Community Update: Continued Advocacy Amidst Rising Fuel Prices in Norman Wells
Extreme drought conditions, ongoing since the summer of 2022, have severely lowered water levels in the Mackenzie River, escalating economic hardship in Norman Wells and other Sahtu river communities. With home heating fuel prices projected to reach $5.00 – $5.50 per liter, residents face unsustainable costs for essentials like food and heating.
This week, Mayor Frank Pope (Norman Wells), and Mayor Doug Yallee (Tulita), and Sahtu MLA Danny McNeely with support from Chief Collin Pierrot of Fort Good Hope, are in Yellowknife advocating for the needs of the Sahtu Region. They’re meeting with cabinet ministers to push for urgent action and are calling on the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) to:
- Acknowledge the severe impact on our quality of life.
- Commit to completing the MVH application and building a crucial highway.
- Seek federal assistance and create financial support plans for residents and businesses.
- Eliminate GNWT carbon taxes on heating fuel and taxes on gasoline.
- Ensure price reductions once the winter road opens.
- Ensure GNWT construct a winter road through the valley this coming season with an effort to extend its usual duration.
In addition, Community Leadership are planning to engage the Auditor General of Canada on some fiscal issues of concern and release a video narrative to raise awareness. The situation is critical, and we need immediate, decisive support.
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