Caroline Wawzonek said there is an action plan underway with a target date of this fall of 2025 to have it published. “I don’t want to presuppose the work of the...
Testart, other MLAs to propose ‘elements of party politics’ Cabin Radio
February 12, 2025
...platforms with no affiliation, then they choose a cabinet and premier from within their number. In a post to Facebook, Yellowknife North MLA Shauna Morgan said Testart had proposed forming an “independent members’ caucus” that she said would, if created, “agree to form a voting bloc in the...
‘Why is our Indigenous population subject to these deplorable conditions?’ CKLB 101.9
February 12, 2025
...in May, the 15-year-old Bristol 170 Freighter crashed onto an icy Great Slave Lake. There were no fatalities. The MLA asked Environment Minister Jay Macdonald who is responsible for the cleanup of the wreckage, as it still poses a threat to the local waters. Minister Macdonald noted there are many...
Shauna Morgan questions NWT’s plan for civic addresses Cabin Radio
February 12, 2025
...Lake near Łútsël K’é. Wardair was sold to Canadian Airlines in 1989, which was then acquired by Air Canada in 2001. Environment minister Jay Macdonald said the territory has to work with its counterparts, including the federal government, to address environmental cleanups in the North. “There...
Questions fly over health-care ‘czar,’ future of learning centres CKLB 101.9
February 11, 2025
...as an opportunity and be creative in what the next chapter looks like.” Two Yellowknife MLAs appeared to get under the skin of Health Minister Lesa Semmler with repeated calls for transparency over the dissolution in December of the NWT’s Health and Social Services (NTHSSA) Leadership Council, in...
What caused January’s power outage in Fort Resolution? Cabin Radio
February 11, 2025
...why the NWT Power Corporation decided to replace a Fort Resolution power generator in the winter. In the Legislative Assembly on Monday, Richard Edjericon said the community’s residents had been “very concerned about their homes freezing up in -28C weather and causing significant damage” during a...
NWT ‘has no levers’ to address huge jumps in home insurance Cabin Radio
February 10, 2025
...Great Slave MLA Kate Reid’s home insurance renewal arrived in her mailbox a few weeks ago, she opened it to discover her premium had risen by 82 percent. In the NWT legislature last week, Reid said she is not the only facing “extreme jumps in home insurance costs.” She said conversations with...
Housing NWT promises action on safety at Inuvik apartment block Cabin Radio
February 10, 2025
...busts in that building, which is good. Unfortunately, you know, a week later we see the same activity back in the same units.” Housing minister Lucy Kuptana told Rodgers some of her own relatives have lived in the building and the president of Housing NWT, Erin Kelly, had visited the building last week...
Community Learning Centre closures decried by Regular MLAs CKLB 101.9
February 9, 2025
...during a time that they should be focused on grieving together,” he said. In his response to the Budget Address on Thursday, Frame Lake MLA Julian Morse said cabinet and the Regular MLAs need to “focus on the priorities we’ve set … our mandate has got to be where we focus our energy.” He...
What’s the plan for adult learning in small N.W.T. communities? MLAs want to know CBC North
February 8, 2025
...College announced in January it would shut 19 community learning centres? That's the question MLAs asked Education, Culture and Employment Minister Caitlin Cleveland at the Legislative Assembly on Friday. "These closures unfairly target Indigenous communities and will make education less accessible for...
Stagnant economy, uncertain times, call for public investment in infrastructure CKLB 101.9
February 7, 2025
...community infrastructure, and local administration The Mackenzie Valley fibre link to the Arctic coast will connect to Tuktoyaktuk. Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart was the first to offer a reply to Wawzonek’s address. “Far too often, this entire system of government is paralyzed by its own profound lack of...
Some NWT MLAs say budget doesn’t do enough to advance priorities Cabin Radio
February 7, 2025
...is not a government that is trying to squeeze the most out of every possible dollar that we have,” he said. ‘Small communities do matter’ Richard Edjericon, the MLA for Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh, said he was “disappointed” items on his wish list for his district did not make it into the operating budget....
Julian Morse calls for NWT to improve respite care supports Cabin Radio
February 6, 2025
...primary healthcare, the Sahtu’s cost of living crisis and Canada’s relationship with the US. ‘Give residents hope’ Great Slave MLA Kate Reid gave a powerful speech calling on the premier “to give residents hope in a tangible way” amid a time of fear and anxiety. “Once again,...
Use of N.W.T. man’s Indigenous name in integrity commissioner complaint an ‘invasion’ CBC North
February 6, 2025
...to three recent complaints against MLAs. The N.W.T. integrity commissioner dismissed complaints made by Daniel Richards against N.W.T. MLAs Shane Thompson and Caroline Wawzonek. Richards used the name Dëneze Nakehk'o to make the complaints. Nakehk'o, well-known in the territory for his work in media...
GNWT moves to amend proposed Indigenous employment policy Cabin Radio
February 5, 2025
...finance minister Caroline Wawzonek says the territory will look to implement a “two-tiered approach” to its proposed new Indigenous Employment Policy after criticism of an earlier version. A first attempt at a proposal rolled out in late 2024 received criticism from MLAs and some residents because it...
Regular MLAs call for action, look for inspiration in session re-start CKLB 101.9
February 5, 2025
...supporting community.” Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek also took exception to being mentioned in the same breath as Trump when Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart asked about the Affirmative Action Policy being replaced by the new Indigenous Hiring Policy. “What about black, brown people, women? People with...
N.W.T. gov’t now proposing Indigenous northerners have top priority in new hiring policy CBC North
February 3, 2025
...seen in a file photo from last year, announced the territorial government's new Indigenous employment policy on Dec. 17. (Natalie Pressman/CBC) Shauna Morgan, MLA for Yellowknife North, said last week she was hopeful there was room to move forward with the policy. "I do think there is so much potential...
Integrity commissioner dismisses two MLA complaints Cabin Radio
January 29, 2025
...unrelated complaints about MLAs from the 19th Assembly, who left their roles in the fall of 2023. Later in 2024, Jones found Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh MLA Richard Edjericon had broken the MLAs’ code of conduct, for which he was fined and...
Q&A: Closing Aurora College’s community learning centres Cabin Radio
January 27, 2025
...last year. Handley said the GNWT “was certainly told through the education department and we’ve had these discussions with the minister,” Caitlin Cleveland, before last week’s announcement. “She knew it was likely coming,” he said of Cleveland. There is uncertainty around what happens to the...
MLAs ask for feedback on proposed Indigenous Employment Policy Cabin Radio
January 25, 2025
...to what we’re proposing here.” Now, the Standing Committee on Government Operations – a group of regular MLAs chaired by Frame Lake’s Julian Morse – says it wants the public to provide input on the proposed changes. To send your feedback, email it to the committee by Saturday, February 15....
Jean Marie River, N.W.T., facing outbreak of respiratory illness, chief says CBC North
January 18, 2025
...that he has also spoken to several other community members who have similar concerns. He said he has been in contact with N.W.T. Health Minister Lesa Semmler, and has been advocating for the Northwest Territories health authority to send staff into the community to diagnose and care for those who are ill....