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

Yellowknife RCMP seek assistance in locating missing person

Yellowknife RCMP are asking for assistance in locating a person reported missing.

Federal investment in NWT food security announced

Northwest Territories Member of Parliament Rebecca Alty highlighted an investment of over $95,000 into three organizations in the NWT under the Local Food Infrastructure Fund.

Aurora College announces new Interim President

The Aurora College Board of Governors has appointed a new Interim President while they continue their search for a candidate to fill the role full time. Dr. Nora Houlahan will be taking the position starting on May 4, with Dr. Heather McCagg-Nystrom continuing as Acting President until that time.  

GNWT, Indigenous govts and feds to help workers impacted by Diavik closure

“As this mine closes, our message to workers is simple: you are not on your own,” says Minister Caitlin Cleveland. On Tuesday, the Diavik Diamond Mine processed its last truck of ore. More than 1,100 workers from the N.W.T. were employed at the mine in operation for over 20 years. About 200 workers will continue their roles on site as part of active closure in 2026.

Yellowknife councillors consider request to endorse a new federal election format

At a presentation to city council on Wednesday, Jeremy Flatt requested that the city endorse a resolution calling for a proportional representation model for federal elections. If city coucnillors decide to support the request, Yellowknife could become the first city in Canada to endorse the alternative federal voting system. Flatt said that some have called it a “more democratic” system.