The Northwest Territories (NWT) Arts Council is looking for three individuals with a passion for the arts, culture and heritage of the NWT to join its board for a two-year term starting September 1, 2021.

The deadline to apply is June 30, 2021.

The council promotes the arts in the NWT and provides recommendations to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) on financial awards for creative artistic projects in the visual, literary, media and performing arts, and on issues and policies associated with the arts and artists.

Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI),  launched a new NWT Parks logo today in a video montage of parks and landscapes reflecting the beauty and excitement of the Northwest Territories (NWT).

The new NWT Parks logo combines unique elements found in the NWT, including the boreal forest and its waters, the midnight sun, the aurora, and the vibrant colours across the north.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has renewed its Polar Bear Diamonds™ trademark as it works to re-introduce branded Polar Bear Diamonds™ into the global marketplace.

The new government-certified Polar Bear brand reflects a strong and forward-looking bear in a dynamic stance communicating the confidence and pride of wearing an authentic Northwest Territories diamond.

Arctic Canada Construction Ltd. (Arcan) in Hay River has been awarded the design-build contract to construct a new fish processing plant in Hay River. 

The plant, which will be managed by the Tu Cho Cooperative, is central to the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT)’s plans to restore the Great Slave Lake commercial fishery as outlined in the 2017 Strategy for Revitalizing the Great Slave Lake Commercial Fishery.

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Mr. Speaker, the season for planting may still be a long way off but February 23^rd was Agriculture Day in Canada and we have much to celebrate and work towards in support of agriculture in the Northwest Territories. I will also speak to the connection between the agriculture industry and efforts to strengthen food security.  

Northwest Territories Parks and Campgrounds will begin opening on May 14, 2021 with appropriate COVID-19 protocols in place. The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is pleased to provide the following update on dates and planning related to the 2021 season.

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Mr. Speaker, while 2020 was a very different year for film and media in the Northwest Territories, we have continued to work behind the scenes to ensure we are supporting the sector so they are ready to welcome new opportunities when border restrictions are eased.

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Mr. Speaker, it is fitting that as we focus this sitting on the government’s budget, including how GNWT spending impacts the NWT economy and the role it can play in our economic recovery efforts, we are also beginning a territory-wide conversation about our government’s procurement practices and policies. Procurement is a significant tool that can positively increase the benefits of government spending on the private sector and, as a result, on the economy as a whole.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is providing funding to tourism operators that have exhausted the support available to them under the federal government’s Northern Business Relief Fund (NBRF) and Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF).

Tourism operators will be able to apply to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment to cover the same fixed operating costs set out under the NBRF.