The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is developing regulations to bring the Mineral Resources Act (MRA) into effect and is seeking public feedback on the first set of policy intentions. These cover mineral resources administration (rules for exploration, development, and operation of mines), drill cores, and the removal of minerals.

This is the first of three planned engagements on the MRA Regulations over the coming months:

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Mr. Speaker, Happy Small Business Week.  Let us recognize and celebrate the entrepreneurs who drive our economy and enrich our communities.

Small businesses are the backbone of the Northwest Territories. Whether it is recent graduates and newcomers bringing fresh ideas and technologies, Indigenous people keeping cultural traditions strong, or long-time Northerners sharing decades of experience, these businesses reflect the values, cultures and aspirations of the people who live here.

The Tłı̨chǫ Government (TG), Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN), and Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) are working together to support workers, businesses, and communities affected by recent changes in the diamond mining sector — while laying the foundation for a more diverse resource economy.

The GNWT is seeking nominations from individuals in the Sahtu and Beaufort Delta regions to be members on the NWT Arts Council.

The NWT Arts Council reviews and recommends applications for funding for ITI’s Small Arts Project Grants (up to $5000) and Medium Arts Project Grants ($5,000 - $10,000).  The combined budget of both programs is $500,000.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is now accepting funding proposals for the Small and Medium Arts Project Grants for projects starting in September 2025.

The Small Arts Project Grant provides up to $5,000 to emerging to mid-career artists, craftspeople and small groups to cover costs for small-scale arts projects (traditional apparel, paintings, etc.) such as art supplies (beads, thread, furs, etc.) studio fees, illustration and design costs, and artistic development.

Effective immediately, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is implementing rental fees on lands held under onshore Significant Discovery Licences (SDLs).

SDLs are issued under the Petroleum Resources Act (PRA) to companies that have successfully bid for the exclusive right to develop oil and gas resources on specific lands. Unlike other Canadian jurisdictions, the NWT has, until now, not required rental fees for SDLs, nor have companies been obligated to advance resource development to retain their licences.

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Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize an important cultural milestone. The NorthWords NWT Writers Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary: twenty years of championing Northern voices and building community through storytelling.

Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories is proud to serve as Chair of the Committee on Internal Trade this year, at a time when Canada’s economic unity, supply chain resilience, and competitiveness are more important than ever.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is implementing targeted relief measures to support the diamond mining sector—the NWT’s largest industry and biggest contributor to the economy—in response to growing financial pressures and industry-wide uncertainty. These actions are designed to maintain economic stability, support local employment and businesses, and sustain decades of Indigenous economic partnership and regional development.

Yellowknife (April 3, 2025) – Effective April 1, 2025, the Northwest Territories (NWT) Arts Council and arts funding programs that are currently administered by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), will transition to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI).