The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT)  will remove the Highway 5 checkpoint station located at the Alberta/ Northwest Territories (NWT) border near Fort Smith starting August 1, 2021. The last full day of operations will be July 31.

The COVID Secretariat has worked with the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) on the decision to remove the Highway 5 border checkpoint.  Local Indigenous leaders and the Town of  Fort Smith have been notified of this decision.

Fort Smith currently has one of the highest vaccination rates in the NWT.

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 August 3, 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.

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES (July 14, 2021) – Julie Green, Minister of Health and Social Services is pleased to announce the 2021 recipients of the $1.75 million Anti-Poverty Fund. This year, 52 grants were awarded to community, Indigenous and non-profit organizations to help overcome and reduce poverty by addressing its root causes.

The successful proposals will reduce poverty by supporting food security; those experiencing homelessness; early childhood development; employment and training; healthy living; Traditional Knowledge; and on-the-land activities.

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 July 20, 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.

Minister of Health and Social Services, Julie Green issued the following statement on the National Dialogue on Anti-Indigenous Racism in Healthcare:

The Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) is easing indoor gathering restrictions for all Northwest Territories’ residents. 

This change is one of the steps in Emerging Wisely 2021: Step by Step Together released on June 9. With the relaxation of these restrictions, businesses and organizations can resume holding events and carry out operations at near normal capacity levels.

The banner on the COVID-19 website has been updated to align with the targets outlined in the new Emerging Wisely 2021 plan.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is pleased to announce vaccine opportunities have been provided to youth in all 33 NWT communities. Going forward, vaccine will be available in every health centre in the territory to ensure timely, equitable access for all residents.

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 July 6, 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.