News Articles | 2019 NWT Election

NWT providing more cash for flood damage and mitigation Cabin Radio - June 28, 2022

...private insurance claims. There is no limit on disaster assistance provided to community governments. ‘Where’s the money?’ Maca minister Shane Thompson first announced the updated policy at a meeting organized by MLAs in Hay River on Monday night. “Now people are getting excited about the next...

Mentions: Shane Thompson, Rocky Simpson

What’s happening at Inuvik’s shelters, and why it matters Cabin Radio - June 22, 2022

...shelter for the summer months. Housing NWT said while it was not its decision to close the shelter, the agency would use the time to train staff. Lesa Semmler, right, and Caitlin Cleveland at a meeting about housing and homelessness in Inuvik. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio A month later, Inuvik Twin Lakes...

Mentions: Lesa Semmler, Caitlin Cleveland

MLA doubtful Taltson project will help N.W.T. acheive its climate goals CBC North - June 18, 2022

...26 the territory would not update its target, which has fallen out of line with Canada's commitment. (That's a change from when Environment Minister Shane Thompson last year said the N.W.T. wasn't saying " yes or no " to updating the goals). The territory says the first phase of the expansion is expected to...

Mentions: Shane Thompson, Rylund Johnson

Critical minerals not a ‘magic’ diamond replacement, NWT says Cabin Radio - June 16, 2022

...considered vital to Canada’s future economy and would preferably be mined here rather than imported from elsewhere. But NWT industry minister Caroline Wawzonek made clear at a Wednesday news conference that the territory is not attempting to bill critical minerals as a like-for-like replacement for diamond...

Mentions: Caroline Wawzonek, Caroline Cochrane

For some people, the dirtiest word in housing is ‘policy’ Cabin Radio - June 14, 2022

... “I’m 40 years old and nothing has stopped, nothing has changed,” she said, urging MLAs in the room – Semmler was joined by committee chair Caitlin Cleveland, Ron Bonnetrouge and Katrina Nokleby, with minister and Inuvik Boot Lake MLA Diane Archie also in attendance – to “Indigenize policy.” ...

Mentions: Lesa Semmler, Katrina Nokleby, Caitlin Cleveland

GNWT promotes critical minerals at Toronto mining convention Cabin Radio - June 13, 2022

...in Toronto this week promoting the territory’s critical mineral resources at one of the world’s largest mining industry conventions. Premier Caroline Cochrane and industry minister Caroline Wawzonek are attending this week’s Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, or PDAC, conference. “To...

Mentions: Caroline Wawzonek, Caroline Cochrane

MLAs swing at the fences on population growth NNSL Media - June 13, 2022

The past 47-year history of responsible government in the Northwest Territories is well-seeded with dashed dreams and missed milestones. Eight years ago, during his budget speech, former Finance Minister Michael Miltenberger proposed increasing the population by 2,000 people within five years. Yet MLAs are swinging at the fences now and throwing the bat. The reality is, increasing the population by 11,250 people over 20 years is not a very realistic proposition given the circumstances. MLAs can argue now is the time for a bold strategy but we’ve seen this movie before.

Mentions: Kevin O’Reilly, Katrina Nokleby, Caitlin Cleveland

Drug decriminalization in B.C. ‘an invitation to rejoin society’, says former Yellowknifer CBC North - June 9, 2022

...Yellowknife North and a longtime advocate for decriminalization. (Mario De Ciccio/Radio-Canada) During an exchange with Johnson, Health Minister Julie Green said her department is watching what happens in B.C. and said she would take his suggestion to look at the application B.C. made to the federal...

Mentions: Julie Green, Rylund Johnson

Yellowknife editorial: Edjericon’s aggressive strategy against health minister is a calculated risk NNSL Media - June 9, 2022

...missive with: “I know you are a new MLA learning the ropes.” Rushing to Edjericon’s defence in the legislative assembly was Great Slave MLA Katrina Nokleby, who has had her own standoffs with Green. Seemingly referring to the email in question, Nokleby noted on May 31 that while Edjericon is a new...

Mentions: Richard Edjericon, Julie Green, Katrina Nokleby

N.W.T. gov’t agreed to sell its tungsten mining project – and could make $15M from it CBC North - June 7, 2022

The Northwest Territories government has agreed to sell Mactung to Fireweed Zinc Ltd, a private company, and it could make $15 million on the sale. The sale price breakdownThe terms of the sale of the Mactung property to Fireweed, according to a news release from the company, shows that the N.W.T. Finally, another $5 million will be paid if Fireweed announces an intention to build a mine just on the Mactung Project. Cantung not part of saleThe Mactung property was set to be sold in tandem with another mining property — the former Cantung mine, which the Canadian government has responsibility for. (Both of these properties were held by North American Tungsten before it went into bankruptcy protection in 2015.)

Mentions: Caroline Yukon, Caroline Wawzonek

GNWT seeks to increase population and housing by 25 per cent by 2043 NNSL Media - June 7, 2022

...hollowing out of regional centres and small communities is not reconciliation,” she said. The motion was adopted by the assembly despite Premier Caroline Cochrane and her entire cabinet abstaining from the vote. The regular MLAs all voted in favour. One regular member was nonetheless critical of the motion:...

Mentions: Caroline Cochrane, Kevin O’Reilly, Caitlin Cleveland

GNWT told to grow territory’s population 25% by 2043 Cabin Radio - June 6, 2022

...calling on the territorial government to grow the NWT’s population by a quarter over the next 20 years. The motion, put forward by Kam Lake MLA Caitlin Cleveland, demands a “comprehensive strategy to match Canada’s population growth” in the Northwest Territories. Cleveland’s motion was backed by 10...

Mentions: Rylund Johnson, Kevin O’Reilly, Caitlin Cleveland

GNWT yet to set childcare fee increase cap for year ahead Cabin Radio - June 6, 2022

...government declared any provider opting out of the federal program could no longer receive any form of territorial funding for the sector. Katrina Nokleby, the Great Slave MLA, said at the time such a shift amount to making providers “sign under duress.” As a condition of signing up for the...

Mentions: Kevin O’Reilly, Katrina Nokleby

Should the NWT refuse to host future royal visits? Cabin Radio - June 6, 2022

Last month’s five-hour visit of Prince Charles and Camilla to the NWT is expected to cost the territory around $180,000, the territory’s premier says. Asked by Yellowknife North MLA Rylund Johnson last week, Premier Caroline Cochrane said the full cost was not yet known but she expected it to be similar to the sum spent on the last royal visit. “I would rather spend $180,000 on almost anything else,” Johnson declared, suggesting that the territory decline to host future visits by the royal family. Premier Cochrane, however, mounted a spirited defence of the visits. Moreover, the premier said, Indigenous governments seemed to want the royals to come.

Mentions: Caroline Cochrane, Rylund Johnson, Kevin O’Reilly

Merging departments not about money or jobs, premier says Cabin Radio - June 5, 2022

Premier Caroline Cochrane says a forthcoming merger of two NWT government departments is based on efficiency, not cutbacks. Cochrane told the legislature there had been confusion over the areas for which each of the two departments held responsibility. “So there was a benefit to reorganization.”Shane Thompson is currently the minister for both departments. The new, merged department’s name has yet to be announced. The merged department would be the only realistic candidate for such a name change.

Mentions: Shane Thompson, Caroline Cochrane, Kevin O’Reilly

N.W.T. MLAs call for improvements to mental health and addiction services CBC North - June 3, 2022

...and dignified way." During Thursday's briefing, Semmler emphasized the need to support youth. (Mario De Ciccio/Radio-Canada) During the briefing, Lesa Semmler, MLA for Inuvik Twin Lakes, focused primarily on Indigenous youth struggling with homelessness, mental health and addictions. She says that many do...

Mentions: Lesa Semmler, Ronald Bonnetrouge, Julie Green

Edjericon returns to healthcare issues after one-day suspension Cabin Radio - June 3, 2022

...him out of the sitting for the day. The same punishment had been issued to Jackson Lafferty when the then-Monfwi MLA refused to apologize to Premier Caroline Cochrane in 2020. “I’m just representing my constituents, bringing their issues forward, and I will stand by my remarks,” Edjericon said – appearing...

Mentions: Richard Edjericon, Jackson Lafferty, Caroline Cochrane, Julie Green

What the NWT’s education minister says about a Tin Can Hill campus Cabin Radio - June 2, 2022

...the NWT legislature facing MLAs’ concerns about the proposed construction of a university campus on Yellowknife’s Tin Can Hill. Great Slave MLA Katrina Nokleby, whose district includes Tin Can Hill, says residents don’t want development on the hill and feel blindsided by a proposal out of nowhere. ...

Mentions: Frieda Martselos, Katrina Nokleby

The mud, and the cost, linger over Hay River following the flood Cabin Radio - June 1, 2022

...homes have been damaged by the flooding and quite possibly are uninhabitable,” said Deh Cho MLA Ronald Bonnetrouge in an address directed at Shane Thompson, the minister for municipal and community affairs. “Will the minister commit to replacing the damaged homes on the Kátł’odeeche First...

Mentions: Shane Thompson, Ronald Bonnetrouge, Rocky Simpson

MLAs question progress on NWT highway work Cabin Radio - June 1, 2022

...Northwest Territories MLAs are seeking improvements to the territory’s highways to better serve residents. In the legislature last week, Lesa Semmler, the MLA for Inuvik Twin Lakes, called for improvements to the Dempster Highway – known as one of Canada’s most difficult highways – particularly on...

Mentions: Lesa Semmler, Ronald Bonnetrouge

Green, Edjericon spar over ‘gaslit’ residents, ‘disastrous’ treatment Cabin Radio - May 30, 2022

...latest feud among Northwest Territories politicians reached the legislature on Monday as Richard Edjericon and Julie Green continued a battle over healthcare in smaller communities. Edjericon, the Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh MLA, took an NNSL reporter to Fort Resolution in April to hear residents’ concerns. He told...

Mentions: Richard Edjericon, Steve Norn, Jackson Lafferty, Caroline Cochrane, Julie Green, Katrina Nokleby

Auditor general to release report on addictions prevention and recovery services in N.W.T. CBC North - May 30, 2022

...and harm reduction programing. No treatment centres in the N.W.T. There are currently no addiction treatment centres within the N.W.T., and Rocky Simpson, MLA for Hay River South, has said he wants that to change. He raised the subject with Julie Green, territorial health minister, in the Legislative...

Mentions: Rocky Simpson, Julie Green

Health minister accused of being ‘out of touch’ over mental health Cabin Radio - May 30, 2022

...NWT’s politicians are again debating whether the Northwest Territories is in the middle of a mental health crisis. Great Slave MLA Katrina Nokleby first put the question to health and social services minister Julie Green in February 2021, at which point Green took issue with use of the term “crisis.” ...

Mentions: Julie Green, Katrina Nokleby

Comment: 15 Indigenous counsellors proudly graduate NNSL Media - May 30, 2022

...Caroline Cochrane, Dene National Chief Gerald Antoine, and Dr. John B. Zoe, chairman of Hotii ts’eeda. As well, video messages were shown from Julie Green, Minister of Health & Social Services and RJ Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Thank you so much to each of you. Each of the...

Mentions: Caroline Cochrane, Julie Green

Improved disaster assistance still ‘an insult,’ says MLA Cabin Radio - May 27, 2022

...inefficient and an insult to those who find themselves with limited negotiating power and now may well need a mortgage to rebuild.” Shane Thompson, the minister of municipal and community affairs, responded by outlining the process by which residents register for an assessment and have an...

Mentions: Shane Thompson, Rocky Simpson

At least 100 Hay River, K’atl’odeeche homes surveyed for flood damage: MACA Minister NNSL Media - May 26, 2022

...230 residents have signed up for the Disaster Assistance service, as of May 26, according to the GNWT’s Minister of Community Affairs. Minister Shane Thompson provided the update in response to questions in the Legislative Assembly on May 26, although he said those figures may have no longer been up to...

Mentions: Shane Thompson, Ronald Bonnetrouge

N.W.T. premier ‘heartbroken’ after witnessing aftermath of Hay River flooding CBC North - May 25, 2022

...their windows," said Cochrane. The premier was joined on Monday by a few members of her cabinet including Municipal and Community Affairs Minister Shane Thompson as well as some MLAs. Cochrane said witnessing the level of destruction left her "devastated," but that it put in context what the victims are...

Mentions: Shane Thompson, Rocky Simpson, Caroline Cochrane

Native Women’s Association ‘appalled’ health minister won’t admit to mental health crisis in N.W.T. CBC North - May 25, 2022

...in the N.W.T. The May 4 letter, signed by the association's president, Denise McDonald, comes in response to an interaction between Health Minister Julie Green and an MLA during question period back in February. Denise McDonald, president of the Native Women's Association of the N.W.T., wrote a letter to...

Mentions: Julie Green, Katrina Nokleby

Fuel contamination the next concern in flood-ravaged Hay River CBC North - May 20, 2022

...get our lives back on track," he said. On Monday, Premier Caroline Cochrane and Municipal and Community Affairs Minister Shane Thompson and MLAs Rocky Simpson, RJ Simpson and Ron Bonnetrouge will be in Hay River to meet with the community and First Nations leadership to plan the flood recovery. The...

Mentions: Shane Thompson, Rocky Simpson, Caroline Cochrane

May 19: Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall visit the NWT Cabin Radio - May 19, 2022

...is where it all happens” as he sat down at a large, round table for that discussion. Also in attendance here in Dettah: Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty, Dene National Chief Gerald Antoine, Chief of the Kátł’odeeche First Nation April Martel, Commissioner of the NWT Margaret Thom, Gwich’in...

Mentions: Richard Edjericon, Jackson Lafferty, Diane Thom, Caroline Cochrane

Recovery in K’atl’odeeche and Hay River begins CKLB 101.9 - May 18, 2022

...to provide ongoing updates as and when required.” Long-term adaptation During a news conference last week, both Premier Caroline Cochrane and Shane Thompson, minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, addressed the need for long-term risk mitigation in the territory in the face of climate change. ...

Mentions: Shane Thompson, Caroline Cochrane

NWT government to merge its environment and lands departments Cabin Radio - May 17, 2022

...31 last year, the latest date for which figures are available, ENR had 343 employees and Lands had 105. They currently share the same minister, Shane Thompson. So far, there is no name for the new, amalgamated department. How jobs within the two departments will be affected is not yet clear. Merging the...

Mentions: Shane Thompson, Rylund Johnson

Northerners mourn former NWT commissioner Dan Marion Cabin Radio - May 17, 2022

...here, as well, as a leader in the community.” Dan Marion shows off the fruits of his garden in a submitted photo. In a statement, NWT Premier Caroline Cochrane said Marion was an advocate for Indigenous rights and wanted Indigenous communities to see the benefits of resource development. While mayor of...

Mentions: Jackson Lafferty, Caroline Cochrane

Permit delays discourage NWT mining investment, report suggests Cabin Radio - May 17, 2022

Some mining companies say long waits for permits, a lack of infrastructure, and uncertainty around regulations, land claims, and protected areas are discouraging investment in the NWT. Think tank the Fraser Institute’s 2021 survey of mining companies, published last month, aims to assess how factors like geology, taxation and regulations affect exploration investment around the world. The report found Canada to be the second most attractive country for mining in the world, behind Australia. Across Canada, senior mining executives said uncertainty around protected areas, disputed land claims and environmental regulations were the main areas negatively affecting investment. How the NWT performed in 2021Mining, oil and gas, and exploration provide thousands of jobs in the NWT, directly or indirectly.

Mentions: Caroline Yukon, Caroline Wawzonek

‘Worst fears were realized’ with Hay River flooding Premier says in statement NNSL Media - May 13, 2022

Premier Caroline Cochrane and Minister Shane Thompson called for more federal support in climate change and emergency preparedness in a joint statement following the Hay River area flood, May 12. Both said the Town of Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation saw some of the worst flooding imaginable but that...

Mentions: Shane Thompson, Caroline Cochrane

GNWT prepares, again, to help repair a flood-ruined town Cabin Radio - May 12, 2022

...municipal and community affairs minister Shane Thompson told reporters on Thursday afternoon. “Ice jams have not yet released.” Premier Caroline Cochrane said the territory will be seeking reimbursement from the federal government but it’s a lengthy process that will take a couple of years. She said...

Mentions: Shane Thompson, Caroline Cochrane

N.W.T. gov’t to give live update; More flooding expected in Hay River, K’atl’odeeche CBC North - May 12, 2022

N.W.T. Premier Caroline Cochrane and Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs Shane Thompson give an update on the flooding situation and emergency response in Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation. N.W.T. Premier Caroline Cochrane and Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs Shane Thompson are...

Mentions: Shane Thompson, Caroline Cochrane

All of Hay River ordered to evacuate CKLB 101.9 - May 12, 2022

...still in the community should be on high ground or take shelter at the Community Centre,” reads the update. Premier Caroline Cochrane and Shane Thompson, minister of municipal and community affairs, issued a joint statement Thursday morning. “To the residents of Hay River and Kátł’odeeche...

Mentions: Shane Thompson, Caroline Cochrane

Live: Hay River and KFN evacuate, thousands displaced Cabin Radio - May 12, 2022

...government has pledged to match up to $150,000 in donations to the United Way to support residents affected by flooding this year. Finance minister Caroline Wawzonek said donating to United Way NWT was “one of the most effective ways” to help those affected by flooding in the NWT. The territorial government...

Mentions: Caroline Wawzonek, Julie Green

NWT matching United Way flood donations up to $150K Cabin Radio - May 11, 2022

...come together to help those who are in a time of great need – and the communities currently impacted by flooding need our support,” Premier Caroline Cochrane said in a statement. “I know that residents will heed the call and help however they can. It’s the northern way.” Hundreds of people in Hay...

Mentions: Caroline Wawzonek, Caroline Cochrane

Premiers, Indigenous leaders, united on addressing nothern enironmental issues and climate change NNSL Media - May 10, 2022

Caroline Cochrane, Premier of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok, and Yukon Premier Sandy Silver, as well as Northern Indigenous Leaders issued the first Pan-Northern Leaders’ Statement on Climate Change. Calling for support and investment from the federal government, there were seven areas...

Mentions: Caroline Yukon, Caroline Cochrane

GNWT agrees to provide $1.5M, keeping Spruce Bough alive Cabin Radio - May 10, 2022

...the Department of Health and Social Services – was set to run out on September 30. At the time, the women’s centre and Yellowknife North MLA Rylund Johnson called on the territorial government to commit long-term funding to keep Spruce Bough’s doors open. Minister of Health and Social Services Julie...

Mentions: Julie Green, Rylund Johnson

‘The time to act is now.’ Territories call for climate change support Cabin Radio - May 10, 2022

...and housing. We also discussed the Federal budget and how it could benefit our three territories #nwtpoli #nwt pic.twitter.com/cVuMobm6aK — Caroline Cochrane (@CCochrane_NWT) May 9, 2022 “It’s tough being a smaller jurisdiction in a big room,” he said. “We’re all agreeing that flexible,...

Mentions: Caroline Yukon, Caroline Cochrane, Kevin O’Reilly

Climate change tops agenda as northern premiers meet face-to-face again CBC North - May 9, 2022

...that access to affordable, adequate and suitable housing is linked with all aspects," he said. Taltson hydro expansion project N.W.T. Premier Caroline Cochrane added the whole world is recognizing the effects of climate change and governments are talking about it more and more, but warned they also need to...

Mentions: Caroline Yukon, Caroline Cochrane

MLA says N.W.T. should do more to prepare communities for climate disasters CBC North - May 9, 2022

... "Any of the preparation falls on the community and it's tough for a small community like Fort Simpson." In an interview with CBC News last week, Shane Thompson, minister of municipal and community affairs, said the department has made a few changes for emergency management preparedness. The majority of...

Mentions: Shane Thompson, Katrina Nokleby

GNWT hopes new remote and winter fisheries, new Hay River processing plant will open new opportunities for NWT fishers NNSL Media - May 9, 2022

...FMCC “so that we’re not being held back by the federal government,” and NWT fishers can more easily access Southern markets. Minister of ITI Caroline Wawzonek responded that the department is keeping a close eye on changes that are coming to the FMCC: Currently, the Crown corporation is in the process of...

Mentions: Caroline Wawzonek, Rylund Johnson, Caitlin Cleveland

Ottawa will step in to address $40M Inuvik Airport funding hole Cabin Radio - May 6, 2022

The federal government will inject cash into a stalled project to extend the runway at Inuvik’s Mike Zubko Airport. Lesa Semmler, the MLA for Inuvik Twin Lakes, said the gap was $40 million. Extending Inuvik’s runway from 6,000 ft to 9,000 ft is primarily seen as an Arctic sovereignty measure. Arctic sovereignty “requires an investment,” LeBlanc said, referring to past Russian attempts to “deliberately provoke a sovereignty challenge” by overflying the Canadian Arctic or sending ships through the Northwest Passage. “If we’re not occupying the territory in a coherent and a responsible way, we’re obviously more vulnerable to security challenges.

Mentions: Caroline Yukon, Lesa Semmler, Caroline Cochrane

Housing and homelessness solutions lie in smaller communities, NWT housing minister says NNSL Media - May 4, 2022

...66 per cent of respondents said their home community is in the NWT. Poverty reduction targets Also on May 4, Health and Social Services Minister Julie Green said she intends to renew the three-year anti-poverty strategy that expires this year. Although the 2019-‘22 strategy includes goals for things...

Mentions: Paulie Chinna, Julie Green

NWT Disabilities Council ‘obstructed’ investigation, documents claim Cabin Radio - May 3, 2022

... “The minister knew we wanted the concerns investigated but looked to punish those brave enough to speak instead,” Great Slave MLA Katrina Nokleby told the legislature on March 3. “This government talks about informed decision-making and change but instead chooses to punish those who raise...

Mentions: Julie Green, Katrina Nokleby

To what extent does Russia present a real threat to Canada’s Arctic? Cabin Radio - April 27, 2022

...Russians aboard were headed to Nunavut for an Arctic overland expedition.) The following day, Inuvik Twin Lakes MLA Lesa Semmler asked if Premier Caroline Cochrane expected an increased military presence in the territory, noting Inuvik has the northernmost military base in the NWT. Cochrane said there was...

Mentions: Lesa Semmler, Caroline Cochrane

Most human rights complaints in NWT related to disability: Human Rights Commission chair NNSL Media - April 27, 2022

...an enviable example for other jurisdictions.” “A major problem” that reserves are outside the Commission’s jurisdiction Thebacha MLA Frieda Martselos pointed out that the territory’s two reserves, including Salt River, are outside the jurisdiction of the territory’s human rights commission....

Mentions: Frieda Martselos, Kevin O’Reilly

No plan to ask Indigenous leaders about decriminalization Cabin Radio - April 22, 2022

Despite highlighting the importance of consulting Indigenous leaders about drug decriminalization, neither the territorial nor federal governments appear set to do so. “They’re looking at diverting individuals to addiction programs and giving a warning, or taking no further actions, instead of persecuting individuals for simple drug possession. But simple drug possession does not currently carry a mandatory minimum and is not affected by the bill. In March, Yukon MP Brendan Hanley – formerly that territory’s chief medical officer of health – rose in the House of Commons to support decriminalization and some of the bill’s objectives. Time wastedWhether bills C-5 or C-216 have received any input from Indigenous leaders, northern or otherwise, is not clear.

Mentions: Caroline Yukon, Caroline Cochrane, Rylund Johnson

The battle to provide a Yellowknife day shelter during the pandemic Cabin Radio - April 21, 2022

...overcome and it’ll be the fastest solution to get a day shelter up and running,” Mayor Rebecca Alty wrote to health and social services minister Julie Green. “We’re offering an alternative location for you to use – which may not check every box but it will check the majority and will be ready...

Mentions: Caroline Cochrane, Julie Green

NWT childcare opt-in deadline appears to pass without extension Cabin Radio - April 16, 2022

...year at 2.3 percent. The territory argues that the federal cash will be stretched too thin without such a cap in place. On Thursday, Kam Lake MLA Caitlin Cleveland and Great Slave MLA Katrina Nokleby said the program appeared not to be ready to roll out and providers should have more time to understand the...

Mentions: Katrina Nokleby, Caitlin Cleveland

GNWT asked to extend federal daycare opt-in deadline Cabin Radio - April 14, 2022

...can you do that?” Great Slave MLA Katrina Nokleby asked on Thursday. “You’re making people sign under duress.” Nokleby and Kam Lake MLA Caitlin Cleveland met with day home operators earlier on Thursday. Cleveland said she would ask the education minister, RJ Simpson, for a last-ditch extension to the...

Mentions: Katrina Nokleby, Caitlin Cleveland

N.W.T. to see $60M in federal housing dollars, allocation to be determined CBC North - April 14, 2022

...a federal budget directing $10.1 billion dollars to housing, but how that funding will be allocated in the N.W.T. isn't yet clear. N.W.T. Premier Caroline Cochrane described the investment as "a drop in the bucket" after the federal budget announcement last week. Dan Vandal, minister of Northern Affairs called...

Mentions: Paulie Chinna, Caroline Cochrane

N.W.T. to see $60M in federal housing dollars, allocation to be determined CBC North - April 14, 2022

...down payment." Vandal's comments were made during a press conference in Yellowknife Wednesday where he, MP Michael McLeod, N.W.T. Housing Minister Paulie Chinna and Yellowknife Mayor Rebecca Alty spoke on national housing dollars allocated to the territory announced in last week's federal budget. The latest...

Mentions: Paulie Chinna, Caroline Cochrane

“I would describe it as a down payment”: McLeod, Vandal tout new federal investments in Northern housing NNSL Media - April 13, 2022

...budget, which was unveiled on April 7. They were joined by Yellowknife mayor Rebecca Alty and Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation Paulie Chinna. Even before the budget was released, housing was touted as being a major theme: New investments in this area include $60 million allocated...

Mentions: Paulie Chinna, Caroline Cochrane

N.W.T. wants public input on royalties. MLA says even that process is opaque CBC North - April 13, 2022

O'Reilly said the documents for public engagement suggest the territory is currently getting a fair share of royalties, but that by his calculations, the N.W.T. The public can make comments on the mineral resource royalty review until July 29, 2022, and access documents on the department's website . Committee chair Katrina Nokleby said she wanted her dissenting opinion to Hubert's report posted to the public website if Hubert's report was to be included. Since 2014, $11 billion in diamonds has been produced in the N.W.T., and of that $250 million in royalties have been paid. (GNWT)Since 2014, $11 billion in diamonds has been produced in the N.W.T., and of that $250 million in royalties have been paid.

Mentions: Caroline Wawzonek, Kevin O’Reilly, Katrina Nokleby

Paulatuk family displaced to make way for government housing staff, says MLA CBC North - April 13, 2022

Nunakput MLA Jackie Jacobson says a Paulatuk family with a young baby is at risk of being displaced from a housing unit that Housing Minister Paulie Chinna promised to secure for them during her tour of the community last year. Jacobson said the family has fundraised to purchase a stove — in case they are...

Mentions: Paulie Chinna, Jackie Jacobson

N.W.T. premier presses for northern infrastructure at Arctic symposium CBC North - April 12, 2022

...way to establish Arctic sovereignty and security is with infrastructure such as roads, says N.W.T. Premier Caroline Cochrane. "If you need people to get to the Arctic and you can't if your one airport in the Arctic is closed down, at that point you need to have the infrastructure — we need road systems to...

Mentions: Caroline Yukon, Caroline Cochrane

MLAs debate mining royalties as GNWT revamps mineral extraction policies NNSL Media - April 12, 2022

...said Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Caroline Wawzonek. “Or again, there can be the hybrid approach.” Yellowknife North MLA Rylund Johnson suggested transitioning to a hybrid model like the one used by B.C. In that province, royalties for oil, for example, are calculated based on...

Mentions: Caroline Wawzonek, Rylund Johnson, Kevin O’Reilly

GNWT reviews gun storage after Fort Smith incident Cabin Radio - April 9, 2022

...acknowledged guns were taken from the town’s Department of Lands office. In a written response to Great Slave MLA Katrina Nokleby, lands minister Shane Thompson said both the Department of Lands and Department of Environment and Natural Resources – where a similar break-in occurred in 2019 – were...

Mentions: Shane Thompson, Katrina Nokleby

Acute care units across N.W.T. still waiting on Indigenous patient advocates CBC North - April 9, 2022

...Hugh Papik. He died of a stroke in 2016 after health care workers mistook his symptoms for drunkenness, delaying his treatment by six hours. When Julie Green, minister of Health and Social Services, announced the establishment of the four positions for acute care settings in June 2021, the goal was to see...

Mentions: Jackie Jacobson, Julie Green

Federal budget ‘underwhelming’ when it comes to Arctic security, analyst says CBC North - April 8, 2022

In the 300-page federal budget tabled on Thursday, Arctic security analyst Rob Huebert was most interested in chapter five, a 15-page section about security and defence, headed "Canada's Leadership in the World." (Dave Brown/University of Calgary)The last federal budget promised $252.2 million over five years for continental and Arctic defence and NORAD. Yukon Premier Sandy Silver was hopeful to see more about Arctic security in the budget, but said he's willing to give the federal government 'time to make good on their commitments.' As Yukon's finance minister, he says he understands the budget process and how the Northern premiers' lobbying for Arctic security may have come a bit late. It's just, I think it just didn't have enough turnaround time to make it into the pages of the budget," Silver said.

Mentions: Caroline Yukon, Caroline Cochrane

Cochrane says she’ll fight for more federal funding Cabin Radio - April 8, 2022

Following the release of the budget on Thursday afternoon, Caroline Cochrane told reporters she was “pleased with the overall focus” of the federal document. The Federal budget announced by @CAFreeland today is going to benefit Canadians across the nation, including NWT residents. Cochrane said the federal government has previously made funding commitments for large infrastructure projects in the NWT like the Taltson hydro expansion, Mackenzie Valley Highway and Slave Geological Province Corridor. Under housing, the federal government has proposed $60 million between 2022 and 2024 for affordable housing and related infrastructure in the NWT. The territorial government then announced in March 2021 it would spend the entirety of the federal funding in one go on 126 units across the NWT.

Mentions: Caroline Yukon, Caroline Cochrane

Yellowknifer editorial: Wheels down NNSL Media - April 8, 2022

Cost estimates weren’t even provided when briefing the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment on March 31. The master plan, completed before Covid-19 struck, projected strong airport traffic growth of 2.4 per cent per year. As the Infrastructure officials acknowledged recently, “that’s no longer possible” due to the pandemic. He’s right – there’s no need for the airport to be competing with downtown businesses. Those would be a good opportunities to let these Infrastructure officials know that their plans to expand the airport should be aborted for now.

Mentions: Rylund Johnson, Kevin O’Reilly

Letter: Dayhome operators say GNWT blindsided them with childcare fee cuts NNSL Media - April 8, 2022

...We are alarmed that R.J. Simpson seems to be very comfortable creating pay inequity and marginalizing women, as all dayhomes are run by women. As Rylund Johnson said in his member statement in the House on March 30, “We know that the dayhome model is one of the most resilient and most affordable ways to...

Mentions: Rylund Johnson, Caitlin Cleveland

Federal budget includes new investments in Northern, Indigenous housing NNSL Media - April 7, 2022

Northern Canadians, including those in the Northwest Territories, are getting significant new investments in housing and climate change as part of the latest federal budget. The three Northern Territories will be allotted a combined $150 million over two years to support afforable housing and “related infrastructure” in the North. This is part of a general increase in federal housing investments over the next four years, including more than $12 billion for 2022-23. The federal budget includes significant new investments in domestic defence, to the tune of $8 billion. Overall, the budget sets aside $31.2 billion in new spending over the next five years and projects a deficit of $52.8 billion.

Mentions: Caroline Yukon, Caroline Cochrane

NWT’s employers are put to work in ‘really hot labour market’ Cabin Radio - April 7, 2022

A new employment outlook survey by staffing firm Manpower Group states that in this quarter – from April to June – Canada has the greatest hiring outlook in more than a decade. “People want more out of work than work in these entry-level production positions,” Plumb said. “They’re now looking for something else, they’re looking for a better work-life balance, they’re looking for more money … they’re looking for a bit more flexibility.”Plumb said with more competition for workers, employers need to consider how to differentiate themselves from other companies and make themselves more attractive to potential employees. ‘A really hot labour market’RJ Simpson, the NWT’s employment minister, said there have long been more jobs in the NWT than there are resident workers. By the start of 2021, data released by the NWT Bureau of Statistics suggested the job outlook in the territory had returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Mentions: Caroline Yukon, Caroline Cochrane

Opinion: Premier’s censorship of MLAs comments an abuse of power, columnist Nancy Vail argues NNSL Media - April 6, 2022

...a blatant over reach of power, Caroline Cochrane cut off the microphone of Lisa Semmler, MLA from Twin Lakes, last week when she was midway through a motion dealing with the crisis dealing with so many indigenous children in the child welfare system in the territories. Almost 98 per cent in a system of which...

Mentions: Rocky Simpson, Caroline Cochrane, Rylund Johnson, Caitlin Cleveland

MLAs debate Yellowknife airport expansion NNSL Media - April 6, 2022

...Yellowknife and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation for commercial tenants. Several committee members echoed these concerns: Yellowknife North MLA Rylund Johnson questioned the wisdom of the airport competing with other retail and accommodations businesses in the area. “It seems like a weird area that we...

Mentions: Rylund Johnson, Kevin O’Reilly, Caitlin Cleveland

Premier: Trudeau understands North ‘needs more attention’ Cabin Radio - April 5, 2022

Premier Caroline Cochrane says Monday’s meeting between the three territorial leaders and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was “productive.” Cochrane said the virtual meeting, held at the territories’ request, “gave me confidence that the Prime Minister understands there needs to be more attention given to...

Mentions: Caroline Yukon, Caroline Cochrane

N.W.T. government passes budget with opposition from 6 MLAs CBC North - April 5, 2022

...far enough for Martselos, Monfwi MLA Jane Weyallon Armstrong, Deh Cho MLA Ron Bonnetrouge, Hay River South MLA Rocky Simpson, Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh MLA Richard Edjericon and Great Slave MLA Katrina Nokleby, who cast her vote against the budget in solidarity. The budget got support from Cochrane, Yellowknife South...

Mentions: Richard Edjericon, Paulie Chinna, Frieda Martselos, Lesa Semmler, Shane Thompson, Caroline Wawzonek, Rocky Simpson, Caroline Cochrane, Julie Green, Rylund Johnson

MLAs renew push to jump-start delayed Inuvik runway work Cabin Radio - April 5, 2022

...budget that came in “approximately $40 million higher than the government’s initial costing.” Late last week, Semmler and Great Slave MLA Katrina Nokleby, a former NWT infrastructure minister, returned to the issue in the territory’s legislature. Nokleby, elaborating on Semmler’s initial...

Mentions: Lesa Semmler, Katrina Nokleby

NWT premier stresses importance of infrastructure, reducing Northern inequality, in Arctic security meeting with Trudeau NNSL Media - April 5, 2022

The premier of the Northwest Territories says she stressed the importance of improving the NWT’s infrastructure and reducing inequalities between the North and the south in a recent meeting with her federal colleagues on Arctic security. Premier Caroline Cochrane and her Northern colleagues — Yukon Premier Sandy Silver and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok — met jointly with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Defence Anita Anand on Monday to discuss Arctic sovereignty. The three premiers advocated for the meeting following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the fears it ignited about security in Canada’s Arctic. “The current invasion of Ukraine by Russia is a stark reminder of the importance of Arctic sovereignty,” Cochrane told the assembly.

Mentions: Caroline Yukon, Caroline Cochrane

Prime Minister meets territories over Arctic sovereignty Cabin Radio - April 4, 2022

The three territorial premiers are meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday to discuss Arctic sovereignty, a meeting they had requested last month. The three territories jointly requested a meeting with Trudeau a month ago following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia has long held a variety of interests in the Arctic and climate change has made the waters around northern Canada increasingly navigable. Yellowknife is home to Joint Task Force North, a Canadian Armed Forces branch that holds partial responsibility for the enforcement of Canada’s Arctic sovereignty. “Across the three territories we all have concerns,” Premier Cochrane told MLAs in the NWT legislature at the start of March.

Mentions: Caroline Yukon, Caroline Cochrane

Prime minister meets virtually with Northern premiers, defence minister CBC North - April 4, 2022

Although there's been no official word about the agenda, the three Northern premiers are on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's itinerary for a virtual meeting this afternoon, along with Minister of National Defence Anita Anand. Akeeagok and Yukon Premier Sandy Silver were all expected to attend. The meeting comes after the the premiers wrote a letter to Trudeau last month, asking to discuss Arctic security in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Northern premiers said they were growing increasingly concerned about Canada's Arctic security. The CBC has requested interviews with the premiers following today's meeting, but has not had a response yet.

Mentions: Caroline Yukon, Caroline Cochrane

NWT budget passes but MLAs from smaller communities vote no Cabin Radio - April 4, 2022

...the budget bill by Yellowknife North’s Rylund Johnson, Frame Lake MLA Kevin O’Reilly, Kam Lake’s Caitlin Cleveland and Inuvik Twin Lakes’ Lesa Semmler. (Nunakput’s Jackie Jacobson, who has been absent from the legislature since February, did not take part.) A third of the legislature’s voting...

Mentions: Richard Edjericon, Frieda Martselos, Lesa Semmler, Jackie Jacobson, Caroline Wawzonek, Rocky Simpson, Caroline Cochrane, Rylund Johnson, Kevin O’Reilly, Katrina Nokleby

GNWT budget for 2022-23 passes despite opposition from MLAs representing smaller communities NNSL Media - April 2, 2022

...ensure that we’re providing every program and service in every community across 33 communities and across a huge geographic region.” Premier Caroline Cochrane also addressed the opposition to the budget, saying she was “heartbroken” by the response. “If I was only concerned about Yellowknife and my...

Mentions: Richard Edjericon, Frieda Martselos, Caroline Wawzonek, Ronald Bonnetrouge, Rocky Simpson, Caroline Cochrane, Katrina Nokleby

N.W.T. premier apologizes after MLA muted for speech on systemic racism CBC North - April 1, 2022

...of order were allowed to go through it would be "bad for democracy" and that MLAs need to feel free to voice their opinions without repercussions. Lesa Semmler apologized Thursday after the Premier took offence at her comments on the child welfare system in the N.W.T. Semmler said 98 per cent of children in...

Mentions: Lesa Semmler, Rocky Simpson, Caroline Cochrane, Rylund Johnson, Caitlin Cleveland

Premier, MLAs spar over role of racism in Child and Family Services system NNSL Media - April 1, 2022

...definitely be a crisis, and the whole of government would be trying to figure out how this happened.” Her remarks were interrupted when Premier Caroline Cochrane raised a point of order, saying she took offence to Semmler’s comments. She argued that the MLA’s comments violated the rules of the House by...

Mentions: Lesa Semmler, Rocky Simpson, Caroline Cochrane, Rylund Johnson

Yellowknifer editorial: Medical travel misses the boat NNSL Media - April 1, 2022

... And although his spouse is at his side, he’s left wondering why her trip was paid for through the good graces of Tu Nedhe/Wiilideh MLA Richard Edjericon rather than NWT medical travel, who declared her to be an ineligible non-medical professional and therefore not essential. What a slap in the face....

Mentions: Richard Edjericon, Lesa Semmler, Julie Green

Systemic racism debate erupts after Cochrane interrupts MLA Cabin Radio - March 31, 2022

...whether the over-representation of Indigenous children in the territory’s Child and Family Services division is a crisis, Inuvik Twin Lakes MLA Lesa Semmler found herself cut off. “When 90 percent of the children in Child and Family Services in the Northwest Territories are Indigenous, this is a...

Mentions: Lesa Semmler, Rocky Simpson, Caroline Cochrane, Rylund Johnson, Caitlin Cleveland

What kinds of electoral reform does the NWT need next? Cabin Radio - March 31, 2022

...behaviour.” Candidates’ election signs outside Sir John Franklin High School in Yellowknife on September 6, 2019. Ollie Williams/Cabin Radio Katrina Nokleby, the MLA for Great Slave, sees benefits to party politics but feels consensus government suits the NWT. She said its success comes down to the...

Mentions: Richard Edjericon, Steve Norn, Kieron Testart, Rylund Johnson, Kevin O’Reilly, Katrina Nokleby

N.W.T. looking to recruit health workers from Ukraine, health minister says CBC North - March 31, 2022

...Green made the comments in the N.W.T's legislative assembly Wednesday while answering questions about health recruitment from Hay River North MLA Rocky Simpson. "One recruitment method that I'm particularly interested in is the possibility of bringing health human resource workers from Ukraine who may be...

Mentions: Rocky Simpson, Julie Green

Representation of Indigenous children and youth in child and family services a ‘crisis’: Assembly report NNSL Media - March 30, 2022

...days. ‘There are still children being apprehended because their parents live in poverty’ Also at Tuesday’s sitting, Yellowknife North MLA Rylund Johnson called on the GNWT to adopt a policy to not remove children from their families solely because of socioeconomic circumstance. “I am well aware...

Mentions: Rylund Johnson, Caitlin Cleveland

Inuvik runway extension, ‘$40M over budget,’ is halted Cabin Radio - March 30, 2022

...location.” The Department of National Defence had agreed to foot the $150-million expected bill for the work. However, Inuvik Twin Lakes MLA Lesa Semmler this week told the legislature the project has been halted. “It is my understanding that they have stopped work on this project because a...

Mentions: Caroline Yukon, Lesa Semmler, Caroline Cochrane

Progress on Cantung and Mactung could come by end of April Cabin Radio - March 29, 2022

The future of the Cantung mine and Mactung deposit may become a little clearer by the end of April after seven years in government ownership. The NWT government paid $2.5 million to acquire the Mactung exploration project after North American Tungsten filed for bankruptcy protection. The territory has spent another $200,000 in associated clean-up and maintenance costs, though ongoing costs are understood to be minimal. The federal government, meanwhile, assumed responsibility for the old Cantung mine, which operated on and off between 1962 and 2015. “As far as I can tell … all attempts to sell the Cantung and Mactung properties have failed.”Yet some form of sale could be imminent.

Mentions: Caroline Yukon, Caroline Wawzonek, Kevin O’Reilly

MLAs given more time to review virtual care bill after opposition Cabin Radio - March 28, 2022

...will take more time to review proposed virtual healthcare changes after the territory’s medical association raised objections. Health minister Julie Green last year introduced Bill 40, which would allow medical practitioners licensed elsewhere in Canada to provide virtual care to NWT residents from...

Mentions: Julie Green, Kevin O’Reilly, Caitlin Cleveland

2019 NWT Election

An OpenNWT Election Resource

October 01, 2019

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