The attached is being distributed on behalf of the Legislative Assembly and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Effective April 1, 2021, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has reduced the threshold for requiring a formal tender process from $25,000 to $10,000 for general goods and services. This change will stay in effect until July 31, 2021.

The Departments of Finance and Industry, Tourism, and Investment (ITI) are implementing this short-term procurement policy change in response to feedback received from business development staff on-the-ground in communities and the NWT business community.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), led by the Department of Finance (FIN) is engaging in broad public engagement with governments, Northwest Territories (NWT) businesses,  organizations and residents to update the NWT Liquor Act and regulations.

Minister of Finance Caroline Wawzonek announced today that the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has launched new Indigenous Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity Training for GNWT employees.

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Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to announce the release of Living Well Together, the online Indigenous Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity Training program for employees of the Government of the Northwest Territories.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is extending the Wage Top Up Program to August 31st, 2021. To support low-wage workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, the GNWT has implemented the Wage Top-Up Program to provide temporary financial assistance to NWT workers aged 15 or over and earning less than $18 per hour.

Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek released the 2021-22 Budget, the second budget of the 19th Legislative Assembly.

Total revenues of $2.192 billion are expected in 2021‑22 and total expenditures of $2.124 billion, which include spending for programs and services and infrastructure contributions. The 2021‑22 surplus is forecasted to be $69 million.

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Mr. Speaker, approximately one year ago, I stood in this Assembly and introduced Budget 2020 as part of a journey. I described it as a foundation from which we could build a positive fiscal path towards long term economic growth and stability. There were already negative economic indicators but I said that we should not describe our circumstances as a crisis. I said that I was cautiously optimistic that achieving our priorities and building from a solid foundation was possible with discipline and planning.

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Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will deliver the Budget Address on Thursday, February 4, 2021.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released its first progress reports on our territory-wide approach to climate change. 

Strengthening the government’s leadership and authority on climate change, ensuring climate change impacts are specifically considered when making government decisions as well as reducing the cost of power and increasing the use of alternative and renewable energy, are priorities of the Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories, 2019-2023.