Chief Supt Syd Lecky, the top RCMP officer in the Northwest Territories, is reportedly leaving to become the chief of police for the Timmins Police Service in Ontario, effective May 15. Lecky, who arrived in the NWT from Kamloops in fall 2022, has been recognized for his extensive experience and commitment to community policing. His departure has not been officially announced by the RCMP in the NWT, but has been reported by multiple news outlets in Ontario. The Timmins Police Services Board has expressed that Lecky's experience will greatly benefit their service and community. Meanwhile, NWT's MLAs have prioritized public safety, with Premier RJ Simpson emphasizing crime prevention and law enforcement as key issues.

In Hay River, three individuals were arrested and charged following a police operation where a person was reportedly seriously injured and held hostage. The RCMP liberated the hostage and seized 700g of suspected crack cocaine, firearms, and over $17,000 in cash. Evan Rochon, 19, and Hindowa Sama, 21, both from British Columbia, face charges including drug trafficking, illegal firearms possession, aggravated assault, and forcible confinement. Rochon is additionally charged with dangerous vehicle operation and fleeing from an officer. Trisha Tambour, 40, from Hay River, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Ron Barlas, through his lawyers, has denied allegations of misappropriating millions from the Łútsël K’é Dene First Nation's economic wing, Denesoline Corporation. The First Nation alleges Barlas diverted funds to his own companies, enriching himself and his family, and is seeking damages from KPMG and law firm Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer for allegedly aiding the fraud. Barlas's defense claims he acted with transparency and significantly benefited the community, contributing over $13 million in value. His lawyers argue for a trial with oral evidence to resolve disputed facts, suggesting the First Nation's application for a civil court decision based on documents is insufficient.

The Transglobal Car Expedition, which previously caused an international incident and sank a truck in the Arctic, is returning to the Northwest Territories. The team, including former Russian oil executive Vasily Shakhnovsky and mountaineer Vasily Elagin, aims to drive across the planet in 17 months, starting from New York City. Their journey will include driving through the NWT and Arctic, sailing to Antarctica, and returning to New York. The expedition will conduct scientific research, including cosmic ray detection and sea ice measurement, and is scheduled to reach Hay River and Yellowknife by the end of January before heading towards the North Pole and beyond.

The NWT Art Centre Initiative, a non-profit group, is launching a visual arts centre of excellence in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, with three years of operational funding. The centre aims to elevate NWT artwork and will include a non-commercial art gallery and community centre. The project, led by Adrian Bell, is in the early stages with hiring underway but no timeline for completion. The NWT government has stated it does not have a mandate to create arts infrastructure. A correction clarified that funding flows through national charity MakeWay but originates from another, as yet unannounced, source.

CBC North is seeking a new senior journalism manager following the departure of managing editor Garrett Hinchey, who is transitioning to a communications role at Rio Tinto's Diavik diamond mine. Hinchey, who has been with CBC North since June 2021, emphasized the importance of hiring Indigenous northerners and maintaining relevance in a changing media landscape. CBC North faces challenges such as potential workforce cuts and adapting to a digital environment following Meta's ban on news content in Canada. The Diavik mine, set to close in 2026, signals a significant shift for the Northwest Territories' economy.

Most school bus routes in Yellowknife resumed on Thursday afternoon after cancellations due to extreme cold weather in the morning. Six routes were affected by mechanical difficulties at -43C. Transdev announced that routes 3 and 7 would be doubled up, causing expected delays. Hay River also faced school bus issues, with overcrowding due to the cold, prompting the local education authority to request alternative transportation arrangements from parents.

The Ekati diamond mine in the Northwest Territories, now owned by Australian company Burgundy, may continue operations until the 2040s according to a letter from CEO Kim Truter. The mine, which saw its highest plant processing tonnage since 2013, has significant undeveloped diamond resources. Plans to extend the mine's life include underwater mining and extending underground operations at various sites. The impact on staffing levels is uncertain, as some proposed methods, like underwater crawlers, may require fewer workers. Diamond mining is a key economic driver in the NWT, with other mines expected to close by 2030.

A fire on Tuesday evening damaged parts of two homes at a townhome complex on Gitzel Street in Yellowknife. The fire originated in a crawl space and spread through the walls and attic space of units 992 and 991. The city's fire division responded to the incident and addressed multiple flare-ups. No injuries were reported, and the scene has been handed over to the NWT's fire marshal for investigation. Both units were damaged but remain salvageable.

Yellowknife's downtown Primary Care Centre has partially reopened with reduced services following a weekend flood. While the clinic is open to the public, its laboratory and diagnostic imaging section remains closed, with those services being provided at Yellowknife's hospital. Psychiatry services are available for booked appointments, and mental health counsellors are operating from the Goga Cho building. Some appointments are being redirected to Frame Lake's clinic.

The Deh Cho Bridge in the Northwest Territories, which provides a crucial highway link between Yellowknife and the south, will undergo repairs this summer to replace 24 metal adjustment bars. The need for repairs arose after a cable broke in August due to a metallurgical defect in one of the bars. Although no other defects were found, all bars from the same fabrication batch will be replaced as a precaution. The bridge has been limited to one lane since the incident, and this will continue until the repairs, which also include fixing damaged guardrail and a broken overhead light, are completed. The cost of the repairs has not been disclosed.

Parts of the Northwest Territories, including Norman Wells and Colville Lake, are experiencing extreme cold with temperatures forecasted to reach -40C or below, accompanied by wind chill values near minus-50. Yellowknife is also facing severe temperatures, with the city's forecast predicting lows of -42C on Thursday and -40C on Friday night. The municipality has canceled snow removal for the week due to the extreme cold. This cold spell contrasts with a warmer-than-average December and does not threaten Yellowknife's all-time record low of -51.2C set in 1947.

Yellowknife has cancelled all planned snow removal work from January 8 to 12, 2024, due to forecasted extreme cold weather, with temperatures expected to drop well below -35C. The City of Yellowknife announced the decision on Facebook, explaining that such low temperatures lead to increased equipment failures and repairs. Snow removal is set to resume the week of January 15, when temperatures are expected to be warmer.

A man was stabbed in Wrigley on New Year's Eve, and a 31-year-old suspect from Wrigley was arrested on January 2. The RCMP received a report of the stabbing at 11:32 pm, and the victim's injuries were not life-threatening. Charges of assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose are pending.

An arbitrator ruled that casual workers at the NWT government have the same right as permanent employees to formally appeal their pay. The decision by Richard Coleman sided with the Union of Northern Workers against the GNWT, which had argued that casuals could not formally challenge their pay as they were not in a 'position' appointed to the public service. The ruling, made last month, was based on the interpretation of the collective agreement and the explicit rights it grants to casual workers.

The Northwest Territories is facing days of extreme cold with wind chill values between -50 to -55, starting Wednesday night and potentially persisting into the weekend. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for Yellowknife and most of the Tłı̨chǫ, Sahtu, and Beaufort Delta regions. While daytime may bring slight improvements, the cold is expected to be severe overnight, with Yellowknife temperatures reaching -40C and Norman Wells hitting -41C without wind chill. The Dehcho and South Slave regions might experience milder temperatures above -30C, but the cold is forecasted to extend there early next week. After an unusually warm December, Inuvik is preparing for its first sunrise of 2024 on a clear day with a high of -32C.

A guide to 2023 New Year's Eve events across various communities in the Northwest Territories is provided, including family dances, fireworks, and performances by local artists. Some events have been adjusted due to health concerns, and attendees are advised to check with organizers regarding safety measures. Highlights include a dance headlined by Welders Daughter in Behchokǫ̀, a performance by Elvis Kotchilea in Dettah, and a community feast in Inuvik. Yellowknife's fireworks display is set for 8pm at Somba K'e Civic Plaza.

The traditional snowmobile ride from Whatì to Behchokǫ̀, a 75-kilometer journey, has seen a decline in frequency, even before the opening of NWT Highway 9 in late 2021. Shaun Moosenose organized a revival of this ride, which saw a turnout of 19 Ski-Doo snowmobiles, growing to about 30 by the time they reached Behchokǫ̀. The trip coincided with a festive gathering at Behchokǫ̀'s cultural centre, complete with fireworks. The event was dedicated to the late Frank Gargan, a respected community member. Moosenose hopes to continue this tradition for future generations.

A downed Air Tindi flight carrying two crew and eight passengers on a private charter had to ditch in the wilderness 300 km northeast of Yellowknife. A Royal Canadian Air Force Hercules from Winnipeg reached the scene, and three technicians parachuted to provide medical support and supplies. Minor injuries were reported, and rescue efforts were complicated by severe weather conditions. The exact location and cause of the incident are unclear, but it occurred near the Diavik diamond mine. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada confirmed an ongoing rescue mission.

A downed Air Tindi flight carrying two crew and eight passengers on a private charter was reached by search and rescue technicians from a Royal Canadian Air Force Hercules aircraft near Yellowknife. The Twin Otter had ditched in the wilderness with only minor injuries reported. Rescue efforts were complicated by severe weather conditions, but the passengers and crew were expected to be rescued by helicopter, another aircraft, or possibly by ground. The incident occurred near the Diavik diamond mine, and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada confirmed an ongoing rescue mission.

The NWT Department of Environment and Climate Change has issued a reindeer transport licence to Kris Kringle of the North Pole for December 24-26, 2023, allowing for 12 reindeer, including three alternates, to move freely across rooftops. This marks an increase from the nine reindeer permitted in the previous year's licence. The department's announcement, which is part of a humorous holiday tradition, suggests Santa may need extra reindeer to bring additional gifts following various disasters in the NWT or to return to normal service after a potentially lighter load in 2022.

South Slave communities including Hay River, Enterprise, Fort Smith, and Fort Resolution are advised to prepare for freezing rain throughout Friday afternoon. The warning, issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada, comes as other regions anticipate heavy snowfall. The incoming weather system poses travel risks, particularly on highways 1, 2, 5, and 6, which are expected to become icy and slippery.

The RCMP in the Northwest Territories have revised their policy on publicly identifying individuals charged with crimes. The new policy will only name individuals charged with drug trafficking, organized crime, violent offences related to organized crime, or acts of violence that pose risks to the public. This change comes after a review of an October policy that named all charged persons, which did not consider the unique community dynamics of the North. The RCMP aims to maintain transparency with the media while protecting public safety.

The article discusses the offer by The Kleindienst Group, a developer in Dubai, which is providing Moldovan citizenship to buyers of their luxury properties in a development called the Heart of Europe. Moldova, while not an EU member, allows visa-free travel to the Schengen area. The European Union is concerned about such Citizenship by Investment (C.B.I.) schemes, citing risks of money laundering and tax evasion. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is also working to increase due diligence. The article notes that luxury property prices in Dubai have fallen, prompting developers to offer additional perks. It also mentions that the trend of offering citizenships with property purchases began in Ajman in 2015 and that there is a high demand for European citizenships among wealthy Middle Easterners and Chinese investors. A correction is included regarding the name of the company where Patricia Casaburi works.

As of January 12, the Dettah ice road has not opened for the first time on record, with previous average opening dates around January 7. Initially, warmer weather in December resulted in ice too thin for construction. Currently, extreme cold temperatures around -40C have prevented crews from determining if the ice is thick enough to safely build the road. The NWT’s Department of Infrastructure is unable to predict the opening date and will resume ice profiling when conditions permit. The road typically remains open until mid-April.

The article discusses Luxembourg's emerging role as a financial hub in Europe, particularly in light of recent developments where the EU withdrew its 'equivalence' from Switzerland's financial markets. This move has led Swiss banks to rely on their offices in Luxembourg, an EU member state, to continue trading. The article also touches on the potential implications of Brexit for the U.K.'s financial market access to the EU and notes that many British firms are setting up in Luxembourg in anticipation of Brexit. The author suggests that Luxembourg's position in Europe may be strengthened both by the EU's stance towards Switzerland and the U.K.'s departure from the EU.

The article discusses the low levels of philanthropy among the ultra-high-net-worth individuals in the U.K., with only 10-12% engaged in giving, based on research from the Beacon Collaborative. It mentions the launch of a new All-Party Parliamentary Group on philanthropy aimed at increasing charitable contributions from Britain's wealthiest. The article highlights cultural differences between the U.K. and the U.S. regarding philanthropy, with the U.S. having a more established culture of giving. It also touches on reasons for the reluctance to give, such as a lack of knowledge among advisors, a culture of not celebrating philanthropy, and political and economic uncertainties. The article suggests that if just 10% more of Britain's super-rich engaged in philanthropy, it could raise an additional £2 billion for various social programs.

The article discusses the economic situation in Istanbul following the election of Ekrem Imamoglu as mayor. It highlights the emigration of high-net-worth individuals from Turkey, driven by divisive politics and economic instability. The Turkish lira's significant devaluation and potential sanctions from the U.S. and Europe are contributing factors. The real estate market in Istanbul is suffering, with luxury home values and commercial property prices falling. Wealthy Turks are investing abroad, particularly in the U.A.E., U.K., U.S., Berlin, and Lisbon. President Erdogan's rhetoric against capital flight is seen as shortsighted by analysts, as the country struggles to retain and produce high-net-worth individuals. The article suggests that Imamoglu's challenge will be to restore confidence and economic prosperity in Istanbul, drawing parallels to Erdogan's tenure as mayor in the 1990s when he revitalized the city.

The article discusses the findings of Mercer's Cost of Living Survey, which ranks Hong Kong as the most expensive city in the world for expatriates for the second consecutive year. Despite recent protests, the cost for expatriates remains high, measured by the price of goods like bread and jeans. The survey also notes that eight of the top ten most expensive cities are in Asia, with Tokyo, Singapore, and Seoul following Hong Kong. New York and Zurich are also mentioned as expensive non-Asian cities. The article contrasts the situation in the UK, where cities like London have become cheaper for expatriates due to the falling pound, a situation not attributed to Brexit. London's attractiveness is further supported by a Knight Frank study, which considers it the world's leading wealth center. The article concludes by reflecting on the choices migrants make when considering expensive cities with different levels of political stability and quality of life.

The article discusses a group of American billionaires, including George Soros and Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes, who have signed an open letter requesting higher taxes for the wealthiest 0.1%. In contrast, European billionaires remain silent on the matter, possibly due to the rise of left-wing politics and anti-wealth sentiment. The article mentions various political movements and proposals affecting the wealthy in Europe, such as the gilets jaunes in France, potential capital flight in Britain due to 'Corbygeddon', and housing expropriation in Berlin. It also references Rainer Zitelmann's view on the wealth tax debate and Richard Branson's comments on the responsibility of the wealthy to address societal issues without the need for increased taxes.

The article discusses a decline in private jet usage in Europe, with a 3% decrease in departures this year, and a more significant 6% drop in the UK. London has seen a 10% decline, with notable decreases in flights from Cannes and Nice during the month of May, which is concerning for the summer season. The downturn is attributed to environmental concerns, economic sentiment, and political climate. The Gilet Jaunes protests in France and the anti-corruption purge in Saudi Arabia have also influenced the reduction in private jet travel. However, Asia is experiencing growth in the private aviation sector. The article also notes a shift towards more fuel-efficient aircraft and turboprops in Europe as a response to cost-cutting measures and environmental impact awareness.

The article discusses the decline in the number of millionaires globally, as reported by Capgemini in its annual 'World Wealth Report'. In 2018, there was a 3% decrease in high net worth individuals (HNWIs), with a collective loss of $2 trillion in wealth. The decline was primarily attributed to a struggling global economy, international trade conflicts, and concerns over tightening monetary policies. Ultra HNWIs, particularly those in Asia and China, faced the most significant losses. Despite the decrease in wealth among the richest, the article suggests that this does not imply a more equitable distribution of wealth, as the wealthy tend to reduce spending and charitable giving during economic or political uncertainty.