Housing, an internet subsidy and the Arctic Inspiration Prize
Plus Cabin Radio is featured in The Tyee's newsletter
Hello readers, this is Emily, Cabin Radio’s assistant editor with another week of news from the Northwest Territories.
We’re a week and a half away from the 2025 federal election.
Cabin Radio reporter Claire is travelling to communities across the territory to hear from residents ahead of election day. Read her first report from Hay River.
Meanwhile, two Yellowknife councillors are hoping federal leaders don’t forget climate change as an election issue among other issues like US-Canada relations and the cost of living.
Reminder that Cabin Radio has an election platform tracker covering what the parties have promised to do on northern issues, interviews with the NWT candidates, and an explainer on how to register and when and where you can vote.
In non-election news, Yellowknife has officially closed the Ruth Inch Memorial Pool as it prepares to open a new aquatic centre. Learn about the woman behind the name of the city’s pool.
IN THIS NEWSLETTER
Our best stories
What we’re reading
Stories to catch up on
1. Is the NWT’s housing actually getting any better?
New data tells us if the NWT's housing got any better over the past five years. We analyzed the results with help from community leaders and the minister.
2. ‘Resurgent’ fur trade brushes off tariff turbulence
Many industries are bracing for the impact of US tariffs. Key people in Canada's fur trade say that hasn't dampened the interest of US buyers.
3. Report indicates homelessness on the rise in Yellowknife
The number of people experiencing homelessness in Yellowknife increased by five percent from 2021 to 2024, a report found. Here's the detail.
4. Nine things we learned at last week’s NWT power public hearings
NTPC and Naka Power each faced public hearings last week over the rates they want to charge customers. Here are some key takeaways for residents.
5. What should a northern internet subsidy look like?
Big telecoms companies and governments have described the kind of monthly internet subsidy they think you should get. Here's what they told the CRTC.
6. Judge dismisses injunction request regarding Gwich’in grand chief
A judge dismissed a request to temporarily prevent Frederick Blake Jr from acting as Gwich’in grand chief and following through on some board resolutions.
7. NWT issues first major outlook for 2025 flood and breakup season
The GNWT's first big assessment of flood risk this spring suggested average conditions around Nahanni Butte and Fort McPherson and low river flows elsewhere.
8. NWT barge operator MTS to become Crown corporation in 2027
After a review of Marine Transportation Services, the GNWT has decided to operate the barging service as a Crown Corporation. Legislation is expected by 2027.
9. Tłı̨chǫ virtual reality hub seeks $1M Arctic Inspiration Prize
A plan to create a Whatì virtual reality hub is one of five contenders for the maximum $1 million from this year's Arctic Inspiration Prize. Meet the entrants.
10. Yellowknife adds second store for international foods
Asian Grocery YK opened in Yellowknife's uptown last week. It's the second store specializing in foreign products to launch in the city in the past month.
What we’re reading
In Canada’s North, communities reckon with a melting world
For The Logic, Rhiannon Russell writes about how technology combined with traditional knowledge is helping northerners to address climate change challenges.
North of North star Anna Lambe believes (most) people can change
Inuk actress Anna Lambe takes The Narwhal’s “moose questionnaire” answering questions from the most awe-inspiring natural sight she’s witnessed to the farthest north she’s ever been.
Exploring the Territorial Landscape
I chatted with Tyee newsletter editor Jacob Boon (former managing editor of Up Here magazine) about federal election issues in the North.
‘North Of North’ Is An Arctic Comedy That Will Warm Your Heart
Yukon-based write Eva Holland gushes about North of North to Defector.