N.W.T. MLA says Sahtu communities are in ‘a huge crisis’ after barge cancellations [Video]

The N.W.T. MLA for the Sahtu has been crunching the numbers on the high cost of living in his region.

Low water and cancelled barges, shortened winter road seasons, and inflation are all contributing to a rapidly-rising cost of living in the Sahtu region, according to MLA Daniel McNeely. 

The Town of Norman Wells is projecting that home heating fuel could cost as much as $5.50 per litre this winter, which it calls “unsustainable.”

Leaders from the Sahtu, including the mayors of Norman Wells and Tulita, along with McNeely, were in Yellowknife last week meeting with cabinet ministers about what McNeely is calling “a huge crisis.”

McNeely spoke to guest host Shannon Scott on CBC North’s Trailbreaker about what the costs mean for his constituents, and how he’s trying to get help. 

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. 

What are you hearing from your constituents about the cost of living?

The things that I’m hearing, and from …