The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Princess Alexandra School, Diamond Jenness Secondary School, and the Diamond Jenness Trades Centre in Hay River.

Princess Alexandra School

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.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for École Boréale School in Hay River, Chief Sunrise School in Kátł’odeeche First Nation, and Deninu School in Fort Resolution.

École Boréale School in Hay River

Testing has confirmed that all water fixtures show lead levels below the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.

No remediation or mitigation measures are required, and École Boréale School can use sinks and water fountains normally.

Minister of Health and Social Services Lesa Semmler issued the following statement today:

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Harry Camsell School in Hay River. Testing has confirmed that some drinking 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.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Helen Kalvak School in Ulukhaktok. Testing has confirmed that some drinking 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.

Effective immediately, affected water fixtures at Helen Kalvak School will be out of service and an alternate drinking water source will be provided.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Mildred Hall School in Yellowknife. Testing has confirmed that some drinking 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.

Environmental work is advancing at six NWT airports to investigate the presence and extent of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and to inform future actions.

The first phase of the new Dental Hygiene Profession Regulations will come into force on December 1, 2025.

The dental hygiene profession regulations will be moved under the Health and Social Services Professions Act, creating a consistent framework for health and social services professionals in the NWT.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Kaw Tay Whee School in Dettah. 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.

Effective immediately, all water fixtures and the water fountain at Kaw Tay Whee School will be out of service.

The Government of the Northwest Territories has launched new web pages  designed to communicate more directly with residents about ongoing work to strengthen the health and social services system based on the needs and priorities of NWT communities and residents.

These pages provide up-to-date information on progress toward three key health system priorities: