Latest from Francis Tessier-Burns
MLAs highlight use of traditional knowledge in N.W.T. firefighting efforts
During a committee meeting on the 2023 wildfire season after action review, the N.W.T.'s minister of Environment and Climate Change acknowledged the use of traditional knowledge in firefighting efforts.
Infrastructure top of mind as N.W.T. MLAs head into fall session
The upcoming session of the N.W.T. Legislative Assembly kicks off Thursday. Approving the capital budget is the first order of business.
Recent health advisory draws attention to state of dental equipment in N.W.T.
A recent advisory of possible infection from dental visits in the N.W.T.'s Beaufort Delta linked the situation to equipment. One dentist says the territory needs to do a better job maintaining its equipment.
N.W.T. gov't to help cover shipping costs to Beaufort Delta and Sahtu communities after barge cancellations
The N.W.T. government has introduced a new funding program aimed at helping offset the costs of what the territory's industry minister is calling "an extraordinary event": the lack of barge resupply to the N.W.T.'s Sahtu and Beaufort Delta regions this summer.
N.W.T. leaders present unified front in meetings with federal government
This week marks the first time members of the N.W.T. Council of Leaders have travelled to Ottawa as a single group. The council is made up of territorial government representatives, including the premier, and select Indigenous leaders.
In Depth
The N.W.T. has 11 official languages, yet service in Indigenous languages continues to be a struggle
The N.W.T. recognizes 11 official languages, and nine of them are Indigenous. However, accessing territorial services in any language other than English or French remains a challenge for residents.
Why some patients are waiting months in N.W.T. hospitals for long-term care beds
As the N.W.T.’s population grows older, the demand for long-term care and extended care services is also likely to increase. Some residents are already waiting months in hospital for a space to open up.
Woman who relies on $300K drug fears financial impact of changes to N.W.T. health benefits
Katie Hart was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at birth and relies on a $300,000-per-year drug known as Trikafta. The drug is covered by the N.W.T.'s extended health benefits, but changes coming to the program in April has Hart worried.
Mackenzie Valley Highway environmental assessment back on after years-long pause
Construction won't start until at least 2027 on the proposed 281-kilometre Mackenzie Valley Highway that would run from Wrigley to Norman Wells, N.W.T. The project is expected to take 10 years to build.
Warm weather affects everything from food to medevacs in Sachs Harbour, N.W.T.
Every year, Aklak Air switches to flying a Twin Otter to Sachs Harbour in the spring and fall because the gravel runway is too soft for other aircraft. The switch usually lasts for a few days, up to a week, but this fall's warm weather made it necessary for longer and its effects were felt beyond the runway.