Education, Culture and Employment

Girls in Trades workshop now open for registration

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and Skills Canada NWT are partnering to present a Girls in Trades Workshop.

The workshop is designed to provide opportunities forfemale students to explore the trades as a potential career path with the added bonus, of boosting their confidence, teaching life skills and empowering them as young women to pursue a career path largely dominated by men.

Minimum Wage Increase – Effective September 1, 2021

Effective September 1, 2021, the minimum wage will increase from $13.46 per hour to $15.20 per hour.

The minimum wage rate in the NWT was last increased in 2018 and was set at a rate of $13.46 per hour. Since that time, the cost of living and the average hourly wage in the NWT have risen and minimum wage earners have fallen behind. The minimum wage increase strikes a balance between maintaining competitive wage rates and encouraging economic activity.

 

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Public Affairs and Communication

GNWT releases NWT school reopening guidelines for 2021-22 school year

Protecting the health and safety of residents and communities is of the highest priority to the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) as we begin to prepare to reopen schools for the 2021-22 school year.

To safeguard the health and safety of students and school staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, schools will follow the recommendations of the NWT Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO), while supporting the learning and well-being of all NWT students.

Government of Canada and Government of Northwest Territories to make an announcement on post-secondary education in the territory

Ottawa, Ontario — Members of the media are invited to attend a virtual announcement with the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, MP Michael McLeod, Northwest Territories Minister R. J. Simpson and Aurora College President Andy Bevan to make an announcement on proposed investments in post-secondary education in the territory.

There will be a media availability following the announcement. Journalists who would like to participate in the Zoom event should notify RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca.

 

New exhibit commemorates the signing of Treaty 11

A new Tłı̨chǫ community exhibit ‘Treaty 11 – 100 years’ is now on display at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC). The exhibit commemorates the 100th anniversary of Chief Mǫwhì signing the treaty in Behchokǫ̀, NT, on August 22, 1921.

The exhibit is open to the public and can be viewed during regular operating hours at the PWNHC. An official opening will take place on July 16, 2021 at the PWNHC. The event is open to the public and will include a Feeding of the Fire Ceremony and remarks, followed by tea and bannock.

New Emergency Leave Provisions in NWT Employment Standards Act

The Government of the Northwest Territories has amended the Employment Standards Act and Regulations to provide protection to NWT workers and flexibility to employers during the COVID-19 pandemic and future emergencies. These changes come into effect July 1, 2021.

These changes include the establishment of Emergency Leave, which provides job protection to NWT workers by allowing them to access unpaid leave when they are unable to perform their duties because of an emergency, such as the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency. 

Student Financial Assistance COVID-19 Grants Extended – Deadline to Apply June 30, 2021

Two grants that were introduced in 2020 to assist students with additional expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic have been extended for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Eligible students can access:

  • COVID-19 Technology Grant:  a one-time grant of $750 to assist with cost of purchasing technology equipment;
  • COVID-19 Support Grant: a monthly grant of $100 to assist with additional costs, such as internet fees.

Applications for Student Financial Assistance (SFA) are due by June 30, 2021.

Nominations Open for 2021 NWT Ministerial Literacy Awards

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), the Premiers of Canada Council of the Federation, and the NWT Literacy Council are pleased to be accepting nominations for the annual NWT Ministerial Literacy Awards. These awards provide an opportunity to honour the literacy achievements of youth and adult learners, exceptional educators, and organizations and businesses across the territory. 

Up to nine literacy awards may be given each year, including eight Ministerial Literacy Awards and the Premiers of Canada Council of the Federation of Literacy Award for the NWT.

Premier, Ministers thank NWT residents and healthcare professionals for their efforts during NJ Macpherson outbreak

Premier Caroline Cochrane, Health and Social Services Minister, Julie Green and Education, Culture and Employment Minister, R.J. Simpson issued the  following statement on the recent COVID-19 outbreak at N.J. Macpherson and the Government of the Northwest Territories’ response:

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