Diane Archie, Minister of Infrastructure issued the following reaction on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories to news about Air Canada route changes:
“This morning, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) received notice that Air Canada is suspending all passenger operations to the Yellowknife Airport (YZF) until further notice. This change will take effect January 23, 2021.
In the Northwest Territories, we entrust the RCMP with the responsibility to support every citizen’s rights to safety and security; and, we also entrust them with the right to take away a citizen’s liberty in response to unlawful activity. That is a tremendous power and responsibility.
Check Against Delivery
Like other Departments across the GNWT, the Department of Justice saw its operations, administration, programs and service delivery impacted by COVID-19. Some functions or activities were delayed as more urgent tasks took over and staff were redeployed. Yet as we begin to take stock of the last few months, there are both challenges and opportunities that have appeared. I want to speak today on the response and emerging opportunities within Court Services and Corrections.
Minister of Justice Caroline Wawzonek released a third-party program evaluation and social return on investment (SROI) study on the Integrated Case Management Pilot Program in Yellowknife.
The top priority for the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is the health and safety of Northwest Territories (NWT) residents, and we are taking proactive measure to be prepared to respond to COVID-19 as the situation evolves.
There are currently no cases of COVID-19 in the NWT, and the risk of acquiring the virus in the NWT and Canada remains low at this time.
Mr. Speaker, as Minister of Justice one of my responsibilities is to set the objectives, priorities and goals of the Territorial Police Service. While the GNWT respects the operational independence of the RCMP, the intention of setting these objectives is to establish a broad strategic direction for the delivery of policing services in the Northwest Territories that incorporates the unique needs of our communities.
The Northwest Territories Office of the Superintendent of Securities is alerting investors that LeadingPips is not registered to sell securities in the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to announce that female inmates have moved into the new women’s unit at the Fort Smith Correctional Complex. I had the pleasure of touring the new unit last week and was blown away by the care and attention that has gone into designing a facility that is tailored to meeting the needs of female inmates in our care and specifically in the Northwest Territories.
Today Louis Sebert, Minister of Justice announced the appointment of the Honourable Robert D. Gorin as the new Chief Judge for the Territorial Courts effective October 2, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.
The Chief Judge maintains their judicial responsibilities and provides general supervision for arranging and direction over the sittings of the Territorial Court and assigning judges for Territorial Court hearings, as well as oversight on the Justice of the Peace program.
