Minister of Health and Social Services, Julie Green has extended the territory-wide Public Health Emergency under the Northwest Territories’ Public Health Act on the advice of Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) Dr. Kami Kandola.

The latest extension continues through September 14, 2021. 

The Public Health Emergency is required to continue to decisively respond to shifts in the NWT’s own public health situation, and maintain preventative measures.

Today, the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) issued an order to mark September 30th a holiday for the territory’s public service, commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Following the federal government’s lead, the GNWT established this holiday to provide public servants, including teachers, the opportunity to recommit to understanding the harmful legacy of residential schools in the Northwest Territories and to encourage them to take time to reflect and consider what they can do to advance reconciliation.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the Union of Northern Workers (UNW) are pleased to announce that they have ratified a new collective agreement.

This new agreement is effective April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2023.

Negotiations for a new collective agreement began on March 9, 2021 and ended on May 31, 2021 when both sides reached a tentative agreement.

The previous collective agreement between the UNW and the GNWT expired on March 31, 2021.

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Effective immediately there is no longer a $200 transaction limit at NWT liquor stores. The limit of six 375ml containers of spirits (mickeys) is still in place.

The restrictions were originally placed on April 16, 2020 as part of the GNWT’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to support the territory’s balanced approach to managing alcohol. The limitations were enacted to combat overconsumption and bootlegging activities throughout the territory while still ensuring that NWT residents would have safe and reasonable access to alcohol in unrestricted communities.

Today, Honourable Shane Thompson, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs and Honourable Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Finance, announced the creation of the Emergency Disaster Assistance Advance Program (EDAAP).

The Emergency Disaster Assistance Advance Program allows for immediate payments to provide funding to residents, small businesses and community governments impacted by this year’s flooding in the Northwest Territories.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) announced today that it will allocate $14.774 million to support the Northwest Territories’ Aviation Sector to continue essential air services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This funding is part of a program announced by the Government of Canada to support essential air services to remote communities between January 1, 2021 and June 30, 2021. Transport Canada will provide $12.558 million in new funding; while the GNWT will provide $2.216 million.

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Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to strengthening relationships with governments. We are also committed to providing opportunities to create a more diverse, inclusive and representative public service.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) will donate up to $150,000 to support those impacted by flooding in the Northwest Territories.

Communities in the NWT have experienced flooding that has displaced residents and caused damage to property. In order to assist those in the communities affected by the flooding the GNWT will match donations to the United Way NWT which will then be dispersed to various organizations that are able to provide the necessary aid to residents.

Premier Caroline Cochrane would like to announce the planned retirement of Mr. Sandy Kalgutkar from the position Deputy Minister of Finance and Secretary to the Financial Management Board with the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) effective September 1, 2021.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Red Tape Reduction Working Group is asking for help to identify red tape and regulatory burdens for small businesses.

The Red Tape Reduction Working Group has set up an email address for residents and local businesses to report GNWT regulations and regulatory processes that are unclear, unreasonable, or redundant and welcome suggestions on how to eliminate that red tape.