Premier Caroline Cochrane and members of Cabinet will be in Ottawa this week to meet with federal ministers to discuss Northwest Territories (NWT) priorities ahead of next year’s Federal budget.

The goal of the meetings is to raise awareness and build a better understanding of key NWT priorities and the benefits investment in the North will have on Canada. These priorities include the Taltson Hydro Expansion Project, Mackenzie Valley Highway, and the Aurora College transformation to a Polytechnic University.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) would like to clarify its stance on the use of playground equipment for Northwest Territories (NWT) licensed early learning and child care operators during winter months.

A letter dated November 24, 2022 from the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) to licensed early learning and child care program operators, requested that operators refrain from using playground equipment during the duration of the winter season.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is proposing changes to the Waste Reduction and Recovery Act with one further round of engagements planned. 

The proposed changes were developed after more than a year of broad engagement with communities, stakeholders, and the public while developing the Waste Resource Management Strategy and Action Plan, released in 2019.

As part of its effort to support secure, affordable and sustainable energy in the Northwest Territories, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released the 2022-2025 Energy Action Plan.

Over the next three years, $194 million will be invested to implement 68 actions and initiatives that advance the objectives outlined in the 2030 Energy Strategy.

The attached is being distributed on behalf of the Embassy of Iceland in Ottawa, the City of Yellowknife, and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

The NWT Climate Change Council is reaching out to youth to inform NWT efforts on reducing emissions and adapting to the impacts of a changing climate. It has established a new Climate Youth Advisory Group to advise and collaborate with the Council. 

Youth occupy the frontlines of climate change demanding accountability from governments and industry around the world. With the Northwest Territories (NWT) warming four times faster than the rest of Canada, NWT youth have a unique voice to share. 

The attached is being distributed on behalf of the Northwest Territories Council of Leaders (NWTCOL).

Harvesters and trappers are once again able to capitalize on the demand for beaver castors in the global market with funding made available through the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT).

Last spring, beaver castors were added to the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur program. Due to the success of the initial funding opportunity, the GNWT is offering funding once again. Trappers can be advanced $65 for each pound of dried beaver castors, or approximately eight dried castors.

Ministerial Activities Advisory for the week of November 29-December 5, 2022

Ministerial Travel

Please note that travel schedules may change with little or no notice. This schedule is accurate as of November 28, 2022.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has launched the Youth Forum on Education in the Northwest Territories (NWT).

R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, convened the forum to hear directly from students about education issues that matter to them. The group will meet virtually to brainstorm and bring forward topics and issues for the 2022-23 school year.