MLAs begin tour across N.W.T. to discuss new anti-drug law

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Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-09-01 12:24:45.0
Tags: [National, Justice, Public Safety, Housing, Indigenous]

Members of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly have initiated a territorial tour to conduct public town hall meetings regarding the proposed Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act (SCAN). If enacted, the legislation would empower territorial officials to launch investigations into residential properties suspected of housing illegal drug activity based on confidential public complaints, and apply for tenancy terminations and evictions through rental officers. During the initial consultation in Fort Good Hope, residents voiced broad support for the enforcement mechanism while simultaneously highlighting the absence of concurrent measures to address systemic addiction, youth programming, and broader public safety concerns.

Chief in Łutselk'e, N.W.T., says community should consider banishing bootleggers

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-08-29 13:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Indigenous, Justice, Public Safety, Governance]

Chief James Marlowe of the Łutsel K'e Dene First Nation in the Northwest Territories is proposing a community banishment law to counter a rise in illegal bootlegging and alcohol-related harms affecting the dry community. The proposed law, which requires approval by First Nation members at a scheduled meeting on September 29, aims to remove non-compliant members or outside bootleggers for one to two years. Legal experts note that while trespass laws can apply to non-members, banishing First Nation members requires strict adherence to internal rules and the Indian Act or modern treaties to withstand court challenges.