N.W.T. minister slams MLA's decision to return to Yellowknife despite evacuation order; RCMP investigating
CBC
An N.W.T. MLA's decision to re-enter Yellowknife despite a city-wide evacuation order is drawing ire from her colleagues and city officials, and has triggered an RCMP investigation.
Great Slave MLA Katrina Nokleby returned to Yellowknife Wednesday to volunteer as an adviser for Ernest Betsina, the incoming Yellowknives Dene First Nation chief for Dettah.
It isn't clear if she's allowed to be there, though Nokleby told CBC News she believes she re-entered legally. The evacuation order for Yellowknife, N'dilǫ, Dettah, and the Ingraham Trail states only essential persons are allowed in these communities right now.
The N.W.T. RCMP confirmed to CBC News they have received a complaint related to Nokleby's actions and have opened an investigation.
Nokleby said she returned to Yellowknife on Wednesday from Behchokǫ̀, where she and her cats were staying with Monfwi MLA Jane Weyallon Armstrong, to put her engineering background and knowledge of government systems to use.
"I can provide good advice to people," she said. "I have a lot to offer. I don't have a family. It's just me that I'm worried about. So you know, at the end of the day, whether I sit here, or I sit in Behchokǫ, I'm much more useful here."
She also told CBC News she doesn't believe the wildfire burning out-of-control 15 kilometres northwest of Yellowknife poses an urgent threat.
In an email Saturday, Municipal and Community Affairs Minister Shane Thompson condemned Nokleby's actions.
"If the reports are true, it is very frustrating that the MLA would choose personal comfort over complying with public safety orders at a time when Yellowknifers and residents from seven other communities are forced to leave their communities," Thompson wrote.
N.W.T. Premier Caroline Cochrane issued a rebuke of her own Saturday, telling CBC News Nokleby's characterization of the wildfire threat is "not the reality."
"I'm disappointed in any person that returns to the Northwest Territories that doesn't have a necessary purpose to be there, and especially disappointed that any leader — in any capacity — would go back and tell the people that it's not very bad ... the sun is shining, things are good," Cochrane said.
"I would never, myself, speak against what the firefighters, what the professionals, what all the experts are telling me."
At Friday night's wildfire press conference, Yellowknife Mayor Rebecca Alty also addressed Nokleby's comments.
She called Nokleby's characterization of the wildfire situation "incredibly disrespectful" to fire crews who are working long days and missing time with their families.
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