Minister of Health and Social Services Lesa Semmler released the following statement today in recognition of National Social Work Month 2026:

“As we mark Social Work Month, I extend my sincere appreciation to the social workers across the Northwest Territories whose dedication and compassion strengthen our communities every day. Their work supports residents through some of life’s most challenging and transformative moments.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released the What We Heard Report summarizing feedback gathered during engagement on Phase II of the Public Service Act modernization initiative. This phase focused on proposed amendments to section 41 of the Act, which outlines union representation for GNWT public servants.

Correction: The previous release of this PSA on March 12 stated the Technical Safety Act had come into force. The PSA should have stated the Technical Safety Act received assent and will come into force summer 2026.

The Technical Safety Act received assent on March 6, 2026, and will come into force in summer 2026 by future Order of the Commissioner. This Act modernizes and simplifies how technical safety is managed by bringing existing legislation together under one clear, coordinated piece of legislation.

Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today in response to Canada’s announcement of new investment in the North:

“Prime Minister Carney’s announcement today marks an important step forward for the Northwest Territories and for Canada’s Arctic.

“The Government of the Northwest Territories welcomes the federal government’s commitment to investing in critical infrastructure that will strengthen our communities, support economic development, and reinforce Canada’s presence in the North.

Two cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), otherwise known as bird flu, have been confirmed in common ravens in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, as part of ongoing monitoring for HPAI in NWT wildlife.

Testing identified the H5 strain of HPAI, which is highly infectious among birds. These appear to be isolated cases, and the risk to birds and other wildlife remains low.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is reinforcing its commitment to road safety this spring through a focused three-month public awareness campaign built around one clear goal: helping Northerners get home safe.

The campaign highlights three key messages from March through May, each focused on everyday decisions that prevent collisions before they happen.

The Apprenticeship, Trade and Occupation Certification Board is seeking applications for Employee and Employer Representatives to fill a three-year term. To support continuity of Board operations, some appointments may be set at two years to ensure staggered terms.

Effective April 1, 2026, Northwest Territories Integration and Community Services (NWT ICS) will assume operational responsibility for the Inuvik Warming Shelter.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has introduced temporary/short-term support to ease electricity cost increases effective February 1, 2026 to March 31, 2028. The new Cost of Living Subsidy will be applied to electricity bills for residents who live in:

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Louie Norwegian School in Jean Marie River, and Chief Julian Yendo School and Community Gym in Wrigley.

Testing has confirmed that one water fixture shows lead levels above the Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC) in Chief Julian Yendo School. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for that facility.

Effective immediately, the affected water fixture at Chief Julian Yendo school will require flushing prior to use.