Northwest Territories News

The NWT's housing crisis isn't just about new homes. Many existing homes urgently need repairs. The level of demand is highlighting flaws and inspiring change.

There's live music across Yellowknife this weekend as the city's scene reawakens. Music NWT, meanwhile, plans more youth programs and its own awards show.

Sachs Harbour residents are being warned not to drink tap water after the smell of fuel and a "visible sheen" were found in some homes.

The federal government launched a new phase of a fund that aims to improve food security, this time promising more focus on Indigenous, northern communities.

The GNWT, Gahcho Kué mine and Native Women's Association announced a program to help women into skilled trades through placements at the mine.

The federal government is appealing the certification of a $600-million class action lawsuit alleging RCMP discrimination against Indigenous northerners.

How many house plants is too many? An NWT case involving "about 200 plants" asked the territory's rental officer to decide if your landlord can set a limit.

New Dene National Chief Gerald Antoine will lead an Indigenous delegation to meet the Pope on March 31. A Fort Nelson youth representative will also attend.

More than 5,000 tonnes of old vehicles, appliances, and other hazardous waste will be taken out of Beaufort Delta and Sahtu communities. Here are some photos.

In an unusual assignment, high school students from Montreal have spent the past two weeks helping to renovate a Yellowknife charity's youth dorms.

Proposed changes to the way physicians outside the NWT provide virtual care could have negative consequences for patients, the NWT Medical Association says.

Five people face charges after a three-month investigation into Yellowknife cocaine trafficking, RCMP say. One of the five, an 18-year-old, is still at large.

Twenty-four non-profits are jointly receiving a total of almost $200,000 from United Way NWT's community investment fund. A record number of groups applied.

Omicron BA.2, an easily transmitted variant, arrived in the NWT but won't affect the lifting of remaining pandemic restrictions on April 1, the territory said.

Two new investigations into illegal caribou harvesting were opened at the weekend as the number of animals affected since 2022 began moved beyond 40.

The NWT government reported the territory's 21st death related to Covid-19. There are currently 308 active cases across the territory.

The NWT's health authority says vacancy rates are dropping in some areas, even as Hay River braces for the latest impacts of a territory-wide staffing shortage.

The lawyers said the accused's Indigenous heritage was a factor in his drugs case. The accused himself said it wasn't. Untangling the case required two judges.

Former Jean Marie River chief Stanley Sanguez became Grand Chief of the Dehcho First Nations on an interim basis after Kenneth Cayen's removal last month.

Mr. Speaker, each year on the last Sunday of September, Canada salutes the men and women who put their lives on the line every day in their role as police and peace officers.

In Yellowknife on September 27th, RCMP, peace officers, family members and the public came together to recognize and honour the loss of loved ones, friends and colleagues who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Since the 1870’s, 222 officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and its forerunner, the North West Mounted Police have died across Canada. We owe each of them a profound and continuing debt of gratitude.

Police and peace officers include RCMP officers, correctional officers, highway patrol officers, territorial park officers and municipal enforcement officers.  Our police and peace officers regularly work in difficult environments and in dangerous situations.  In times of crisis, they respond quickly and without thought of personal danger.

As well as upholding the law, peace officers are mentors in our schools, coaches in our arenas and gymnasiums, and neighbours contributing in many ways to our communities.

The fallen officers recognized during the past year were RCMP Constable David Wynn of Alberta; Constable Daniel Woodall of the Edmonton police service; Transport Enforcement Officer, Toni D. Kristinsson from BC; and Corrections Officer Rhonda Commodore from Manitoba Corrections Services.

We remember those 56 who have fallen in the Northwest Territories, including the sacrifices of Constable Christopher Worden and Parole Officer Louise Parteger, who each lost their lives serving our citizens.

We have been working towards making communities safer and policing more effective in the Northwest Territories, by building trust and improving relationships between law enforcement and those they serve.

We will continue to build these positive relations through Community Policing Plans and working with community members on common goals and priorities.  These relationships need to be continually nurtured.  Great work has been accomplished in the past few years.

I know all the Members of this Assembly will want to be sure that the men and women who work hard and have dedicated their lives to public safety and public service know they have our sincere appreciation.

Selfless commitment, sacrifice and dedication; these qualities were exemplified by each officer we have lost.  Every peace officer deserves to go home safely to their loved ones at the end of their shift.  To those who didn’t make it back, we will never forget you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.