Education, Culture and Employment

Release of the NWT Arts Strategy 2021-2031

The NWT Arts Strategy 2021-2031 was released today by the departments of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) and Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI). The new strategy provides the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) with renewed priorities for the continued growth and prosperity of the creative sector for the next decade.

ECE and ITI work closely to support and promote artists and the arts in the Northwest Territories (NWT).

Early Learning and Child Care Scholarship applications now open

Applications are now being accepted for Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) scholarships to help increase the number of qualified early childhood development professionals in the Northwest Territories (NWT).

Thirty scholarships valued at $5,000 each will be awarded to eligible NWT students enrolled in a diploma or degree programs with a direct focus in Early Childhood Development during the 2021-2022 academic year.

Application deadline: October 15, 2021 at 5 p.m. (MST)

Treaty 11 document returns to the NWT after 100 years

In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 11, the historic document has returned to the Northwest Territories (NWT) and is on display for public to view at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC) Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. until late October.

This is the first time the document has been in the north since traveling by river to the nine signatory communities in 1921 and 1922 when it was signed by representatives of the Dehcho, Tłı̨chǫ, Sahtu and Gwich'in and the Government of Canada.

Court of Appeal confirms GNWT decision regarding admission of non-rights holders into NWT francophone schools

The recent Court of Appeal decision in A.B. & Commission Scolaire francophone (CSFTNO) v. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) has affirmed the decisions of the former Minister of ECE regarding access of non-rights holders to French First Language education.

The Court of Appeal’s decision of September 1, 2021 confirms that the Minister’s decisions regarding the entry of non-rights holders into NWT francophone schools in 2018 were reasonable and reinstates both ministerial decisions.

Early Childhood Infrastructure Funding now accepting proposals

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is now accepting proposals for the Early Childhood Infrastructure Fund (ECIF).  For the 2022-2023 fiscal year, $1M is available through Early Childhood Infrastructure Fund to provide non-profit organizations and Indigenous governments with funding for infrastructure repairs and retrofits to support the preservation, expansion and creation of centre-based child care spaces in communities across the Northwest Territories.

GNWT Launches Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Program

As of August 27, residents holding a Northwest Territories (NWT) Journeyperson Certificate or a recognized trade certificate are eligible to apply for the Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Program.

The Blue Seal Program is geared to individuals with a valid Journeyperson Certificate, Occupational Certificate, or another valid trade certificate recognized in the NWT who wish to develop their business skills.

Literacy Awards – Nomination Deadline Extended to September 3, 2021

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) and the NWT Literacy Council are extending the nomination deadline for the annual NWT Ministerial Literacy Awards to September 3, 2021.

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 eight ministerial literacy awards may be given each year.

Ministerial Literacy Awards include:

·       Youth Learner Literacy Award

·       Adult Learner Literacy Award

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.

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