Check against delivery

Thank you for the introduction and the invitation to meet with your membership today.

I closed my comments to you last year by saying how much I was looking forward to seeing you all “in person” in 2021. But here we are again, meeting virtually.

What for the NWT was primarily an economic crisis this time last year has escalated over the summer and fall to be a serious health care situation that continues to have a great impact on residents, communities, and businesses.

The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs and the City of Yellowknife have been, and continue to, work collaboratively to protect the health and safety of residents in responding to emergencies.

The Government of the Northwest Territories and the City of Yellowknife want to jointly assure the residents of Yellowknife that if you need emergency services, you should call either 9-1-1 or 2222.

With the support of the Gwich’in Tribal Council, the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) has created the Kristine McLeod Emerging Indigenous Leader Award to honour the memory of the young leader who passed away unexpectedly in August 2021. 

Minister of Health and Social Services, Julie Green has extended the territory-wide Public Health Emergency under the Northwest Territories’ Public Health Act on the advice of Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) Dr. Kami Kandola.

The latest extension continues through November 9, 2021. 

The Public Health Emergency is required to continue to decisively respond to shifts in the NWT’s own public health situation, and maintain preventative measures.

R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), met virtually with education leaders on Oct. 19 to discuss the ongoing school closures amid the COVID-19 outbreak in the Northwest Territories (NWT). Minister Simpson also provided updates on major ECE initiatives to improve student outcomes in the NWT.

The Department of Health and Social Services (HSS) is currently conducting a review of Supported Living (SL) services provided to adults with disabilities. 

HSS would like feedback through a survey on individuals’ experience with, or need for, supported living services. The information collected will inform the department about how to best meet the needs of NWT residents in the future.

Ministerial Activities Advisory for the week of October 26 - November 1, 2021

Ministerial Travel

Please note that travel schedules may change with little or no notice. This schedule is accurate as of October 25, 2021

Premier Cochrane's Itinerary for the week of October 24, 2021

Issued October 22, 2021. If there are any changes, an updated version of the itinerary will be provided on October 27, 2021.

Public Events and Meetings

No public events or meetings are scheduled.

Closed Events and Meetings

The following events are closed to the media

October 25

Some NWT communities will now be able to recycle an expanded list of electronics. Residents in Yellowknife, N’Dilo, Dettah, Hay River, Kátł’odeeche First Nation, Enterprise, Kakisa, Inuvik, Fort Smith, Fort Providence and Norman Wells will be able to bring an expanded list of electronics and electrical products to their recycling depots over the next two years. Over 500 electronics and electrical products are now able to be recycled in these communities.

Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, issued the following statement in recognition of Small Business Week:

“I share the hope of many that with high vaccine uptake we have begun to turn a corner on a critical period for the Northwest Territories (NWT) during the global pandemic. Having had to face a new round of restrictions in order to address COVID-19 outbreaks in communities, small businesses across the territory have shown resiliency and strength in the face of adversity.