Premier says ‘people have to step up’ to keep NWT SPCA going

Premier RJ Simpson expressed reluctance on Thursday to consider giving the NWT’s main animal shelter core funding, but did slightly open the door under sustained questioning.

The NWT SPCA, which offers some veterinary services and serves the territory as an animal rescue from its Yellowknife facility, says its bank account is dwindling and it may struggle to remain open.

@ollienwt

NWT SPCA says it is “struggling to stay afloat” and urgently needs financial help. This is an animal shelter based in Yellowknife that serves the Northwest Territories. I went to snuggle puppies and hear from executive director Nicole Spencer, who says the shelter needs to find more than $100,000. ♬ original sound – Ollie Williams

Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart described an “overwhelming tide of support” for the NWT SPCA as he asked Simpson in the legislature whether the territorial government can give the shelter sustained annual funding – an outcome the GNWT has long resisted, saying there are other priorities.

“I’d like to ask the premier why the SPCA is not considered a critical service,” Testart said, “given the important work they do across the Territories for all of our communities.”

Simpson said he appreciated the shelter’s work but was more focused on ensuring supports for services like homeless shelters where, if non-profits were unable to keep them open, the GNWT would have to step in. (What would happen if the NWT SPCA closed for good is not clear. The territorial government has not suggested it would attempt to run any similar service.)

“I’ve had pets most of my life and when there’s an emergency, I know the trauma of being separated from your pet,” said Simpson. However, he continued, “not everything that happens in the Territories is government-supported, nor should it be.”

“There are some things where the community people have to step up. I’m happy to make a donation – I’ll commit to making a $500 donation to the SPCA here, I encourage other members to do it. There are some things that we as citizens of the Territories need to come together to support,” the premier continued.

“While I’d like to be able to stand up here and say every NGO gets money, because they all do valuable work, the fact is we have a certain amount of funds and we have to ensure we’re distributing those where they’re going to make the largest impact.”

After more questioning from Testart, the premier did allow that issues like stray dogs do sometimes have impacts on NWT communities.

“It comes and goes. Sometimes it’s worse than others, but what I’ll do is I will have a conversation with the minister of Maca,” he said, referring to Department of Municipal and Community Affairs minister Vince McKay.

“I will have a conversation with the department and see what type of work is happening in this area and what types of supports are possible, if any.”

Asked by Testart if the NWT SPCA would be a partner in that discussion, the premier sought to emphasize the preliminary nature of any conversation.

“I committed to work with the minister of Maca. I’ll have conversations with them and talk to EIA about what is possible,” Simpson said, referring to his own department, Executive and Indigenous Affairs.

“If it moves beyond that, I’m happy to work with the SPCA as well.”