The Northwest Territories (NWT) Leadership Council and members of Cabinet, including Premier RJ Simpson, are traveling together for the first time to Ottawa to ask with one voice for the needs of NWT. are in the federal crosshairs.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Caroline Wawzonek and five other Cabinet members. The great leader of the Tłı̨chǫ government, Jackson Laffertythe president of the Sahtu Secretariat, Charles McNeely and the leader of the Délı̨nę government Got’ınę, Danny Gaudetare part of the delegation visiting Ottawa, Tuesday and Wednesday, to meet federal ministers.
During a press briefing on Tuesday morning, RJ Simpson spoke about the importance for T.N.-O. to speak with a common voice.
The Northwest Territories are at the crossroads of Canada’s strategic future, and with the right public policy decisions, we are poised to make substantial contributions to Canada’s prosperity and national security
he announced.
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On Monday, RJ Simpson met Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa. The premier of the Northwest Territories is in Ottawa with Indigenous leaders to discuss issues including climate change, the cost of living, infrastructure and housing needs.
Photo : The Canadian Press / Justin Tang
Long list of priorities
The planned discussions with federal ministers cover a long list of priorities, such as housing, infrastructure, adaptation to climate change, critical minerals and public safety.
By focusing on these priorities, T.N.-O. will not only improve the situation of their fellow citizens, but also provide the federal government with the strategic assets necessary for national security and economic stability
a dit RJ Simpson from the outset.
It is time to seize this opportunity, because the future of the North is the future of Canada.
Jackson Lafferty, who is also the chairman of the Council of Leaders of T.N.-O., called for concrete measures following these meetings, because inequities persist in the Northwest Territories.
We come as several governments to ask for support and also solutions to the considerable economic and social challenges that affect the daily lives of our residents and our communities throughout the North
he mentioned.
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Grand Chief of the Tłı̨chǫ Government, Jackson Lafferty, and Chair of the NWT Leadership Council, spoke to the media on October 8, 2024, in Ottawa.
Photo : The Canadian Press / Spencer Colby
Basic needs such as roads, affordable housing and health care remain inadequate in the Northwest Territories. The high cost of living and the effects of climate change are very real for our communities and families.
Bridging the gap between North and South
For his part, the head of government délı̨nę got’ınę, Danny Gaudethopes these discussions will help develop a strategy that works for the entire North.
He gave as an example the challenges of his region, the Sahtu, which is at the forefront of the effects of climate change.
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The head of the délı̨nę got’ınę government, Danny Gaudet.
Photo : The Canadian Press / Spencer Colby
The low level of the river Mackenzie, this summer, led to the cancellation of barge deliveries of products such as heating oil and foodstuffs, which pushed up prices.
The price of gasoline has risen to $5.50 per liter. [Le réservoir] of a house has a capacity of 1000 liters. If you fill it up completely, it’s over $5,000 and that’s enough for about a month and a half in winter.
explained Danny Gaudet.
We need to bridge the gap between the communities of the North and the communities of the South, the cities of the South.
According to RJ Simpsonthe first meetings, Tuesday morning, were held on a positive note.
It’s positive, we have good discussions
he mentions. It’s good to have people from the communities, from the territory, to be here and explain to federal ministers and civil servants what the North is. It’s good that they hear it directly from us.
