Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins has asked the territory’s premier to “take an active interest” in recent developments at the YWCA NWT.
The organization shocked some employees last month when its board abruptly removed executive director Hawa Dumbuya-Sesay, who had headed the charity since 2020.
That occurred just before the charity’s planned September 26 AGM, which was hastily rescheduled for Saturday, October 24.
On Wednesday, the YWCA NWT board announced that AGM is now postponed to an unspecified later date. The board also said it is initiating a “comprehensive, independent third-party organizational audit and review.”
Speaking in the legislature on Thursday, Hawkins described those developments as a “serious staff and management crisis.”
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“The GNWT is one of the largest financial contributors that’s supporting programming services for this organization, so it must take a keen eye as to what’s playing out there,” said Hawkins.
The charity operates transitional and emergency housing and a family violence shelter in Yellowknife, as well as programs for families and youth. It employs more than 80 people.
In its last annual report, the charity said its crisis line handled more than 2,000 calls and it housed more than 150 families. Its programs reach more than 500 children in the territory each year.
“The credibility of the YWCA and the many generational years of services is being put at risk,” said Hawkins.
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He asked Premier RJ Simpson if he would reach out to ensure the organization is abiding by its bylaws and clients aren’t facing any interruption in service.
In response, Simpson said cabinet had discussed these matters and his department had contacted the charity. He said Housing NWT staff have been in touch with the organization’s board members.
“We’re very well aware of what the situation is and we’re working with them,” said Simpson. “They’ve expressed gratitude for our support as they work through these times.”
He said all GNWT-funded programming is continuing and there is no immediate risk to those services.
“If issues arise that we need to do more, then we will step in and do more, as we always do,” said Simpson.
The premier said he sees no current need for government intervention, describing the organization as “working their way through this.”
The decision to remove Dumbuya-Sesay has not been explained. Rami Kaur, president of the YWCA NWT’s board, said it was a personnel matter that would not be discussed with reporters.
