A suspected anthrax outbreak is underway in the Slave River Lowlands bison population.

15 bison carcasses were found in the Slave River Lowlands between Fort Smith and Fort Resolution over the weekend of June 30 – July 3, 2023.

Test results are currently pending. However, this is being treated as an active outbreak because of preliminary evidence observed and collected in the field.

Accordingly, the Anthrax Emergency Response Plan has been activated.

Background on the response plan

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is inviting feedback on the Northwest Territories’ energy and climate future, as it launches its engagement to inform the five-year review of the 2030 Energy Strategy and Climate Change Strategic Framework today.

A limited number of Outfitter Licences are now available for Units U and R. This licence is required if you plan on providing equipment and guides for people hunting big game, or if you expect to receive money, goods, or services in exchange for these services. The number of licences are limited, and complete applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

To apply, complete the Outfitter Licence application and include:

•    A Certificate of Good Standing from Corporate Registries

Premier Caroline Cochrane and Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs and Environment and Climate Change Shane Thompson issued the following statement today regarding out-of-territory support for the 2023 NWT wildfire season:

“It has been truly humbling to see our neighbours from across the country step up to assist NWT residents who have been impacted by wildfires over the past month. 

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Mr. Speaker, homelessness is a complex, multifaceted tragedy experienced by many individuals and families in the Northwest Territories, and is an epidemic across Canada. It was my desire to see our government do more for our most vulnerable residents, including those who experience homelessness, that led me into politics. I am very proud to say that later today I will table A Way Home: A Comprehensive Strategy to Address Homelessness in the Northwest Territories.

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Mr. Speaker, water is life and our government is committed to ensuring we always have an abundant supply of clean and safe water.  

This year has been challenging to say the least. Earlier this spring we learned of large wastewater spills and seepages that had occurred in the Alberta Oil Sands.

To our dismay, these spills had not been communicated to the GNWT or Indigenous governments in the territory. The NWT is downstream from the oil sands, and water flows here so we need to know when these incidents occur.  

The NWT Climate Change Council has successfully recruited 11 youth from across the territory for the newly-established Climate Youth Advisory Group.

Youth occupy the frontlines of climate change, demanding accountability from governments and industry around the world. With Canada’s Arctic warming up to four times faster than the rest of Canada, Northwest Territories (NWT) youth have a unique voice to share.

Media is invited to join the departments of Environment and Climate Change (ECC) and Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) for an update on the wildfire situation near Hay River and the K’atl’odeeche First Nation, and the status of evacuation orders for both communities.  

ECC & MACA Minister Shane Thompson, wildfire information officer Mike Westwick with ECC, and Emergency Management Organization (EMO) information officer Jay Boast with MACA, will provide updates and answer questions.

TIME: 10:00am MST

DATE: Thursday, May 18, 2023

Bears are coming out of hibernation in the Northwest Territories. The Department of Environment and Climate Change is reminding everyone that avoiding bear encounters starts with you.

Residents can take quick and easy steps to be bear safe this season.

Do not invite them in!

Redistributed on behalf of the Species at Risk Committee.