The Government of the Northwest Territories advises that demolition of the former Northern Frontier Visitors Centre is underway in Yellowknife.

The facility closed to the public in 2017 due to deterioration. Work is ongoing to determine future use of this important property.

For everyone’s health and safety, fencing has been added around the property and only authorized workers can enter.

Demolition schedule:

April 16-28: Selective interior demolition and salvage.

April 29-May 3: Building demolition.

The territory-wide Public Health Emergency and State of Emergency have been extended in the Northwest Territories. Both extensions will take effect as of April 29, 2020 and expire on May 12, 2020.

These extensions are due to the continued need for response to the COVID-19 global pandemic to protect public health in the Northwest Territories and do not indicate a significant change in circumstances or an increased risk to the people of the NWT.

On April 30th 2020, Northwest Territories (NWT) residents will receive their second NWT Cost of Living Offset payment in the amount of $52.00 per adult and $60.00 per child under the age of 18. For example, a family of two adults and two children will receive $224.00. For a child in shared custody each parent will receive one-half of the benefit for the child.

The NWT Cost of Living Offset (COLO) is a benefit paid to individuals and families living in the NWT to help offset the cost of the NWT carbon tax. The benefit is tax-free to NWT residents and families.

Targeted changes have been introduced to keep residents safe, and keep COVID-19 contained in the NWT. 

Effective immediately, essential service workers and those supporting them; infrastructure workers employed by the GNWT, Municipal Governments, Indigenous Governments and Organizations; and corrections officers returning to the NWT are subject to new restrictions.

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) is now accepting funding applications from Northwest Territories (NWT) businesses and artists interested in manufacturing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well as other non-medical products.

ITI will consider proposals that demonstrate a business case for the development of PPE and cloth face masks within the NWT.

Products include:

The Government of the Northwest Territories has opened a second intake of applications for low interest loans to support NWT businesses through the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing first-come-first-served basis.

Working Capital Loans of up to $25,000 (or more if need is clearly addressed) are available from the Government of the Northwest Territories, through the NWT Business Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC).  

Minister Nokleby issued the following media statement today in support of small businesses in the NWT:

“Small businesses are a large and essential part of our Territory’s economy. They are critical to the structure and function of our communities and provide almost all of the products and services that we enjoy and rely on as Northerners.

To slow and contain the spread of COVID-19 it is of utmost importance to diagnose and isolate individuals infected with the virus. As we continue to learn about this new virus we need to reassess and adjust our approach, which includes who we test. Research has shown that individuals with COVID-19 might experience symptoms other than fever,  new or worsening cough, or shortness of breath. These include a recent onset of:  

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) recognizes that supporting access to early learning and child care is essential for healthcare providers, frontline staff and other essential workers to be able to respond to COVID-19 in the Northwest Territories. Today, Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Finance, and R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), are announcing additional support for essential workers responding to COVID-19 that will ensure access to child care.

Check against delivery 

Good afternoon.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many challenges for our residents and communities as we take the necessary steps to protect each other by staying physically distant and self-isolating.

For residents with children, there are additional and significant challenges now that children are at home as a result of school closures and the cancellation of many child care programs.