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.

A recent amendment to the Liquor Regulations will allow Northwest Territories’ (NWT) liquor stores to sell and provide home delivery of liquor to customers including those who are in isolation due to COVID-19.

All NWT liquor stores are now able to sell beer, wine and spirits for home delivery to customers residing in the community where the liquor store is located.

As of October 18, 2021, all qualified designated retail cannabis vendors are eligible to operate an online store to serve NWT customers. 

Currently, ReLeaf NT is the only active retail cannabis outlet interested in operating an online store for residents of the Northwest Territories. They also operate a brick-and-mortar cannabis store in Yellowknife.

The Northwest Territories Liquor and Cannabis Commission (NTLCC) issued an expression of interest on July 11, 2021 to determine if current designated vendors were interested in operating online stores.

The Department of Health and Social Services, in conjunction with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, is introducing a new COVID-19 at-home student screening program to help protect the unvaccinated NWT student population (ages 5-11).

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is introducing amendments to the GNWT COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, which expand application of the policy to all employees of the GNWT. As of November 30th, 2021, all GNWT employees will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Previously, the policy only applied to GNWT employees working with vulnerable populations.

The GNWT engaged with the Union of Northern Workers, the NWT Teachers Association, Indigenous Governments, and others in the drafting of this policy and in making amendments to it.

Issued October 15, 2021. If there are any changes, an updated version of the itinerary will be provided on October 20, 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 18

• The Premier will be participating in a COVID-19 Update with NWT Indigenous leadership.
• Internal meetings

October 19

Shane Thompson, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, announced today that he is taking action under the Emergency Management Act (EMA) to address the urgent need for a temporary day shelter in Yellowknife. The decision was made after several attempts to identify a suitable location to provide this critical service to the city’s vulnerable residents.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is announcing that residents will have a new way to access their COVID-19 vaccination records. Residents will be able to download an updated Proof of Vaccination Credential (PVC) through a self-serve online form.

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 October 26, 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.