Northwest Territories Premier Caroline Cochrane today hosted a telephone briefing and discussion on COVID-19 planning and preparedness with mayors and chiefs from community governments, as well as leaders of NWT Indigenous governments and organizations. 

The Premier was joined on the call by MP Michael McLeod, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Paulie Chinna, as well as Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Kami Kandola, and Ivan Russell, the Director of Public Safety with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. 

Premier Caroline Cochrane issued the following statement on the passing of former Commissioner John Havelock Parker:

I am sad to learn of the passing of John Parker this past Monday, March 9. Mr. Parker moved north in 1954 to work in mining, eventually becoming manager of Rayrock Mine, and then President of Precambrian Mining Services Ltd. In 1959, he was elected as a Councillor for the Town of Yellowknife, serving for five years, before successfully running as Mayor of Yellowknife in 1964.

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Mr. Speaker, today I want to focus on one of the successes that has come from the Education, Renewal and Innovation Framework. The Northern Distance Learning program, otherwise known as NDL, is a way to offer higher-level academic courses to high school students in small communities, to prepare them for postsecondary. By the upcoming 2020-2021 school year, this program will be available to students in up to 20 small communities across the territory.

Northwest Territories Premier Bob McLeod has made the following statement welcoming the Government of Canada’s recent submission on Canada’s extended continental shelf:

“Ensuring Canada’s Arctic rights are recognized within international law is an important component of further strengthening Canada’s position in the Arctic, along with supporting the development of the region including its people and governments.

Minister Responsible for Persons with Disabilities, Glen Abernethy, congratulated recipients of the 2019 NWT Disability Awareness Awards presented as part of the annual Disability Awareness Tea today in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly. Minister Abernethy issued the following statement recognizing this year’s award recipients:

Premier Bob McLeod issued the following statement today about the 2019-20 federal budget that was released this week:

“My reaction to the federal budget released yesterday is one of optimism. As Premier of the Northwest Territories, I am pleased to see the Government of Canada invest in the middle class, but also make good on its commitment to support the Northwest Territories and support our government in advancing some of our priorities.  

Premier Bob McLeod issued the following statement today on events at the Yellowknife South constituency meeting on the evening of February 5, 2019:

“I am disappointed by the events that took place at my constituency meeting last night. These meetings are an important opportunity for me to hear about all priorities and concerns from residents of my riding. The constituency meeting was not meant to be a forum to carry on negotiations that will be taking place in another forum. 

Minister of Infrastructure and Industry, Tourism and Investment, Wally Schumann issued the following statement today on the GNWT’s participation in AME Roundup last week in Vancouver:

“The Northwest Territories has world-class mineral potential that could bring economic benefits to the residents of the Northwest Territories, industry players, and Canada and we have the tools needed and are committed to responsibly managing NWT resources.

Today Premier McLeod issued the following statement on the appointment of the new NWT Senator.

“On behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories I wish to congratulate Ms. Margaret Dawn Anderson on her recent appointment to the Canadian Senate.

"Senator Anderson has extensive experience working in the community justice and governance fields with over 20 years of experience with the Government of the Northwest Territories and most recently with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

Minister of Health and Social Services, Glen Abernethy provided a statement on the 2018 Office of the Auditor General of Canada’s Report on Child and Family Services in the Northwest Territories.

“Our top priority is to ensure the safety and security of children and youth receiving services and care from Child and Family Services. The Auditor General’s report contains findings that are disappointing and concerning to all of us and which require immediate action to address.