Wrestling, finances and elections
Plus check out highlights from Carnage in the Capital!
Hello readers, this is Emily, Cabin Radio’s assistant editor.
Lots of exciting things have been happening this week across the North.
Three communities elected new mayors with Peter Clarkson taking over in Inuvik, Dana Fergusson in Fort Smith and Les Wright in Fort Simpson. Meanwhile, Frank Pope was re-elected in Norman Wells.
At the City of Yellowknife, councillors are already considering the upcoming budget while one councillor’s now rescinded request for four months’ unpaid leave raised questions about the need for a mayor and council leave policy.
NWT MLAs are back in the legislature with this session largely focused on the capital budget (the territory’s infrastructure spending plan). Regular MLAs say they won’t support that plan unless they see more spending on housing and healthcare.
Also in legislature news, the NWT has asked to increase its federal borrowing limit, the finance minister says repairing the Deh Cho Bridge will cost $7 million, and legislature members agreed to reprimand and fine Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh MLA Richard Edjericon $2,500 for violating their code of conduct.
In entertainment news, wrestlers put on one hell of a show at Yellowknife’s Explorer Hotel on Wednesday night. If you’re looking for more excitement this weekend, Cabin Radio’s Adult Spelling Bee final is coming up at the Top Knight on Saturday.
IN THIS NEWSLETTER
Our most important stories
Wrestling highlights
What we’re reading
Stories to catch up on
1. Ultra-delayed Taltson hydro overhaul to hit $31M in extra costs
One reason the NWT government has a "dire" financial outlook is a hydro plant refurbishment that's been leaking large sums of money ever since a wildfire hit.
2. GNWT wants federal immigration cap raised from 300 to 500
No part of Canada has lower population growth than the NWT. The territory is increasingly turning to international migration programs to change that.
3. Ghost gear’ is killing wildlife and endangering NWT fishers
"It's shocking." Federal officials who've retrieved abandoned nets containing dozens of dead fish and birds on Great Slave Lake say it's a major concern.
4. What being Canada’s ‘most active community’ means to Hay River
Hay River is wringing every last drop of joy from its summer victory in a national activity challenge. At a celebration, residents told us why it means so much.
5. For nine years, health authority refused to correct woman’s gender
The NWT's health authority spent nine years refusing to change a woman's gender designation in her medical file after misidentifying her as male, an MLA said.
6. GNWT meets with Burgundy after Ekati ‘go elsewhere’ letter
After a diamond mine owner demanded the GNWT do more to help, ministers set up a meeting. Here's what they discussed and how the territory says it's responding.
7. Imperial Oil says it will lower fuel prices in Norman Wells
Imperial Oil said it would reduce the cost of home heating fuel in Norman Wells, which had skyrocketed. The new rate will still be higher than normal.
8. ‘This is more than just an average shooting accident’
Dennis Nelner was at home in 2019 when a wildlife officer, trying to subdue a black bear outside, accidentally shot him. Nelner says he has lingering concerns.
9. Northerners launch new publishing company
Five women are behind a new publishing house that aims to elevate the voices of northern authors. Its first title has just been confirmed.
10. Chocolate fanatics bring aurora-inspired treats to Yellowknife
"Why don't you sell this stuff?" Two Yellowknife residents were persuaded by colleagues that their chocolate is so good, they should open a business.
Carnage in the Capital
Eight wrestlers from Alberta and Inuvik wowed a Yellowknife audience this week with flashy costumes, big personas and even bigger moves. Here are some highlights from the night.
What we’re reading
Shape-Shifter
For Up Here magazine, Melaw Nakehk’o explores the Dene relationship with caribou by tanning hides and turning them into sculptures.
Wildfire smoke pollution linked to thousands of annual deaths: global study
“Adapting to the critical health impacts of fires is required.” The Canadian Press’s Jordan Omstead explores a new international study, which estimates 12,566 annual wildfire smoke-related deaths in the 2010s were linked to climate change.
Tourism at the End of the World
As climate change and natural disasters threaten some tourist destinations, travellers are flocking to those locations to experience their beauty while they still exist. For Maclean’s, Christopher Lemieux writes about last-chance tourism in Canada and how he believes it needs to be managed.