Introduction

Northwest Territories (NWT) Businesses are asked to complete the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment’s (ITI) COVID-19 Business Survey.

The data collected will help the Government of the Northwest Territories better understand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on NWT businesses; and what supports and measures will be needed to support economic recovery.

Paulie Chinna, the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) is announcing that the Transitional Rent Supplement Program (TRSP) has undergone changes to make the program more responsive and accessible to NWT residents. These changes are especially important during these challenging times due to the COVID-19 pandemic where many residents are working reduced hours or have lost their jobs. 

The Honourable R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) met with territorial education leaders and the Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association (NWTTA) again on April 21, 2020 to discuss continued learning for Northwest Territories (NWT) students during the time of school closures as a result of COVID-19.

It is undoubtedly good news that at this time, our territory has no active cases of COVID-19, and our last confirmed case reported two-and-a-half weeks ago.

But as we respond to COVID-19, it’s important we both look at the facts, and remember our history.

We know that there are second and perhaps even third waves in Canada expected before we get a vaccine.

Taiga Environmental Laboratory (Taiga Lab) is stepping up to support the response to COVID-19 in the Northwest Territories by producing hand sanitizer for Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) workers that interact with the public.

Frontline workers at airports and enforcement checkpoints, as well as wildlife officers and healthcare workers are at higher risk of exposure to COVID-19. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are proven to help reduce the spread of the virus.

If you’re in the Northwest Territories, dialing 8-1-1 is your connection to COVID-19 information and services.

The new Service NWT COVID Support Line means residents can use one easy number to reach the established self-isolation, enforcement, and regional centre accommodations lines.

The line also has staff to provide callers with accurate information about COVID-19 and how it relates to residents of the NWT. The operators will assist the caller by:

Minister of Finance, Caroline Wawzonek, today announced changes to the Liquor Regulations to put limits on the amount of liquor that can be sold daily to individual customers in territorial liquor stores.  The restrictions are in effect as of April 16, 2020.

These changes are being made in response to requests from Members of the Legislative Assembly, as well as community and Indigenous leaders across the territory, in an effort to deter bootlegging activity in the NWT’s communities.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) understands the importance of essential fuel deliveries for residents and businesses in northern communities. It has been a priority for the GNWT that this work continues uninterrupted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.