NWT Premier R.J. Simpson has declined to meet with homeless encampment residents in downtown Yellowknife.
In the legislative assembly on May 28, Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins asked Simpson what the territorial governmentSA国际影视传媒檚 plan is for these residents and if the premier would visit the encampment, located on a GNWT-owned parking lot off the alleyway between 49 and 50 streets.
"Will the premier step up, maybe even meet with these people, and have this conversation?" Hawkins asked.
Simpson did not answer that part of his question but noted that the territorial government, the city, the and other organizations are all meeting on the issue.
SA国际影视传媒 followed up by asking Simpson if he'd be willing to meet with encampment representatives. He still did not commit to it.
"Our governmentSA国际影视传媒檚 focus is on meeting people where theySA国际影视传媒檙e at and making sure their needs are being met, not just by being seen, but by ensuring real, practical support is in place," Simpson stated. "I appreciate the request for me to visit the encampment and want to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation and the difficult circumstances that have led people to this point."
Simpson added that Yellowknife's homeless encampment reflects broader challenges of trauma, housing instability and poverty.
"These challenges require a coordinated and compassionate response," he said. "That means not only ensuring immediate safety and support, but also expanding access to transitional and long-term housing so that people have a real path forward."
Simpson, who is also minister of Executive and Indigenous Affairs, added that he is focused on ensuring GNWT departments are working together and with community partners.
"WeSA国际影视传媒檒l continue to do this work respectfully, recognizing the dignity of all residents and the complexity of their circumstances," he said.
At the encampment on May 30, some residents voiced reasons why the premier should stop by. Robert Petrie said he's been staying at the site for a couple of weeks. It's important for people like Simpson or Yellowknife's mayor to meet with encampment residents, he contended.
"They should hear straight from the people on the street and who are here," he said. "You can see what's going on, not just hear about it."
Petrie said he wants to know more about what the GNWT can do to help people with housing or find a safe place to be.
Julian Atigikyoak, another encampment resident who's been staying there for a few days, said it would be a sign of support if Simpson were to visit encampment residents.
"We need help," said Atigikyoak. "We don't like to live like this, but it tends to just happen all of a sudden. And it's hard for us to get housing too."
Atigikyoak said he'd like to ask Simpson if there's any way the GNWT can speed up the waiting list to get into public housing.
"If we do get a house, we'd be feeling safer," he said.
Petrie gave GNWT staff credit for doing a good job communicating.
City of Yellowknife communications director Kerry Thistle said in a statement to SA国际影视传媒 on May 30 that Mayor Ben Hendriksen has not met with encampment residents. But, If invited by encampment members or their representative, the mayor would be available to meet and speak with them, Thistle said.
Peter Adourian, a lawyer representing some encampment residents, previously told SA国际影视传媒 that the Executive and Indigenous Affairs branch has jurisdiction over homeless encampments and homelessness in general. He also said he has been in talks with GNWT and city officials and that those conversations have been productive.
