The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) will donate up to $150,000 to support those impacted by flooding in the Northwest Territories.

Communities in the NWT have experienced flooding that has displaced residents and caused damage to property. In order to assist those in the communities affected by the flooding the GNWT will match donations to the United Way NWT which will then be dispersed to various organizations that are able to provide the necessary aid to residents.

R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), met with JK-12 education leaders Wednesday May 12 to discuss the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) announcement that the order requiring the closure of schools in Yellowknife, Dettah, Ndılǫ and Behchokǫ̀ would be lifted on Monday May 17 with new safety protocols in place.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is upgrading its network hardware this weekend. These critical infrastructure updates will begin on Saturday, May 15th at 10:30 p.m. and end Sunday, May 16th at 7:00 a.m.

Premier Cochrane along with Ministers Diane Archie, Paulie Chinna and Nahendeh MLA Shane Thompson met late yesterday evening to review the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) response to flooding in the Northwest Territories (NWT) and to discuss next steps.

The Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) is removing the temporary COVID-19 restrictions put in place for  school closures in Yellowknife, Ndilǫ̨, Dettah and Behchokǫ̀, Northwest Territories (NWT).  This order also included after-school and other extracurricular programs. This change is effective May 17, 2021.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is pleased to announce that On the Land Healing Programs are being featured as part of the Promising Practices Podcast. 

The Promising Practices Podcast is an initiative of Canada’s Premiers. It features innovative mental health programs and initiatives from across Canada. Episode 8 of the podcast series focuses on the Northwest Territories and discusses On the Land Healing Programs.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has renewed its Polar Bear Diamonds™ trademark as it works to re-introduce branded Polar Bear Diamonds™ into the global marketplace.

The new government-certified Polar Bear brand reflects a strong and forward-looking bear in a dynamic stance communicating the confidence and pride of wearing an authentic Northwest Territories diamond.

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 May 25, 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.

Ministerial Activities Advisory for the week of May 11-17, 2021

Ministerial Travel

Please note that travel schedules may change with little or no notice. This schedule is accurate as of May 10, 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.

Premier Caroline Cochrane today announced the following changes to the senior management in the Northwest Territories public service:

• Eleanor Young is appointed as President and CEO of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC).

Ms. Young moves to the NWTHC from the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) where she served for sixteen years in progressively more senior management roles, including most recently as Deputy Minister since 2016.