Today, Minister of Justice, R.J. Simpson announced the judicial appointment of Jeannie Scott to the Territorial Court of the Northwest Territories. This appointment is effective October 8, 2021.

Ms. Scott holds a Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University, a Masters of Conflict Analysis and Management from Royal Roads University, and a Bachelor of Laws from Ottawa University.  She was called to the bar in Ontario in 2009 and the Northwest Territories in 2010.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (NWT) and Canada are working together collaboratively to ensure activities are completed to minimize potential risk at the former Ptarmigan Mine site.

Work is being initiated following an investigation under the territorial Environmental Rights Act (ERA) that brought forward concerns about dust blowing onto the Ingraham Trail near the Ptarmigan Mine site in advance of the completion of negotiations to determine which government will be responsible for the site.

Actions to be Taken

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is seeking proposals from Northwest Territories’ (NWT) residents and businesses for its NWT Manufacturing Innovation and Technology Contribution.

Up to $100,000 will be awarded to the most compelling proposal for an investment in technology designed to reduce costs and improve productivity, while increasing local employment. Applicants must outline all eligible expenses in their proposal and be prepared to contribute at least 20 per cent equity into the project.

Given the unique and significant impact of the recent COVID-19 restrictions and containment orders on the Northwest Territories (NWT) economy and labour market, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) has created the Labour Market Recovery Wage Grant to support NWT employers in response to the pandemic.

The Government of the Northwest Territories has released a report from an independent consultant with expertise in caribou modelling. The report focuses on sustainable harvest levels for boreal caribou across the southern NWT.

Ministerial Activities Advisory for the week of October 5-11, 2021

Ministerial Travel

Please note that travel schedules may change with little or no notice. This schedule is accurate as of October 4, 2021

There is no travel scheduled for this time period

Meetings and Appearances

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

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has partnered with the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) to provide additional funding support for exploration projects being led by the territory’s mineral resources industry.

CanNor has confirmed new funding of $500,000 to support a second call for Mining Incentive Program (MIP) applications in 2021-22, focusing on winter exploration. This brings the total program budget for the current fiscal year to $1.5 million.

Premier Cochrane's Itinerary for the week of October 3, 2021

Issued October 1, 2021. If there are any changes, an updated version of the itinerary will be provided on October 6, 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 4

Premier Caroline Cochrane issued the following statement on the first observance of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation:

“Today is an opportunity to reflect and learn about the legacy of the Residential School system and its impact on Indigenous people, families and communities across the Northwest Territories and Canada. It’s also a time to remember those young children who were stolen from their homes, only to never return.

Today the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) released the Report of the Procurement Review Panel providing recommendations for GNWT’s procurement policies and practices.

Produced by an independent three-person panel, the report provides 50 procurement recommendations, incorporating input collected over a four-month period from public engagements with stakeholders including industry groups, business communities and residents.

The panel’s recommendations have been grouped into four themes:

1.           Establish a strategic approach to procurement;