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Friday, March 11, 2016
Public can weigh-in on GNWT budget
The Government of the NWT is seeking public input on its fiscal strategy and budgets for the next two years. Residents are encouraged to log on to the Department of Finance website between March 11 and May 20 to answer a series of questions about their priorities for programs and services. They will also be able to offer suggestions on how to best use financial resources to fund government operations, ideas for improving government efficiency and how to balance infrastructure investment with program delivery service. The information will be used during the May-June budget sitting of the legislative assembly.
- John McFadden
Teachers union to begin negotiations
Collective agreement negotiations between Yellowknife Education District No. 1 and the NWT Teachers Association will begin in a little more than a month, according to superintendent Metro Huculak. On Tuesday, he told trustees negotiations begin on April 19. The association negotiates three collective agreements on behalf of its members, with the GNWT, Yellowknife Catholic Schools and Yellowknife Education District No. 1.
- Evan Kiyoshi French
New mineral resources act in works
The territorial government has announced that it will begin the process of proposing and developing a new mineral resources act to address what it calls the NWT's unique regulatory needs. The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment pointed out that the NWT is one of only two jurisdictions in Canada without a standalone mineral resources act and that has left the territory outside the legislative norm and at a competitive disadvantage with other jurisdictions.
- John McFadden
Public school service saluted
Public school staff will receive accolades for years of service in the education field at Mildred Hall School. MLAs and Mayor Mark Heyck are expected to attend the event celebrating 25 recipients of the Annual Long Term Service Awards - taking place at 2 p.m. on April 16. Those hoping to attend the formal program should register by April 1.
- Evan Kiyoshi French
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Council meeting cancelled
A March 7 meeting of Fort Simpson's village council was cancelled after failing to meet quorum.
There are nine seats on council – eight for councillors and one for mayor. On March 7, deputy mayor Jarret Hardisty was in attendance along with Couns. Mike Rowe, Marie Lafferty and Muaz Hassan.
Senior administrative officer Beth Jumbo said many of the absent councillors could not make the meeting because they were travelling.
Some of the items up for discussion included donation requests, the water and sewer rates bylaw and a motion to repeal a village bylaw dictating the start time for council meetings.
The village may schedule a special meeting to deal with the agenda, according to Jumbo. The next regular meeting of council is set for March 21.
Council last met on Feb. 15.
RCMP seek drug case suspect
RCMP's "G" Division sent out a news release on March 4 asking for public assistance in locating a man charged with possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000.
The case relates to a fatal Oct. 16 crash near Fort Providence. At the scene, police found a safe with a large amount of cash inside, according to the news release.
RCMP have issued a warrant for the arrest of Mohamed Mohamud Mohamed and believe the cash came from the sale of drugs in Yellowknife.
Mohamed also has warrants outstanding in Ontario and Quebec.
Plan for people with disabilities in works
Deh Cho MLA Michael Nadli and Nahendeh MLA Shane Thompson threw their support behind a motion for the GNWT to work with the territory's disabilities council to develop a five-year action plan to address the needs of people with disabilities in the Northwest Territories.
In passing the motion, the legislative assembly agreed to commit the government to develop a proposed timeline for development of the action plan by the end of June.
In seconding the motion, which was brought forward by Yellowknife Centre MLA Julie Green, Nadli said the Northwest Territories does not currently have the facilities it requires to properly care for people with special needs.
The motion received support from cabinet as well, with Health Minister Glen Abernethy promising a "fresh start" to the government's approach to disabilities.
Second-hand store open
The Inuvik Emergency Warming Centre has re-opened the doors to the second-hand store in the Berger Building.
Town council unanimously approved the request put forward by the centre to use the space adjacent to its facility for a shop – as it had been before – and the changes were implemented right away. The afternoon of March 7 saw the grand opening of the new shop, which is now accepting donations of clean clothes and housewares.
"The opening went OK," said executive director Joey Amos. "Quite a few people were curious and some bought some items and others actually helped in sorting out clothing. We made a few dollars. Once more people are aware that they can buy items of cheap clothing, they will come."
The store is open from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and shoppers are asked to use the north entrance to access the store. Proceeds go to support the warming centre.
Shoplifter caught
Thanks to help from the public, Inuvik RCMP have identified a man suspected of shoplifting $2,000 worth of merchandise from Northmart.
"The RCMP would like to thank the public and the media for their help," said Const. Kevin Devoe. "The investigation is ongoing at this time."
While the name of the suspect is not being released and charges are pending, Cpl. Darryl MacMullin confirmed that the suspect is no longer in the NWT.
The police released a statement March 7 asking for assistance after a report had come in the day before concerning a shoplifting incident.
Women can learn first aid
A course on first aid for women is being offered March 12 and 13 at the Children First Centre. While the course itself is free, participants must register because there are limited spots.
The workshop is being put on by the Inuvik Justice Committee as part of ongoing women's group activities in the community.
Veterinarian clinic returning
Arctic Paws will be running a vet clinic with their Forget Me Not campaign from March 11 through to March 17 in Inuvik. Spots are open for spay and neuter procedures as well as vaccinations. The clinic will also take appointments for dental checkups on dogs and cats.
Anyone needing help either getting from a surrounding community to Inuvik, or looking for financial aid to get their animal fixed, is encouraged to contact the clinic for further information.
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