The NWT government has issued a response formally dismissing calls from regular MLAs for a territorial state of emergency – and federal humanitarian aid – over Norman Wells’ cost of living crisis.
In February, regular MLAs passed a motion making those requests after cabinet abstained. That motion wasn’t binding but required that the GNWT respond within 120 days.
The Sahtu in general and Norman Wells in particular have been hit by increased shipping and fuel costs over the past year after low water cancelled 2024’s barge resupply season.
Issuing its response to the motion last week, the territorial government listed a range of measures it has already taken to try to address that crisis – but also added a few new details.
For example, the GNWT announced in the response that it is “working with the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated to deploy wood stoves in the Sahtu, including Norman Wells, and help fight the current energy crisis, in a $500,000 project funded by the federal government.”
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
The territory also listed its work to ship supplies during the past winter road season, its advocacy for the Mackenzie Valley Highway, a $150,000 donation to Norman Wells’ food bank and various funding programs set up to help Sahtu residents and businesses.
Whether a full barge resupply season will be able to run this summer is still unclear. As of last week, officials said the navigability of the Mackenzie River had yet to be determined.
Backup plans exist that could take freight to the Dehcho by road, avoiding shallow water near Fort Providence, if need be.
“A state of emergency is intended to be used when a community government or the GNWT require exceptional powers to take action to manage a disaster event. The declaration of a state of emergency by either a community government or the GNWT does not grant access to additional federal or territorial funding,” the GNWT’s response to the regular MLAs’ motion states.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
“The GNWT maintains that declaring a state of emergency is not the approach that would best serve residents and address these issues.
“The GNWT continues to engage with the Government of Canada to advocate for flexible federal funding that meets the distinct needs of northern communities. This includes highlighting the very real financial hardship faced by communities due to this situation, particularly in relation to the cost of essential supplies like fuel. While this is an ongoing discussion, the GNWT remains committed to exploring all possible funding avenues to support residents.”
The Town of Norman Wells declared a state of emergency in October over skyrocketing gas and fuel costs as a result of resupply barge cancellations.
Leaders in the region spent months lobbying for action at a territorial and national level. In January, the local emergency was reinstated after the town said it had received “at best a piecemeal response” from the GNWT.
Representatives of Nutrition North and Food Banks Canada toured the Sahtu last month and have promised efforts to make food more affordable and accessible in the region.
