Due to impassible ice conditions in the Amundsen Gulf, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Marine Transportation Services (MTS) has confirmed plans to airlift cargo to Paulatuk, Cambridge Bay and Kugluktuk. MTS acknowledges the concerns of the communities involved and has committed to deliver essential cargo to all affected communities, based on available air transport. The number one priority for MTS is to replenish petroleum supplies in Paulatuk so that the community has sufficient fuel for the entire winter.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Glen Abernethy, has appointed Mr. Brian Willows of Hay River, as the new Public Administrator for the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority (HRHSSA) effective October 5^th, 2018.

Mr. Willows replaces Mr. Maher who has served as Public Administrator since May 2009.

Mr. Willows brings a wealth of experience to the Public Administrator position including senior positions with the Northwest Territories Power Corporation that included overseeing an operating budget of $60 million annually.

The new addition to Woodland Manor officially opened on Friday, October 5 in Hay River.

The new addition and a renovation to a room in Woodland Manor replaces the ten long term care beds that were in the old H.H. Williams Memorial Hospital. Having the long term care beds in the same facility helps streamline the care provided to seniors and elders.

The new addition includes nine long term care rooms and a family room. The family room is where family members can spend the night or have quiet interactions with their loved ones.

GNWT Marine Transportation Services (MTS) advises that due to impassable ice conditions, the following barge deliveries have been cancelled for the 2018 sailing season:

• Paulatuk
• Cambridge Bay
• Kugluktuk

Ice conditions in the Amundsen Gulf have been reported to be the most challenging in over 30 years. MTS thanks the Canadian Coast Guard for the icebreaking assistance that they have provided to our tug and barge operations this season.