Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Shane Thompson and Great Slave MLA Katrina Nokleby issued the following joint statement on COP26 and climate action in the NWT:

“Our territory took a strong message to COP26 this year - that the NWT has been and will continue to face some of the most significant impacts of climate change.

“While the NWT continues to do our part to reach emission targets, the northern context is unique and requires special consideration surrounding the expectations and support by the federal government.

The Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Shane Thompson, has extended the State of Emergency in the City of Yellowknife. This extension is being made under s.14 of the Emergency Management Act.

The extension continues through November 29, 2021.

This State of Emergency was initially instated to address the need for additional shelter space as a result of ongoing capacity limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The attached is being distributed on behalf of The attached is being distributed on behalf of the Tłı̨chǫ Government, Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government, Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, Gwich’in Tribal Council, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Ministerial Activities Advisory for the week of November 16-22, 2021

Ministerial Travel

Please note that travel schedules may change with little or no notice. This schedule is accurate as of November 15, 2021

• Caroline Wawzonek will be traveling to Fort Smith with Thebacha MLA Frieda Martselos on November 17.

Meetings and Appearances

Please note that event organizers may have attendance restrictions­­­ for their event. Contact organizers for more information.

Premier Cochrane's Itinerary for the week of November 14, 2021

Issued November 12, 2021. If there are any changes, an updated version of the itinerary will be provided on November 17, 2021.

Public Events and Meetings

No public events or meetings are scheduled.

Closed Events and Meetings

The following events are closed to the media

November 14

Northwest Territories Premier Caroline Cochrane issued the following statement on Remembrance Day:

“Today is a time to honour the Canadian men and women in uniform who have served and continue to serve to protect the rights and freedoms that we as Canadians enjoy today. They have helped build and maintain peace and have defended democracy so people around the world can continue to live free of oppression. We thank you for your service.

The NWT will become the second jurisdiction in Canada to integrate a Statement of Environmental Values into government decision-making.

The creation of a Statement of Environmental Values is a requirement under the Environmental Rights Act, which was amended in 2019. The Statement explains how environmental considerations, including the right to a healthy environment, will be integrated into decisions that might have a significant impact on the environment.

The Draft Statement of Environmental Values is built upon seven principles:

The Government of the Northwest Territories is pleased to announce the release of the next Water Strategy Action Plan, the Northwest Territories’ plan to responsibly and collaboratively steward our waters.

The NWT Water Stewardship Strategy Action Plan, 2021-2025 sets clear actions under four priority areas:

Check against delivery 

Welcome and thank you for participating in this workshop. 

I believe the NWT has an opportunity to play not only a leading role but a key role in the supply of critical minerals and metals to meet growing international demand.

Check against delivery

Congratulations Minister Bibeau on continuing your role as the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food.

Here in the Northwest Territories, agriculture looks a bit different than it does down South.  Our industry is challenged by extreme and diverse weather conditions, limited soil quality and the remoteness of our communities. Yet despite these challenges, we maintain a small, but dedicated network of growers, passionate about the territory’s agriculture industry and its potential.