Environment and Climate Change Minister Shane Thompson issued the following statement today following the tragic death of a Fort Liard firefighter near the community on July 15, 2023:

“I am deeply saddened by the news that a Fort Liard firefighter has passed away from an injury sustained while fighting a wildfire near their community on Saturday afternoon.

“My thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues during this unimaginable tragedy.

The attached is being distributed on behalf of the Northern Premiers Forum.

Today, Premier Cochrane issued the following statement for Pride Month:

“As Pride Month draws to a close, I am pledging my commitment to stand with and support the two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual and additional sexually and gender diverse (2SLGBTQQIA+) community year-round.

“Fifty-four years ago today, the Stonewall riots began following a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. These gay liberation riots are widely considered to be the catalyst and inspiration for Pride marches and Pride Month.

Today, Minister Caroline Wawzonek issued the following statement for Pride Month:

“As we mark Pride Month in the Northwest Territories, I join residents to celebrate the incredible diversity, resilience, and contributions of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community in the Northwest Territories.

“The GNWT is committed to a Northwest Territories where all people are genuinely included, celebrated, and supported to meet their full potential. We stand firmly against all forms of discrimination, prejudice, and marginalization towards the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.

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. 

Premier Caroline Cochrane today issued the following statement:

“It is with regret that I will not be in the House for the beginning of Session as I have tested positive for COVID-19. Per the Chief Public Health Officer’s current recommendations, I am staying home and limiting my contact with others. Attending Session would increase the chance of spreading illnesses to my colleagues and other community members, and I am not willing to take that risk.

Premier Caroline Cochrane and Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs and Environment and Climate Change Shane Thompson issued the following statement today regarding the evacuations of Hay River and the Kátł’odeeche First Nation due to an ongoing wildfire in the area:

“This weekend, an aggressive wildfire forced residents of Hay River and the Kátł’odeeche First Nation to evacuate their homes. The situation is evolving rapidly, and it is critical that residents not return to their communities at this time.

Minister of Health and Social Services Julie Green issued the following statement for Nursing Week:

“On Nursing Week, I want to celebrate and reflect on the central role nurses have in the delivery of healthcare in the Northwest Territories (NWT).

Caroline Wawzonek, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, provided the following statement for Red Dress Day:

“Today my thoughts are with the survivors and families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. Inspired by Jaime Black’s REDress art installation project, the empty red dresses symbolize the loss of thousands of lives and remind us of the injustices that still exist.

Today, the Honourable Shane Thompson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, issued the following statement on recent action taken to address two spills in Alberta:

“I acknowledge the commitments made by the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and the Honourable Sonya Savage, Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, following a series of spills at worksites in Alberta.