MP McLeod pays tribute to late Yellowknife activist Ruth Spence

Northwest Territories MP Michael McLeod paid tribute to the late Ruth Spence in the House of Commons Tuesday.

“I was fortunate enough to have met Ruth Spence over the last several years and known of her lasting impact on the city of Yellowknife,” McLeod said in his speech.

RELATED: Remembering Ruth Spence – Local Yellowknife activist dies as 89

Spence was a community advocate in Yellowknife for the past 50 years, who opened Yellowknife’s YWCA and was their first executive director.

More than that, she was also a registered nurse, multiple-term city councillor, board member of Stanton Hospital and founder of the Yellowknife Ski Club.

She died on Oct. 16, just days shy of her 90th birthday.

“Ruth was a tireless volunteer who was essential in setting up the Liberal riding association and was a constant force there for decades,” said McLeod.

“It was an honour to have known Miss Spence and to hear her advice. Our thoughts continue to be with her family as they mourn the passing of their mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.”

MP Michael McLeod honours Yellowknife activist Ruth Spence in the House of Commons Tuesday. Video courtesy: Michael McLeod on Facebook.

Continue Reading

You may also like



cjcd Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Documentary spotlights women emerging as leaders amidst climate crisis

From the devastating 2023 wildfires in the territory that saw its largest city evacuated, to the Lytton wildfire in B.C. and the Fraser Valley floods, a new 2026 film focuses on women who embrace community leadership roles as mothers, artists, health professionals at the frontlines of climate disasters. “Women are disproportionately impacted by climate disasters and yet, they are not represented in terms of shaping climate policy,” said filmmaker Nova Ami.

Next phase of construction begins on new social housing unit

The next phase of construction has begun on the new 50-unit social housing multi-plex in downtown Yellowknife. Site mobilization began March 3, and construction is expected to begin later this month.

Black Knight Pub celebrating St. Patrick’s Day

Yellowknife’s Black Knight Pub is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in style this year, with live music, authentic Irish ale, and traditional Irish food.

Team NT breaks records at 2026 Arctic Winter Games

Team NT concluded this year’s Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse with an outstanding showing across the events, with record-breaking performances, numerous gold medal wins, and a strong overall medal count.

Diavik Diamond Mine near Yellowknife set to end operations next week

“After the mined ore is processed by the end of March, Diavik will have successfully completed its planned operations, ending 23 years and more than 150 million carats of diamond production. The mine will then move into decommissioning and its active closure phase,” read the statement.