Northwest Territories News

YELLOWKNIFE (January 26, 2015) – Bob McLeod, Premier of the Northwest Territories, will lead a delegation to Ottawa for a series of meetings and events with federal ministers from January 29-31, 2015.

Premier McLeod will be accompanied by his entire Cabinet, Members of the Legislative Assembly, NWT Aboriginal government leaders and NWT business leaders. The delegation’s meetings will focus on the NWT’s potential to contribute to the national economy through responsible development of its natural resources and the need for nation building infrastructure investments to support economic growth.

The Government of Northwest Territories will hold private receptions for federal leaders and other stakeholders and host a public event at Winterlude highlighting the NWT’s culture and tourism potential.

Media inquiries: Roya Grinsted Communications Officer Government of the Northwest Territories Tel: 867-669-2308 Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (January 26, 2015) – Bob McLeod, Premier of the Northwest Territories, will lead a delegation to Ottawa for a series of meetings and events with federal ministers from January 29-31, 2015.

Premier McLeod will be accompanied by his entire Cabinet, Members of the Legislative Assembly, NWT Aboriginal government leaders and NWT business leaders. The delegation’s meetings will focus on the NWT’s potential to contribute to the national economy through responsible development of its natural resources and the need for nation building infrastructure investments to support economic growth.

The Government of Northwest Territories will hold private receptions for federal leaders and other stakeholders and host a public event at Winterlude highlighting the NWT’s culture and tourism potential.

Backgrounder – NWT Days

Media inquiries:
Roya Grinsted
Communications Officer
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2308
Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

BEIJING (January 22, 2015 ) – As  a founding member of the Fur Institute of Canada (FIC), the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) advanced a proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the FIC and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).

The agreement was formally endorsed last week by Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, David Ramsay, to CPAFFC Chairman, Yao Mingyu, and Vice Chairman, Hu Sishe. Under the agreement, educational and promotional products developed in Canada would help to improve the perceptions and trade of fur products within the Chinese marketplace.

“The long-standing partnership that we have built with trappers in our fur industry is key to the new relationships we are establishing in China to underscore our industry’s ties to its traditional roots,” said Minister Ramsay.  “The potential value of this market for our residents and communities is immense. Our traditional harvesting practices are a marketing advantage for NWT wild fur.”

In a recent address to the CPAFFC, NWT Premier Bob McLeod said that continued cooperation will ensure Chinese consumers have a long-term and stable supply of high-end Canadian commodities, including Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs. The Canadian industry has access to the world’s foremost market for wild furs.

China and Canada are members of the World Conservation Union and subscribe to the basic principles of sustainable use.  “It is our responsibility to work cooperatively to ensure that future generations of consumers recognize the sustainable and responsible approach reflected in our time-honoured Canadian Aboriginal traditional harvesting practices,” said Premier McLeod.

Due to its high quality, limited supply and humane harvesting practices, NWT fur and the products created with it are increasingly sought by socially and fashion-conscious consumers worldwide.

China is the largest importer of fur in the world and represents over 80 percent of fur-related purchases, manufacturing and re-exporting of finished products globally.

Promoting NWT wild fur under the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs label is a primary objective of the GNWT’s current trade mission in China and Japan.

Media inquiries: 

Roya Grinsted
Communications Officer
Government of the NWT
Tel:  (867) 669-2308
Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

TOKYO (January 21, 2015) – Premier Bob McLeod and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment  (ITI) David Ramsay are concluding their trade and investment mission to China and Japan this week with a focus on tourism. On January 20, they hosted a “Rare in Nature” reception and fashion show at the Canadian embassy in Tokyo, showcasing the NWT’s magnificent aurora and highly prized luxury resources.

“Beautiful wild furs will keep you warm for hours while you watch the northern lights from any part of the Northwest Territories,” said Premier McLeod. “The north provides a magical experience and our dedicated tour operators have years of experience in catering to Japanese and Chinese tourists’ needs.”

Events in Beijing, Shanghai, and Tokyo are raising the NWT’s profile as a tourism destination while providing information for potential tourists. The GNWT delegation includes Yellowknife-based tourism companies that specialize in providing service to the Chinese and Japanese markets.

The NWT is known as the Aurora Capital of the World, and this reputation has made the NWT a premiere destination for Japanese tourists for years. Japan remains the NWT’s largest international tourism market, and Japanese partnerships have helped NWT tour operators to refine and develop their Aurora viewing sector.

Chinese tourism to the NWT has been increasing ever since Canada received approved destination status in 2008. Growing the market share of leisure travellers from China and Japan is an important element of both NWT Tourism’s marketing plan and ITI’s focus on product development. With the natural beauty of the northern landscape, stunning aurora, cultural experiences, and modern living, the NWT offers a unique experience to those eager for adventure.

“China is Canada’s fastest-growing tourism market, doubling every year,” said Minister Ramsay. “Chinese tourists are particularly interested in authentic cultural experiences like the ones available in the NWT. On my last visit, I learned that 100,000 Chinese tourists are interested in visiting the NWT. By encouraging this market to enjoy our territory and all it has to offer we will grow our tourism sector, creating jobs and income for people throughout the NWT.”

 

Media inquiries:

Roya Grinsted
Communications Officer
Government of the NWT
Tel:  867) 669-2308
Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (January 21, 2015) – Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) Robert C. McLeod met with Northwest Territories (NWT) sport and recreation non-government organizations January 10-11 to discuss future plans and opportunities. Discussions included a review of current priorities and how MACA can support the sector. These discussions will contribute to the development of recommendations for consideration by the 18th Legislative Assembly.

“I was very pleased with the commitment and dedication shown by all of the delegates and the quality of discussion,” said Minister McLeod. “I look forward to continuing to work with our partners to support sport and recreation in the NWT.”

Members of the Legislative Assembly Wendy Bisaro (Frame Lake) and Alfred Moses (Inuvik – Boot Lake) also participated in the meetings.

Delivering robust sport and recreation programming in the NWT requires a cooperative effort on the part of many different organizations. Ensuring all groups are able to meet and voice ideas and concerns is an important step in maintaining strong partnerships.

A proceedings report will be prepared by MACA for further discussion with the participating organizations and for submission for review with the 18th Legislative Assembly.

Providing opportunities for all NWT residents to participate in sport and recreation programming adds to the 17th Assembly’s goal of building sustainable, vibrant, safe communities.

Quotes from partner organizations:

NWT Sport and Recreation Council (SRC) Chair Bridget Larocque said, “With the vision of a healthy and vibrant North, the SRC supports the need for progressive change in the sport and recreation sector, and change that will see the most effective use of financial resources to combat social issues and physical barriers.”

Sport North President Maureen Miller said, “The discussions over the state of Sport and Recreation and the future direction were very encouraging for the Federation. It is apparent for our meetings that all the sport and recreation organizations have a vested interest in improving the health and well-being of all the people, of all ages, across the territory and are looking for ways to work together to achieve this.”

Aboriginal Sport Circle Executive Director Greg Hopf said, “We were pleased at the discussions with all of the sport/recreation organizations and government on areas where we all share success but also areas in the sector where we need to improve.  We look forward to working with all sport organizations and governments to address these areas and ultimately reach those in need of healthy and vibrant programs for their communities.”

NWT Recreation and Parks Executive Director Geoff Ray said, “This was a good opportunity to share ideas and outline priorities with the Minister. We are looking forward to working with him and the department on our shared goals.”

Mackenzie Recreation Association Chair Ms. Roslyn Firth said, “The Mackenzie Recreation Association is very pleased to work within the partnership of such enthusiastic volunteers and professionals in the NWT.  We are excited about the possibility of hosting the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Yellowknife and recognize the benefits that it will bring to all of the residents of the NWT.  Our meetings this weekend were engaging and collaborative, and we look forward to further dialogue, planning and action in the sport and recreation sector.”

Beaufort Delta Sahtu Recreation Association Executive Director Theresa Ross said, “We were pleased with the outcomes of the meeting with the Minister. We believe working together in a cooperative environment with all of our sport and recreation partners will help us all achieve our common goals that will benefit people in the NWT.”

 Media inquiries:

David Maguire
Communications and Website Advisor
Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
Phone: (867) 920-3092
Email: david_maguire@gov.nt.ca

 

YELLOWKNIFE (January 15, 2015) – Participants in the 2014 Budget Dialogue expressed satisfaction with the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT’s) fiscal strategy to manage program expenditure pressures to help fund infrastructure investments and supportive of increasing revenues over the longer term through economic and population growth according to the Budget Dialogue report released today by Minister of Finance J. Michael Miltenberger. The report summarizes what was heard from the almost 100 Northerners who attended the public sessions held last fall in the seven regional centres and in 11 written submissions.

“The Budget Dialogue 2014 discussions reflected our concern about the economy over the medium term and serious implications for our fiscal situation,” said Minister Miltenberger. “Although we did not come into the sessions with good news, we left with optimism that together we can improve our economy and ensure that the GNWT’s finances remain sustainable.”

The Minister of Finance met with residents, businesses and organizations across the NWT last November to take stock of the accomplishments of the 17th Legislative Assembly, discuss the GNWT’s fiscal situation and on-going financial management, seek NWT residents’ views on top priorities for investments, and ask residents what the GNWT can do better to manage expenditures, especially given the medium-term outlook for slow revenue growth.

The results of the Budget Dialogue will inform discussion during the coming budget session of the Legislative Assembly and beyond.  Other feedback about the government’s fiscal priorities and programs and services will be used in the 2015-16 Budget and will be included in transition materials provided for the next Legislative Assembly.

The Budget Dialogue Report is on the Department of Finance website at:

http://www.fin.gov.nt.ca/documents/BudgetDialogue2014ResultsReportFINALPDFDOC7030.pdf

Media inquiries:

Roya Grinsted

Communications Officer

Government of the Northwest Territories

Tel: 867-669-2308

Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (January 13, 2015) – Minister or Education, Culture and Employment Jackson Lafferty announced a substantial increase to the Northwest Territories minimum wage today.

Effective June 1, 2015, the minimum wage will increase from $10.00 per hour to $12.50 per hour, giving the NWT one of the highest minimum wages in Canada. The increase was based on findings from the Minimum Wage Committee, appointed by Minister Lafferty in 2013 to research, engage stakeholders and provide options on the minimum wage rate in the NWT.

“We all want to lead successful and prosperous lives. We all want opportunities that enable us to take care of our families and support our communities.   And we all want to be fairly compensated for our work,” said Minister Lafferty. “The move to increase the minimum wage is part of ongoing Government of the Northwest Territories efforts to support the people of the NWT and ensure they have opportunities, possibilities, and a fair wage.”

Minister Lafferty appointed the Minimum Wage Committee in 2013 after a public call for applications. The members were chosen to represent the GNWT, the interests of employers and employees, and social agencies. The committee conducted extensive research, looked at economic and social factors, compared costs of living across jurisdictions, and surveyed minimum wages across Canada. Following their deliberations, the Committee provided options to the Minister for his consideration.

“The Committee provided me with three options to address the need for an increase,” said the Minister. “We looked very carefully at each and determined that the $12.50 option would not only serve to help those people working under minimum wage, but would be manageable for employers.”

For more information, view the attached materials, or visit www.ece.gov.nt.ca.

Backgrounder- NWT Minimum Wage

Media inquiries:

Jacqueline McKinnon

Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Education, Culture and Employment
Phone: (867) 920-6222
Email: jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (January 8, 2015) – Earlier this week, Robert C. McLeod, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA), announced a call for nominations for the Northwest Territories (NWT) Outstanding Volunteer Awards. This year marks the 25th year of this award, which recognizes the remarkable contributions volunteers make in communities across the Northwest Territories (NWT).

Residents are encouraged to nominate a youth, elder, group or outstanding volunteer in their communities. This program acknowledges individuals who donate their time to improve the quality of life for NWT residents.

“We have a strong volunteer sector with committed people doing great work in our communities,” said Minister McLeod. “The Government of the NWT supports volunteers and their work, and encourages more people to get involved. Strong volunteers build strong communities.”

Awards are presented in the following categories:

·         Youth Volunteer Award

·         Elder Volunteer Award

·         Outstanding Group

·         Outstanding Volunteer

The deadline for nominations is March 20, 2015.

Supporting volunteers who build sustainable, vibrant, safe communities is an important part of Believing in People and Building on the Strengths of Northerners, as envisioned in the goals of the 17th Assembly of the GNWT.

Further information and nomination forms are available at all MACA and community government offices and at www.maca.gov.nt.ca.

For more information, contact:

David Maguire
Communications and Website Advisor
Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
Phone: (867) 920-3092

 

 

 

YELLOWKNIFE (January 7, 2015) – Premier Bob McLeod and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay will lead a delegation to China and Japan from January 10-21, 2015.

The purpose of the mission is to continue to strengthen trade ties with China, building on the success of the 2012 Council of Federation trade mission and the January 2014 Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) trade mission. This year’s mission has been expanded to include a stop in Japan, allowing the GNWT to promote NWT tourism, diamonds and wild fur directly to Japanese industry specialists and explore possibilities for Japanese investment in the NWT.

Attendance at the 41st annual Beijing Fur and Leather Show will be a major focus of the trip to China, where the Premier and Minister will promote NWT wild fur to attendees. Meetings with key Ministers and executives are planned for Japan, as well as an NWT Gala with 120 invited guests from the Japanese tourism, diamond and fur sectors.

Media availabilities during the trade mission will be announced as they become available. Speeches and presentations will be posted to the GNWT’s news site.

Media inquiries:

Brenda Norris
Media Liaison
Government of the NWT
Tel:  867) 669-2302
Email:   brenda_norris@gov.nt.ca

Backgrounder – 2015 China and Japan Trade Mission

 

 

YELLOWKNIFE (January 5, 2015) – Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy announced today that the Stanton Territorial Health Authority (STHA) has awarded the air ambulance contract to Air Tindi Ltd. and Advanced Medical Solutions Inc., dba ACCESS (Aeromedical Critical Care Emergency Services Specialists). The eight-year contract was awarded following an extensive evaluation process by STHA and the Department of Health and Social Services.

“Air ambulance service is an essential part of the NWT Health Care System and integral in ensuring patients across the NWT can receive the best care possible,” said Minister Abernethy. “These are very large and important contracts and finding a contractor to meet all of our needs in an efficient and cost-effective manner was extremely important. A lot of work was done in putting together the responses we received and in the evaluation process and I am pleased with the outcome.”

“We are excited to have been awarded this contract,” said Al Martin, President of Air Tindi. “Working with Advanced Medical Solutions, we will be implementing innovations through replacement aircraft and more dedicated facilities to allow us to provide the best quality of care to NWT residents. We look forward to working closely with the team at Stanton Territorial Health Authority.”

“Air Tindi,  Advance Medical Solutions and Stanton Territorial Health Authority have worked closely together during the past seven years to establish a best-in-class air ambulance service for the Northwest Territories. We are very excited to build on our current relationship and provide an even better solution for air ambulance services.  We are proud of the changes the new contract offers, most importantly, the opportunity to enhance the training and specialized competencies of our current critical care teams enabling us to deliver patient care at its highest level,” said Sean Ivens, President and CEO of Advanced Medical Solutions Inc.

With the current contracts for the air ambulance service ending March 31, 2015, STHA issued a Request for Proposals on April 28, 2014. The submission period closed on June 20, 2014 and four proposals were received.

The current air ambulance contract is held by Air Tindi Ltd., while the personnel services contract has been held by Advanced Medical Solutions (AMS) Inc. The contract for Air Tindi has cost $53.9 million from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2014, while the contract held by AMS has cost $18.2 million from August 15, 2007 to March 31, 2014.

Over the past five years, there were an average of just over 1000 yearly flight dispatches. Using aircraft specifically fitted with medical equipment and staffed with appropriate medical personnel, air ambulance services transport sick or injured people to and from healthcare facilities in the NWT and Alberta.

Backgrounder – Air Ambulance Services

Media inquiries:

Brenda Norris
Media Liaison
Government of the NWT
Tel:  867) 669-2302
Email:   brenda_norris@gov.nt.ca

 

Alasdair Martin
President, Air Tindi
Cell:  (867) 444-9082

YELLOWKNIFE (January 5, 2015) –The Northwest Territories is encouraging greater representation of women on corporate boards and in senior management by making changes to its securities rules.

The amendments to the securities rules are intended to increase transparency for investors and other stakeholders regarding the representation of women on boards of directors and in senior management. This transparency is intended to assist investors in making investment and voting decisions and will apply to all non-venture issuers reporting in the NWT.

“Helping women reach their full potential by supporting them in leadership is part of this government’s commitment to creating sustainable, healthy communities,” says Minister Responsible for Women, Premier Bob McLeod. “Increasing the role of women in leadership is not just about equality for women. It is about strengthening our territory for the benefit of all Northwest Territories residents.” 

The Northwest Territories is joining eight other provinces and territories in adopting these amendments, which came into effect on December 31, 2014.  Under the new securities rules, companies reporting to the NWT Securities Office that list on major stock exchanges such as the Toronto Stock Exchange would be required to disclose:

• the number of women on the board and in executive officer positions;
• policies regarding the representation of women on the board;
• targets related to the representation of women on the board and in executive officer positions;
• any consideration of the representation of women in the director identification and selection process; and
• any consideration of the representation of women in executive officer positions when making executive officer appointments.

The rule amendments provide for a “comply or explain” model.  An issuer is not required to have any particular gender diversity policies, practices or targets in place as part of its corporate governance practices but, if not, the issuer must disclose why it has not done so.

“The changes are intended to ensure that investors and other stakeholders are better informed about the composition of corporate boards and senior management teams,” said Minister of Justice David Ramsay. “We hope this will lead to more women on the boards of major Canadian companies, as well as in senior management positions.”

The rule amendments were finalized after a period of public and stakeholder consultation, firstly by the Ontario Securities Commission and later by other provinces and territories through the Canadian Securities Administrators.  The amendments, which will apply in Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Québec and Saskatchewan, are made under the authority of the securities legislation of each jurisdiction.  The present NWT Securities Act was enacted in 2008. 

Media inquiries:
Brenda Norris
Media Liaison
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2304
Email: brenda_norris@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (December 22, 2014) – The 2014 Energy Charrette Report was released today. The report summarizes discussions that took place among over 100 representatives from NWT communities, Aboriginal governments, industry, energy experts and other government officials on November 3-4, 2014 in Yellowknife. 

Prepared by charrette facilitators R. Marshall and Associates, the report states that participants identified affordability as the number one objective, reflecting residents’ concerns with the high cost of living. Other suggestions brought forward during the 2014 charrette include:

• Be more aggressive on energy efficiency and conservation;
• Find ways to use excess energy in the Taltson hydro grid;
• Continue to build on biomass energy efforts;
• Continue to consider community-scale and regional energy supply projects; and
• Consider a “portfolio” approach that recognizes the different challenges and opportunities available to communities.

Premier Bob McLeod, who is also Chair of the Ministerial Energy Coordinating Committee, called for the 2014 Energy Charrette on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). “We need to recalibrate our plans. We need to consider the approach we take to energy to ensure it is affordable in the short term and sustainable for communities in the long term.”

“This report reflects what myself and seven other facilitators heard during the discussions at the Energy Charrette,” said Rob Marshall of R. Marshall and Associates. “It will now be for the GNWT to consider the ideas developed at the Energy Charrette and to determine actions that could be taken.”

The GNWT will be asking the public for comments on the report until February 2, 2015 to allow for input from residents who did not have an opportunity to attend the charrette. Input on the 2014 Energy Charrette Report can be provided to the GNWT by sending comments to nwtenergy@gov.nt.ca .

Based on public input and the suggestions in the charrette report, the GNWT will develop a response outlining potential directions and next steps for energy in the NWT. The GNWT response is expected to be released by early March 2015.

Click here to access the 2014 NWT Energy Charrette Report. 

Backgrounder – 2014 Energy Charrette

Media inquiries:    

Shaun Dean
Director, Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2304
Email: shaun_dean@gov.nt.ca

 

Rob Marshall
R. Marshall and Associates
Tel:  867-669-6242
Email: rob@RMAConsulting.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (December 22, 2014) – Minister David Ramsay, Government of the Northwest Territories Regulator of Oil and Gas Operations, and Willard Hagen, Chair of the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on December 19.

The MOU signals the intent of both regulators to work together to carry out their respective responsibilities while providing for a comprehensive and timely review of applications under each regulator’s jurisdiction. The MOU lays the foundation for cooperation in areas such as preliminary screening, mapping and geographic information systems, inspections and site visits, and training and capacity building. 

“The Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board is an important partner in the regulation of oil and gas activities in the NWT onshore. This cooperative arrangement is an important step to ensure responsible  stewardship of resources,” said Minister Ramsay.

“This MOU represents the ongoing commitment of the Board to work with our resource management partners to ensure the regulatory regime is integrated, coordinated and efficient,” said Willard Hagen.

The MOU is available on the Office of the Regulator of Oil and Gas Operations (OROGO) website www.oilandgasregulator.iti.gov.nt.ca and the MVLWB website at www.mvlwb.com.

Media inquiries:

Leslie Campbell
Senior Communications Officer
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-3343
Email: Leslie_Campbell@gov.nt.ca

 

Zabey Nevitt
Executive Director
Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board
Tel: (867)766-7457
Email: zabey@mvlwb.com

YELLOWKNIFE (December 19, 2014) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is proposing the creation of a mobile core conservation zone around collared cows from the Bathurst caribou herd. No harvesting of Bathurst caribou would be permitted in this conservation zone.

The proposal comes as discussions between the GNWT, political leaders from Aboriginal governments and wildlife management authorities to consider management actions for the Bathurst and Bluenose-East caribou herds continue.  Progress has been made in numerous areas, but participants have not reached consensus on harvest restrictions for either herd.

Trends from reconnaissance surveys of calving grounds conducted in June 2014 suggest both herds are declining at an alarming rate and the GNWT has concerns that any harvest on the Bathurst caribou herd is not sustainable.

“Bathurst caribou collar data suggests the core Bathurst herd remains tightly grouped since leaving the calving grounds in the spring,” said Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Minister J. Michael Miltenberger. “This presents an opportunity to implement a creative solution that protects the herd and allows for subsistence Aboriginal harvesting.”

The mobile conservation zone concept continues to be discussed with Aboriginal governments.  Until these discussions are concluded, ENR will not be issuing authorizations for the harvesting of Bathurst caribou.

The GNWT, Aboriginal government leaders and wildlife management authorities have also been considering interim recommendations from the Advisory Committee for Cooperation on Wildlife Management (ACWM) for the Bluenose-East herd that include a harvest target of 2,800 animal (including approximately 1,800 for NWT harvesters). ENR agrees with a majority of the recommendations and will work with co-management partners to implement them.

ENR believes a target of 2,500 (including 1,500 for NWT harvesters) would be more reasonable and will closely monitor harvesting of Bluenose East caribou until consensus is reached on an interim harvest target for the 2014-2015 season. The GNWT will pursue options for further limiting the harvest should monitoring indicate a rapid decline in the Bluenose East herd.

Media inquiries:

Brenda Norris
Media Liaison
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2302
Email: brenda_norris@gov.nt.ca

Redistributed on behalf of Conference of Management Authorities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two species to be added to NWT Species At Risk List

 

 

 

YELLOWKNIFE (December 16, 2014) – The new Legal Aid Act will come into force on December 28, 2014, providing a framework for the delivery of legal aid services for the people of the Northwest Territories.

“Legal aid provides advice and counsel for those in our most vulnerable populations”, said Minister of Justice David Ramsay. “The new Act underpins the delivery of those critical services, both for criminal and family law clients.”

Replacing the existing Legal Services Act and substituting a Legal Aid Commission for the current Legal Services Board, the new legislation provides a modernized governance and operational structure for  the delivery of legal aid services using an integrated staff lawyer/private practitioner model.

Lou Sebert, the chairperson of the Legal Services Board, will become the first chairperson of the Legal Services Commission. Mr. Sebert has served in private practice in Fort Smith for over 30 years. “So much has changed in the legal aid system since the old Legal Services Act was enacted in 1979,” said Mr. Sebert. “In the beginning all services were provided by lawyers in private practice.  Now, 35 years later, the bulk of legal aid work is performed by staff lawyers employed in one of our four clinics.  What remains unchanged is a generous eligibility policy and an ongoing commitment to the provision of high quality legal services.”

New regulations that include a revised tariff of fees that private practitioners may charge for the provision of legal aid services will also come into force in conjunction with the Act.  Those fees, which vary based on years of experience of counsel, were last adjusted in 2006.

The new Act also requires that a review be conducted every 10 years.

Media inquiries:

Sue Glowach
Senior Communications Advisor
Department of Justice
Tel: 867-920-3130

Lou Sebert,
Chair, Legal Services Commission (name change effective Dec. 28, 2014)
Tel: 867-872-2199

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redistributed on behalf of the Species at Risk Committee

Results of 2014 NWT Species Assessments

 

YELLOWKNIFE (December 12, 2014) – Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Jackson Lafferty met last week with Aboriginal governments from across the Northwest Territories to generate ideas for a 10-year culture and heritage strategic framework. This is a new initiative of the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) which will help GNWT departments align their work with a shared set of cultural principles during the next decade. The framework will be the first of its kind in the NWT.

“Cultural identity is part of what makes Northerners who we are and supports personal and community wellness,” said Minister Lafferty. “Government has a responsibility to preserve, promote, document and present culture and heritage and ensure it shapes government decisions, policies and programs. Aboriginal governments have rights respecting their culture, language and heritage resources and it is essential that we work together on this initiative.”

The meeting focused on three main activities: learning how Aboriginal governments have woven culture and heritage into their work, identifying ways that Aboriginal governments and public government can work more closely together to preserve and promote culture, and exploring what cultural principles should form the foundation of a culture and heritage strategic framework.

The results from the meeting will be combined with the results from similar meetings being held across the NWT.  A draft culture and heritage strategic framework is planned for summer 2015.

Media inquiries:

Jacqueline McKinnon
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Tel: (867) 920-6222
Email: jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca

 

 

 

YELLOWKNIFE (December 12, 2014) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is congratulating FOXY (Fostering Open eXpression among Youth), recipients of the third annual Arctic Inspiration Prize announced Wednesday night in Ottawa.Premier McLeod spoke today about the importance of empowering young women in the NWT and the key role they play as our future leaders.

“Congratulations to FOXY and all the young women who have contributed to its success while participating in their programs,” said Premier Bob McLeod, Minister Responsible for Women. “FOXY’s unique approach to participatory action research brings young women together as peers to talk about their experiences and the challenges they face growing up in small Northern communities and turns that real-life knowledge into practical solutions that are in touch with Northern realities. I am pleased to see the value of this approach and the knowledge it can contribute to the understanding of life in the North recognized on a national level.”

Health and Social Services Minister Glen Abernethy attended the award presentation ceremony. “Supporting people to help identify their own priorities and solutions for addressing some of the pervasive health and social challenges Northerners face is a central principle of our government’s approach to promoting personal and community wellness,” said Minister Abernethy. “FOXY uses the arts to facilitate discussion and learning about sensitive topics and complements the GNWT’s own community-based youth programming. I am a big supporter of FOXY and congratulate them on being the first winners of the whole $1 million Arctic Inspiration Prize.”

FOXY is a northern-based, youth-led sexual health education program that has been operating in the Northwest Territories for three years. It focuses on the complex determinants of sexual health in the Canadian North, not just visible indicators of sexual health problems and provides honest, realistic and comprehensive education that empowers youth to make their own informed decisions. It recognizes and addresses the link between sexual health and mental health and supports youth to pursue healthy relationships based on equality, respect and consent. By encouraging youth to connect with their cultures and helping foster the growth of young leaders and strong social support networks, FOXY also contributes to community wellness.

GNWT support for FOXY has included financial contributions totaling $115,000 for leadership retreats and school workshops from the Departments of Municipal and Community Affairs and Health and Social Services during the past two years, as well as in-kind services of a mental health worker for the 2013 Peer Leadership Retreat. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment has also accredited FOXY programming for delivery in NWT high schools.

Premier McLeod nominated FOXY for the Arctic Inspiration Prize in September of 2014; the nomination was supported with letters from Minister Abernethy, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs Robert C. McLeod and Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Jackson Lafferty.

Media inquiries:

Brenda Norris
Media Liaison
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2302
Email: brenda_norris@gov.nt.ca

 

 

YELLOWKNIFE (December 11, 2014) – Traffic is flowing safely and reliably across both Dempster Highway ice crossings. This is the first year highway service to the Beaufort-Delta region has been interrupted for only a short time during freeze-up.

“For the first time ever, we have provided near-continuous highway service to Inuvik during freeze-up,” said Minister of Transportation Tom Beaulieu. “We operated both ferries 24 hours a day while constructing the ice bridges. This investment significantly increased access to the region. It lowered the cost of living, improved mobility and provided more secure energy resupply to the Beaufort-Delta during what has always been a time when reliable highway access was not possible.”

The bridges are now at a capacity to serve commercial traffic and bring cargo to and from local communities. The department is continuing the work that will bring them to their maximum load capacity.

Ice bridges are vital connections linking northerners to each other and delivering essential freight. In previous years, the Dempster Highway was closed while ice crossings were built over the Peel and Mackenzie Rivers. These closures lasted up to 28 days for light traffic and 41 days for heavy traffic. This winter, the highway was closed for eight days while ice channels were cut. The ferries then operated 24 hours per day in the channels while ice bridges were built nearby. The GNWT used a similar process at the Highway 3 crossing at Fort Providence in the last few years before the Deh Cho Bridge was opened.

Investments in transportation infrastructure support the priorities of the 17th Legislative Assembly by connecting northerners to each other and increasing their well-being and prosperity. Northerners, industry and tourists depend on ice crossings to move around safely, securely and reliably. Improved highway access to communities strengthens and diversifies the NWT economy, making northern businesses more competitive and lowering the cost of living.

Media inquiries:

Megan Holsapple
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
Department of Transportation
Tel: (867) 873-7712
Email: megan_holsapple@gov.nt.ca