The Mackenzie Valley Highway project will see an investment of $102.5-million from the federal government and another $37.5-million from the GNWT, for a total investment of $140-million. "It marks a major milestone towards a long promised dream of a highway through the Northwest Territories," said Premier Bob McLeod at the Wednesday morning announcement.
The funding will support the 2021 construction of a bridge over the Great Bear River, and a 15-kilometre all-weather road from Wrigley to Mount Gaudet, connecting Wrigley to the Dempster
Highway and generating an estimated 400 jobs. The construction will take two summer seasons.
It's part of a larger plan to build a highway to the Beaufort Sea, which is predicted to cost a total of $700-million.
McLeod paid homage to founding Inuvik Dene Chief and News/North columnist, the late Cece Hodgson McAuley.
For more on this story, see Monday's News/North.
– Avery Zingel
Unexpected house guest sentenced for assault, threats
A 19-year-old Yellowknife man who made death threats during an unexpected visit to a pair of bewildered neighbours was handed a conditional discharge in NWT territorial court earlier this month.
"This is serious stuff," said Judge Garth Malakoe, addressing the young man.
The court heard the the defendant, who isn't being named because he's a first-time offender, attended a neighbour's residence in November of last year, where he began banging on the door and demanding to be let inside.
A man answered the door before being shoved against a wall by the offender, who demanded to see another individual who was also in the house. When the second individual appeared, the offender called him a snitch and said he killed snitches.
The two men – father and son – didn't know the intruder and weren't sure why he showed up at their doorstep. They also weren't particularly fearful of the unwelcome guest, and even laughed at times during the incident.
The 19-year old pleaded guilty to assault and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. Sentenced to nine months probation, he is barred from contacting the victims and from drinking alcohol. Along with counselling, he must complete 36 hours of community service.
– Brendan Burke
Tools and training for jobs get cash
The governments of Canada and NWT have signed agreements that will see the feds provide more than $46 million over six years to invest in workers.
These agreements represent an increase in funding of nearly $4 million over the period, compared to previous funding levels, and helping an estimated 1,300 more workers in Northwest Territories over the six years, stated a news release this week.
"These strengthened agreements will help employers to find and train the workers they need and assist individuals to access the skills upgrading programs and supports they need to secure employment and advance in the labour market," stated NWT Employment Minister Caroline Cochrane.
MP Michael McLeod stated the agreements will increase the jobs and skills training.
– James O'Connnor
Radio host running for council
Known as a morning show host at CKLB Radio in Ndilo, Josh Campbell has confirmed he is running for city council in this fall's election.
The 11-year NWT resident says protecting Indigenous rights and providing more accessibility in the city are two planks of his policy platform.
Originally from New Brunswick, Campbell said during his tenure in Yellowknife policies and attitudes have changed considerably.
"I find there is a culture of entitlement which has been brewing on council for many years, I don't like it," said Campbell. "There have been so many changes to this administration during the (bylaw department) review and it's very shady to me."
Campbell added the way the City of Yellowknife is handling the review into allegations of misconduct by Municipal Enforcement Manager Doug Gillard is one of the reasons why he has decided to run for council.
"I'm not going to come in with promises I can't keep," said Campbell. "What I want to do is come in and force people to take an honest look at our city."
Although Campbell said he has not fully developed his platform he believes his values will resonate with single parents, Indigenous voters and dog mushers. In his eyes, mushers need more respect.
"This city was built on two things, trapping and dog mushing," he said. "I can't stand the way our mushers are treated ... Kam Lake was specifically zoned for industry and dog mushing and now (all they get are complaints)."
Before his position at CKLB, Campbell served in the communications office for former Fort Smith mayor and NDP candidate Dennis Bevington.
– Michael Hugall
NWT inks agreement with China
Canada's spectacular Northwest Territories will soon be receiving increased promotion and exposure in the world's largest marketplace.
Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Wally Schumann was among those on hand Sunday to witness the signing of a marketing agreement between NWT Tourism — the NWT's official destination marketing organization – and Flow Creative a China-based creative agency, stated a news release.
Federal Minister of Small Business and Tourism Bardish Chagger was also in attendance.
Flow Creative Marketing Limited is a full-service marketing agency with a presence in Beijing.
– James O'Connor
Man with history of violence against women gets jail
A 35-year-old Yellowknife man who assaulted his common-law partner was handed a five month sentence in NWT territorial court Wednesday.
The man, who isn't being named to protect the identity of the victim, was convicted on one count of assault after the court heard he attacked his partner, striking her, kicking her and pulling her hair during an incident in April.
In the Crown's call for a five month sentence followed by 18 months probation, prosecutor Levi Karpa highlighted the man's lengthy criminal record.
Of the 27 entries, three are for violent offences, including a sexual assault in 2005 and an assault causing bodily harm conviction in 2013.
The latter assault, Karpa told the court, was committed against a different domestic partner, a fact he called "concerning."
Judge Christine Gagnon shared those concerns, citing past spousal violence as an aggravating factor in her decision to sentence the defendant to five months in jail, followed by 12 months probation.
The man, who has been jailed since the April assault, will spend 22 more days behind bars, having already spent 128 days in custody with credit for time served.
– Brendan Burke
Five cases of salmonella
The NWT has seen five cases of salmonella since the beginning of the year, said Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Kami Kandola.
Samonella infections typically occur from eating undercooked poultry and eggs.
The update comes after nearly 60 Canadians were recently infected by No Name brand chicken burgers, which prompted a recall.
One of the people affected is a resident of the NWT.
Yellowknife's Independent Grocers were not affected by the recall.
– Michael Hugall
Ndilo death not suspicious
The death of woman whose body was found in Ndilo last week has been ruled not suspicious, a news release from Yellowknife RCMP states.
Mounties responded to a report of a deceased person Tuesday, and located her body behind a residence in the community.
NWT Coroner Cathy Menard told Yellowknifer the woman died of natural causes.
– Brendan Burke