Roadside saliva testing devices that detect cannabis could be in the hands of NWT RCMP officers by next month but questions remain on how effective they will be in the North's colder climate. Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould signalled her approval of the German-manufactured device late last month.
The approval comes as Canada prepares for the legalization of cannabis on Oct. 17.
The Draeger DrugTest 5000 detects the presence of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis but cannot reliably measure a driver's level of impairment the same way a blood-alcohol test indicates alcohol impairment, said Doug Beirness, senior research associate and driving impairment expert for the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse.
A pilot project conducted by the federal Department of Public Safety on the screening devices – including testing in Yellowknife – also showed that cold weather conditions decreased the device's effectiveness and drove up drug positive results.
Police have roadside standardized tests and drug recognition experts who are able to assess a driver's impairment, he said.
The numbers of these experts in the territory fluctuate with transfer of officers, retirements or officers who do not re-certify for various reasons, stated RCMP spokesperson Marie York-Condon in an e-mail.
– Avery Zingel
Door-to-door fundraisers not by Philippine Cultural Association
The president of the Philippine Cultural Association of Yellowknife says door-to-door fundraisers soliciting donations for a children's charity are not associated with her organization.
Lea Barbosa-Leclerc says she was contacted on Facebook about people identifying themselves as Filipino who are going from home to home seeking donations for the Children's Joy Foundation and selling chocolate.
Barbosa-Leclerc does not know who these fundraisers are, and is concerned the fundraisers are using pushy tactics.
"We do believe in charity, Filipinos are family-oriented people ... but I think solicitation needs to be done in a respectful, professional manner," she said.
Children's Joy Foundation is a charity registered with the Canada Revenue Agency.
According to its website, the foundation raises money for children in Canada, the Philippines and other countries who are experiencing "extreme poverty, neglect and abuse."
Barbosa-Leclerc said this is not the first time fundraisers have been mistakenly associated with the Philippine Cultural Association.
– Sidney Cohen
VIPs to attend Det'on Cho celebration
Premier Bob McLeod and Industry, Tourism and Investment Minister Wally Schumann will be attending the Det'on Cho Corporation's 30th Anniversary Celebration today in Yellowknife, stated a GNWT news release.
Det'on Cho began in 1988 with a $15,000 grant and the corporation now includes more than a dozen subsidiaries with over $50 million in excess revenue and approximately 300 employees, states its website.
Det'on Cho is the economic development arm of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation supporting the region's resource development industries.
– James O'Connor
RCMP remind public to be safe on the water
The RCMP want to remind the public to be prepared and familiarize yourself with the bodies of water in the Yellowknife area.
Despite occasionally warm daytime temperatures, water in the NWT is considerably colder and should not be underestimated.
The force has provided some summer safety tips:
- Be prepared and do not go out alone – let a responsible person know where you are going and when you will return;
- Dress appropriately for the water temperature – wear layers under personal flotation device and a hat;
- Be familiar with the operation of your vessel and ensure it is in proper working condition prior to heading out on the water;
- Wear a personal flotation device with a whistle as water conditions can and do change quickly. A whistle can be used to signal for help;
- Carry extra fuel, a spare battery or a means to recharge your boat battery and a backup motor;
- Familiarize yourself with marine navigation and learn about local hazards on the waterways;
- Check the marine forecast before heading out and monitor the weather for changes;
- Ensure that you have the appropriate required safety equipment for your vessel;
- Know your waterways and how to handle your vessel in calm and rough conditions;
- Keep in mind that water levels change and may be shallower or deeper than they appear; and
Avoid the use of alcohol and drugs.
If operating a motorized water vessel, the same rules apply as driving a motor vehicle, in relation to impaired driving.
– James O'Connor
Sushi Cafe re-opens after spectacular crash
Sushi Cafe has reopened after a stolen truck ran into the front of the business in mid-July.
Anita Wei, the cafe's manager, said she is "excited, of course" to resume serving patrons.
"I see all of my friends and regular customers. They've been waiting for us to open and they've come to say hi and show me so much support," said Wei.
"Full menu, delivery, takeout, dine-in – we will do our best to serve our lovely community."
The Franklin Avenue eatery will now operate with a smaller dining room for up to 24 customers.
Before the vehicle crash incident, the restaurant had a capacity of 42 people.
Wei said the smaller space will be open anywhere between a month and a half to a few months before construction crews come in to renovate the building. She hopes that those renovations won't last any longer than 10 days.
Although the police have stated that the hit-and-run was not intentional, they are asking anyone with information on the incident to call them at 867-669-1111 or to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
– Dylan Short