The annual Apprenticeship, Trades and Occupation Certification awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and top marks of apprentices and journeypersons across the NWT. This year, we recognize the top marks of 20 apprentices and 33 journeypersons, across 17 trades.

Each year, the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) Apprenticeship, Trades and Occupation Certification awards are given for outstanding achievement during an apprenticeship or interprovincial Red Seal accomplishment. The recipients of this year's awards are:
 

As of November 1, 2024, Student Financial Assistance loan limits have increased from a maximum of $60,000 to a maximum of $90,000. This increase is intended to provide greater support and assistance for students accessing loans to complete their post-secondary studies.

A new pan-Canadian initiative, Pathways to Teach Canada, has been introduced in the Northwest Territories (NWT) to simplify the evaluation of internationally educated teachers' credentials and language competencies.

By participating in Pathways to Teach Canada, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is taking action to address the challenges of recruiting educators. This initiative will make recruiting internationally educated teachers easier for NWT education bodies, including assessing their credentials.

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Following portion will be spoken in Dene Kǝdǝ́

[Mr. Speaker, genuine education is rooted in place and culture, and it cannot be nurtured in isolation. As the guiding piece of legislation for our Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 education system, it is essential that the Education Act includes the voices and perspectives of Indigenous governments and our education partners.

The Strategic Plan on French Language Communications and Services 2023 – 2028 is now available to the public.

Originally developed in 2013 by the Francophone Affairs Secretariat to guide the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) with development, implementation, offer and delivery of French language communications and services to the public.

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Mr. Speaker, when students have food security, they can focus on learning, growing, and participating within their school communities; and most importantly, on being kids.

To help students succeed, the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories are working towards signing a three-year funding agreement that will support the expansion of the NWT school food program: Healthy Food for Learning.

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Mr. Speaker, skilled tradespeople are needed everywhere, now more than ever. Apprentices and Journeypersons are a vital part of our economy. They literally keep the wheels turning, buildings standing, water flowing and the lights on.

The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre will be closed on October 29, 2024, for construction work to improve the building.

The Mezzanine Gallery and upper ramp will remain closed from October 29 to November 23, 2024, and the NWT Archives Reading Room may close temporarily without notice during this timeframe. All other galleries will remain open; however, the Feature Gallery, upper-level washrooms and café will only be accessible by stairs.

Senior Home Heating Subsidy rates have been increased for subsidy recipients age 60 and over in Norman Wells, in recognition of the rising cost of home heating fuel.

The rate from October to April has been increased from $750/month to $1,455/month. The Government of the Northwest Territories will continue to monitor heating costs in Norman Wells and may adjust the subsidy rate, as needed.

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Mr. Speaker, when we talk about education, we often talk about meeting students where they are at. This means providing resources to students at every stage in developing their knowledge, skills and attitudes.