The Minister of Infrastructure, Wally Schumann announced today that the Government of the Northwest Territories welcomes the decision by the Responsible Ministers to adopt the recommendations of the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Review Board on the environmental assessment of the Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road (TASR), including measures modified by the Tłı̨chǫ Government and responsible Ministers through the consult to modify process with the Board. The Tłı̨chǫ Government has also separately concurred with the report.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is providing an update on the distribution and sales of legalized cannabis in the Northwest Territories.

On October 17, 2018, when cannabis was legalized across the country, the GNWT began sales through existing liquor store vendors and via on-line. In the first four days of operations, sales of legal cannabis totaled approximately $129,600. Of this total, approximately $10,900 was the result of on-line sales. Sales took place in all NWT regions.

The Minister of Health and Social Services tabled the Annual Report of the Director of Child and Family Services 2017-2018 yesterday in the Legislative Assembly.

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.

Today, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is pleased to introduce two new initiatives that make it easier for Indigenous northerners to access training and gain valuable on-the-job experience.

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.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has shown significant improvement in its French language communications and services, according to an independent report released today.

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.

The Department of Infrastructure (INF), with assistance from the RCMP, conducted a roadside drug and alcohol survey from September 26- 29, 2018 in Yellowknife.

The survey was to collect baseline data on the prevalence of impaired driving before the legalization of cannabis on October 17. This data will assist INF in creating educational campaigns that target specific groups based on the frequency of drug and alcohol use.

In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations, Glen Abernethy, Minister of Health and Social Services, has approved a process to waive the Northwest Territories (NWT) change of name fee for Residential School Survivors and their families who wish to reclaim their name. The recommendation is to waive fees for a period of five years.

The Minister is extending this process to all Indigenous residents who wish to correct the names on their NWT birth certificates that were affected by historical errors.