The Government of the Northwest Territories has amended the Employment Standards Act and Regulations to provide protection to NWT workers and flexibility to employers during the COVID-19 pandemic and future emergencies. These changes come into effect July 1, 2021.

These changes include the establishment of Emergency Leave, which provides job protection to NWT workers by allowing them to access unpaid leave when they are unable to perform their duties because of an emergency, such as the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency. 

Premier Cochrane's Itinerary for the week of July 4, 2021

Issued July 2, 2021. If there are any changes, an updated version of the itinerary will be provided on July 7, 2021.

Public Events and Meetings

No public events or meetings are scheduled.

Closed Events and Meetings

The following events are closed to the media

July 5

Minister of Health and Social Services, Julie Green issued the following statement on the National Dialogue on Anti-Indigenous Racism in Healthcare:

Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) today announced new engagements with stakeholders and partners to help advance a Northwest Territories (NWT) Knowledge Economy (KE).

NWT groups and residents have the opportunity to explore and contribute to the discussion around the KE through a number of engagements, an online survey and an ideas platform.

The Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) is easing indoor gathering restrictions for all Northwest Territories’ residents. 

This change is one of the steps in Emerging Wisely 2021: Step by Step Together released on June 9. With the relaxation of these restrictions, businesses and organizations can resume holding events and carry out operations at near normal capacity levels.

Ministerial Activities Advisory for the week of June 29-July 5, 2021

Ministerial Travel

Please note that travel schedules may change with little or no notice. This schedule is accurate as of June 28, 2021

Flood-affected residents, small businesses, and community governments in flood-impacted communities will get enhanced disaster assistance to recover and rebuild after unprecedented flooding.

Home repair or replacement

The GNWT will pay for and coordinate repairs to restore private, primary homes to pre-disaster condition.  

The GNWT will cover all costs to bring homes back to pre-disaster condition

Premier Cochrane's Itinerary for the week of June 27, 2021

Issued June 25, 2021. If there are any changes, an updated version of the itinerary will be provided on June 30, 2021.

Public Events and Meetings

No public events or meetings are scheduled.

Closed Events and Meetings

The following events are closed to the media

June 28

The banner on the COVID-19 website has been updated to align with the targets outlined in the new Emerging Wisely 2021 plan.

Two grants that were introduced in 2020 to assist students with additional expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic have been extended for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Eligible students can access:

• COVID-19 Technology Grant:  a one-time grant of $750 to assist with cost of purchasing technology equipment;
• COVID-19 Support Grant: a monthly grant of $100 to assist with additional costs, such as internet fees.

Applications for Student Financial Assistance (SFA) are due by June 30, 2021.