YELLOWKNIFE (September 12, 2016) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources advises access to the Ptarmigan Mine will be restricted this fall because of work being carried out at the site.

A contractor will be conducting an environmental assessment to determine the extent of contamination at the Ptarmigan Mine site. The work will be carried out during September and October.

Similar work is also being done at the Tom, Crestaurum, Tin and Burwash Mine sites.

YELLOWKNIFE (September 9, 2016) – A 2016 survey of the Mackenzie bison population indicates a slight increase in the number of animals with an estimate of 850 in 2016 compared to the estimate of 700 in 2013.

The survey was conducted by Environment and Natural Resources staff and five observers from Fort Providence between February 20 and March 6, 2016. Weather conditions ranged from good to excellent for counting wildlife from the air.

The next population survey for the Mackenzie bison population is planned for 2019.

Mr. Speaker, as stewards of the land, we have a responsibility to make prudent decisions about how we use, share and protect it in a way that reflects the values and priorities of our residents.  This includes the air we breathe. Historically, air emissions and air quality management in the Northwest Territories have been unregulated. The Government of the Northwest Territories is now proceeding to occupy this regulatory field.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made a commitment in the Mandate to respond to recommendations in the Northwest Territories Environmental Audit for improved environmental management.

Mr. Speaker, climate change continues to be one of the most serious environmental, economic and political challenges of our time and is an important issue to the residents of the Northwest Territories.  In the Mandate, the Government of the Northwest Territories, or GNWT, has committed to develop a territorial climate change strategy that takes Northern energy demands and the cost of living into account. It will reflect commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, explore carbon pricing systems and how to capture local alternatives such as hydro, biomass, wind and solar.  

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that this year’s wildland fire season is off to a slow start compared to the previous two years.

As of May 30^th, there have only been two wildland fires reported in the Northwest Territories.

All indications are the eight-hectare fire near Madeline Lake, along the Ingraham Trail, was a holdover from last fire season, which smouldered underground all winter. It is a strong indication of just how dry forests are in North Slave Region.

YELLOWKNIFE (May 4, 2016) – NWT Premier Bob McLeod issued the following statement on the fires in Fort McMurray, Alberta today:

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Northwest Territories, I would like to offer my sympathies to residents of Fort McMurray and assure them that our government stands ready to offer whatever assistance it can as they deal with the effects of the wildfire currently burning in their community.

YELLOWKNIFE (March 11, 2016) – The first recovery strategy for a threatened species in the Northwest Territories (NWT) was released this week.

The hairy braya is a rare flowering plant found only on the Cape Bathurst Peninsula and Baillie Island, NWT in the Inuvialuit Settlement Area.

This action fulfills Government of the Northwest Territories responsibilities under the Species at Risk (NWT) Act and follows independent assessments completed by the NTW Species at Risk Committee and a consensus agreement the Conference of Management Authorities.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories joined Canada-wide efforts to recycle end-of-life electronics with the launch of the new Electronics Recycling Program on February 1^st. Electronics can contain hazardous chemicals and heavy metals, including lead, cadmium and mercury. These chemicals and metals can make their way into our environment if we do not properly manage the disposal of our old electronics.

Mr. Speaker, collaboration is one of the Priorities of the Assembly and is an important part of how the Government of the Northwest Territories does business. That includes developing and fostering effective partnerships in supporting a comprehensive and collaborative approach to managing and conserving our environment and our wildlife, forests and water resources.