Nunavut and Yukon territory are donating $50,000 to the United Way to assist in the NWTSA国际影视传媒檚 fire and flood relief efforts.

Premiers Ranj Pillai and P.J. Akeeagok made the announcement during a press conference May 17 in Inuvik, with each territory kicking in half.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 been very special, it feels like coming back home,SA国际影视传媒� said Akeeagok. SA国际影视传媒淚n the past two days weSA国际影视传媒檝e covered some significant ground.

SA国际影视传媒淥ur thoughts and prayers are with those that are impacted here in the NWT. The threat we see up North is real. So with that, weSA国际影视传媒檙e very pleased to be able to provide a donation to the relief of up to $25,000SA国际影视传媒�

The three leaders met with GwichSA国际影视传媒檌n Tribal Council Grand Chief Ken Kyikavichik and Inuvialuit Regional Corporation Chair Duane Ningaqsiq Smith about issues facing the North as part of a pan-northern premierSA国际影视传媒檚 conference

Pillai said giving to the United Way was the quickest way to show support.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 really how we could help,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淲e help when we can, right across the North.SA国际影视传媒�

Premier Cochrane thanked both her colleagues for their support.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 a nice surprise,SA国际影视传媒� said Cochrane. SA国际影视传媒淯sually in politics, surprises arenSA国际影视传媒檛 a good thing.SA国际影视传媒�

Yukon to step up maintenance of Dempster Highway

One area that was stressed during the two days by Cochrane and by Kykavichik was the condition of the Dempster Highway, which many drivers on both sides of the border say the Yukon has under-maintained for several years.

Pillaj said he was committed to speaking to his highway minister about what could be done to improve the conditions.

SA国际影视传媒淭here is a tremendous relationship between the Yukon (and Beaufort Delta,)SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淔rom the standpoint of culture and families SA国际影视传媒� theySA国际影视传媒檝e always been connected. It is extremely important that the road is maintained right through from Arctic sovereignty to economic opportunities.

SA国际影视传媒淲e heard it loud and clear.SA国际影视传媒�

Pillaj said he has reached out to the GTC to see what role they could potentially play in the maintenance of the highway on the Yukon side.

Noting that there needed to be a long-term capital budget in place, he added he would look into federal funding for economic and transport corridors to help cover the costs of gravel.

He noted the economic boost the Yukon has seen tourists continuing on to the Dempster and the Inuvik-Tuktoyakuk highway to reach the Arctic ocean was significant.

SA国际影视传媒淚 feel we have an obligation,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淚 think ISA国际影视传媒檓 going back with a concerted effort.SA国际影视传媒�