Keven Dow

Premier R.J. Simpson will assume the Chair of the Council of the Federation on Aug. 1, according to an announcement issued by the federal government. The N.W.T. will host the next summer meeting of Premiers in July 2027.

Liidlii Kue and Fort Simpson community members are happy to be home three weeks after evacuations were issued. but problems remain for those returning. Poor air quality is a blanket problem in the region due to severe wildfire smoke, with the community trying to secure access to N95 masks, especially for Elders and community members with lung and heart conditions.

Wildland officials have issued a fire ban for the North Slave region, which came into effect immediately due to rising fire danger. The ban will be in place for one week and could be extended, said officials in a public notice issued on Wednesday afternoon.

Amendments to the Protection Against Family Violence Act have come into effect, providing greater protection for those experiencing family violence and easier access to support across the territory.

Wildland crews issued a bulletin Wednesday afternoon after spotting a new wildfire about 35 km southwest of Fort Resolution and 15 km southwest of Little Buffalo Crossing. SS046 was measured at about 20 hectares in size and is considered out of control. Two groups of airtankers including eight bombers and one helicopter assigned are actively responding to the wildfire to limit growth. Wildland said the fire is visible from the community and highway.