Work to remediate fountains and sinks at Joseph Burr Tyrell School, Fort Smith; Paul W Kaeser High School, Fort Smith; École St. Joseph School, Yellowknife; Kaw Tay Whee School, Dettah and Chief Albert Wright School, Tulita are complete. The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) has lifted the Health Orders previously in place for these schools, following confirmation that lead levels in drinking water are within Health Canada guidelines.

Medical travel benefits for eligible NWT residents are now administered through the Extended Health Benefits (EHB) Program. This means that residents with a valid NWT health care card, who do not have other medical travel coverage must apply for Extended Health Benefits to receive medical travel coverage.

This change does not affect the level of support these residents receive. It streamlines how medical travel is coordinated by bringing benefits under a single policy framework. The goal is to make the process clearer and easier to navigate for residents.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) are advising residents that the availability of medical travel accommodation in Yellowknife will be significantly reduced during the months of September and October due to exceptionally high seasonal demand and limited lodging capacity.

You can now take a short online training to help recognize and respond to Elder abuse.

Recognize and Respond to Elder Abuse is a self‑directed training now available to GNWT staff and to organizations that serve seniors and Elders, including Non‑Governmental Organizations and community partners. The training provides practical guidance to help participants identify warning signs, understand common risk factors, and respond in safe, trauma‑aware, and person‑centred ways.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is making it easier for residents to access medications to help them quit smoking.

Through its new Quit Card Program, eligible NWT residents can get coverage for prescribed quit smoking medications. This includes residents who do not have drug coverage, or whose coverage has been exhausted, or does not fully cover the cost of medication.

The NWT Bureau of Statistics has released its 2025 report on projected demand for long-term care beds in the Northwest Territories.

The report uses updated data and improved methodology to estimate long-term care needs over the next 15 years. The analysis projects a need for 21 additional long-term care beds by 2039.

To meet this projected increase in demand, the Government of the Northwest Territories is planning for 21 additional long-term care beds over this period.

The Government of Northwest Territories has released a technical report on Cancer in the Northwest Territories from 2011 to 2022. The report provides a territorial overview of cancer diagnoses, cancer-related deaths, and cancer screening trends over this 11 year period. The report compares NWT data with national information where possible.

Key findings include:

The Government of the Northwest Territories is seeking applicants to join its Mental Wellness and Addictions Recovery Advisory Group.

This group brings together individuals with lived and living experience in mental wellness and substance use to help inform programs, policies, and services across the Northwest Territories.

Two positions are currently available. Residents from across the NWT are encouraged to apply, including those from diverse cultural backgrounds, age groups, and gender identities, including 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is pleased to announce the three recipients of the 2026 Accessibility Impact Awards. This event is an opportunity for the Government of the Northwest Territories, the NWT Disabilities Council, and the NWT Human Rights Commission to recognize and celebrate the outstanding people and businesses advancing accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the territory.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is advising residents that applications are now open for the Extended Health Benefits benefit year that starts on September 1, 2026.

This applies to residents who have a valid NWT health care card and do not have benefits from another program, employer, or private insurance provider. Seniors 60 and older who are already enrolled in Extended Health Benefits do not need to reapply. Residents eligible for Non-Insured Health Benefits or Métis Health Benefits are also not impacted.