News

Young leaders from across the territory took on leadership roles taking the places of MLAs and Ministers, bringing a voice to critical issues affecting communities of the North. “Representing your community in this chamber is a great honour and one that carries responsibility. You were all selected to be here because of your dedication, leadership and commitment to your schools, families and communities," said the N.W.T. Commissioner Gerald W. Kisoun

The N.W.T. Department of Infrastructure has closed the Aklavik Access Road as the winter road season comes to a close. On Wednesday, the department issued a 72-hour closure caution but warned that the road “may close sooner with little to no notice.”

Data collected by scientists with the territory’s Environment and Climate Change department shows water levels remain low in most rivers and lakes across the territory. Great Slave Lake's level is lower than below average levels last year. With snow packs above average in the south, water levels could rise as temperatures rise.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is investing over $30 million towards stabilizing inclusive schooling in the territory following a 2024-2026 review.

With another school showing high levels of lead in drinking water, testing so far confirms that 32 of 40 schools in N.W.T. have elevated levels of lead, that's 80 per cent. School water testing results were announced for two more schools in the territory with one school in Délı̨nę showing elevated levels of lead.

Flood and wildfire preparedness planning activities are beginning across the territory. Hay River’s Local Emergency Management Organization is bringing emergency preparedness information resources, including a preparedness brochure mailed out this week to households. Jason Currie, NWT’s manager of fire operations says with snow pack water equivalencies being “well above average” this season is helping delay wildfire season.

“The North is a rough country to be in. If you're not prepared to go out in the bush, my advice would be stay home because if things go sideways, one bad thing multiplies and multiplies until you're in serious, serious trouble. And this is just somebody out for a dog walk,” says Tom Girrior, an instructor and volunteer search co-ordinator with Yellowknife Search and Rescue.

The Government of the Northwest Territories and the City of Yellowknife are working to advance a feasibility study to determine if the territory should pursue a bid to host the 2035 Canada Winter Games.

The Northwest Territories department of Infrastructure has issued more seasonal road closure cautions for winter roads in the last days of April. Today a 72-hour closure caution was issued for the Aklavik Access Road but officials warned the road “may close sooner with little to no notice.”