As anticipated, the Omicron variant of concern has been confirmed in the Northwest Territories.
The Omicron variant is quickly becoming the dominant COVID-19 strain across Canada, replacing the Delta variant.
The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) announced a new Public Health Order (PHO) that will go into effect at 12:00 pm today.
Some of the highlights of the new PHO include:
Minister R.J. Simpson and British Columbia (BC) Minister of Education Jennifer Whiteside are pleased to announce that the Northwest Territories (NWT) will partner with BC for the renewal of the Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 (JK-12) school curriculum and assessments. This decision is the result of extensive research, analysis, and more than 40 consultation and engagement sessions with Indigenous governments, education bodies, the Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association (NWTTA) and educators.
With an expected increase in travel and out of town visitors expected this holiday season, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) will be expanding the COVID-19 At-Home Student Screening Program.
Schools that volunteered and opted into the program will send students home with five (5) COVID-19 self-test kits before the holiday break begins. It is recommended that parents, guardians, and caregivers test their child the day before returning to school in the new year. The rest of the tests can be used by anyone in the household at any point over the break.
The Government of Northwest Territories is developing Meat Safety Regulations for locally produced meat and meat products from privately raised livestock, to NWT consumers. The regulations will set out requirements for production, distribution, and sale to ensure that meat and meat products are handled and prepared using safe methods.
Minister of Health and Social Services Julie Green released an update on the Quality Improvement Plan Progress for Child and Family Services (CFS) today. This update is part of the Department of Health and Social Services’ commitment to transparency related to the actions the GNWT is taking to better meet the needs of children and youth. These actions align with the recommendations of the Auditor General of Canada and the Federal Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth, and families. CFS supports families so they can care for children and youth in their community.
Further to the May 2021 announcement of the Polar Bear Diamond™ rebranding, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) today announced that Diamonds de Canada (DdC) has been awarded the Polar Bear Diamond™ license, allowing them to bring the iconic trademark back into the market with a renewed look and feel.
Infrastructure projects play a significant role in the economic activity of the Northwest Territories. These Estimates inject money into the economy and provide business and employment opportunities for residents, while delivering the critical infrastructure the NWT needs to provide important programs and services.
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 December 22, 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.
Please note that travel schedules may change with little or no notice. This schedule is accurate as of December 13, 2021
Please note that event organizers may have attendance restrictions for their event. Contact organizers for more information.
