The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Sir John Franklin High School in Yellowknife. Testing has confirmed that some water fixtures show lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for the school.

As of today, smoking is no longer permitted in all Housing NWT owned-and-operated units, including social housing. This change is part of the GNWT’s commitment to ensuring a healthier, safer living environment for all residents.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Weledeh Catholic School, École St. Patrick High School, and the Kimberlite Career & Technical Centre. Testing has confirmed that some water fixtures show lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for the schools.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Chief Jimmy Bruneau school in Behchokǫ̀. Testing has confirmed that some water fixtures show lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for the school.

You can now nominate an NWT resident for the 2026 GNWT Accessibility and Inclusion Award. This annual award is an opportunity to recognize the contributions that help make the territory more accessible and inclusive for persons with disabilities.

NWT residents are encouraged to nominate an individual by filling out a nomination form, and returning it to AIPWD_Award@gov.nt.ca.

For more information, and to fill out and submit your nomination, please visit:

Minister of Health and Social Services Lesa Semmler released the following statement today in recognition of National Social Work Month 2026:

“As we mark Social Work Month, I extend my sincere appreciation to the social workers across the Northwest Territories whose dedication and compassion strengthen our communities every day. Their work supports residents through some of life’s most challenging and transformative moments.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Louie Norwegian School in Jean Marie River, and Chief Julian Yendo School and Community Gym in Wrigley.

Testing has confirmed that one water fixture shows lead levels above the Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC) in Chief Julian Yendo School. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for that facility.

Effective immediately, the affected water fixture at Chief Julian Yendo school will require flushing prior to use.

Residents now have access to the Ten-Year Review of the Health Information Act. Earlier today the report was tabled at the Legislative Assembly.

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, residents across the Northwest Territories depend on a health and social services system that is steady, responsive, and able to adapt under pressure. In recent years, our system has indeed faced significant pressure, which was a key factor in my decision to appoint a Public Administrator to lead the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority just over a year ago. His role is to help guide the Authority through this period of transition and support the system as it responds to these pressures.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ Elementary School (LKES) in Fort Simpson.

LKES testing has confirmed that two water fixtures show lead levels above the MAC. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for the school.