On Friday, June 8^th, rising water levels in the Liard River caused a flood in the community of Nahanni Butte. Most residents of the community were evacuated to Fort Simpson, where they remain. The GNWT is currently assessing conditions in the community to determine when it will be safe for residents to return to their homes. On Monday, June 18, Deputy Premier Jackson Lafferty will visit Nahanni Butte and meet with evacuees in Fort Simpson.


Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA)

June 14, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, I rise to update Members on the status of the recent flooding in Nahanni Butte and the incredible efforts of many individuals and organizations who are working together to help ensure the safety of residents.

As is the nature of most emergencies, this event caught us by surprise. Water in the Liard River basin reached heights not seen in many years, and in fact, it may turn out to be a record year.

June 12, 2012

June 11, 2012

June 6, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce the release of the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs - United Nations International Year of Youth report.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming the year commencing on August 12, 2010 as the International Year of Youth.

YELLOWKNIFE (June 6, 2012) – Today the Honourable Robert C. McLeod, Minister Responsible for Youth, released a report that profiles youth programs that took place in the NWT during the United Nations International Year of Youth, 2010-11.

May 28, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, since the implementation of the New Deal for NWT Community Governments in 2007, community governments have been in control of their own infrastructure priorities.  The New Deal has changed the way they do business with Municipal and Community Affairs, and as a result, the department’s role has transformed into that of coach, advisor and supporter.

YELLOWKNIFE (April 25, 2012) - On April 23, 2012, representatives from the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs presented Hay River Town Council with a report detailing the results of the investigation into the concerns raised by former mayor Kelly Schofield about the town’s operation. While the report points to a number of issues regarding the town’s operation, there was no evidence that there has been any misappropriation or other wrongdoing.

YELLOWKNIFE (April 3, 2012) – Ministers from Nunavut, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories have agreed to support a coordinated approach to working with the Government of Canada and highlighting shared challenges in infrastructure development. Together the territories will advocate for infrastructure programs that address the unique realities of building and maintaining infrastructure in the North.

March 14, 2012 - The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) has identified a concern with a number of natural gas-burning forced-air furnaces that have the potential to introduce carbon monoxide fumes into the living environment.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, and toxic gas that is a product of incomplete combustion.

Please see the attached alert from the Office of the Fire Marshal.