Yellowknife (June 16, 2025) - Minister of Finance Caroline Wawzonek today recognized the invaluable contributions of public servants across the Northwest Territories in honour of National Public Service Week, June 16 to 20, 2025.

“National Public Service Week is a special time to celebrate the dedication, professionalism, and hard work of public servants who serve Northerners every day,” said Minister Wawzonek. “Their commitment helps build stronger, healthier communities and supports the wellbeing of all residents across the Northwest Territories.”

Ministerial Travel 

Please note that travel schedules may change with little or no notice. This schedule is accurate as of June 16, 2025. 
 

Effective immediately, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is implementing rental fees on lands held under onshore Significant Discovery Licences (SDLs).

SDLs are issued under the Petroleum Resources Act (PRA) to companies that have successfully bid for the exclusive right to develop oil and gas resources on specific lands. Unlike other Canadian jurisdictions, the NWT has, until now, not required rental fees for SDLs, nor have companies been obligated to advance resource development to retain their licences.

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland and Minister of Health and Social Services Lesa Semmler issued the following joint statement today on recent changes to Jordan’s Principle:

“Across the Northwest Territories, children and families are being impacted by recent administrative changes to Jordan’s Principle. As territorial Ministers—and as Northerners—we are deeply concerned about the unintended consequences of these changes, and we are urging swift federal action to protect the progress that’s been made.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is improving access to training opportunities for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) as part of its commitment to strengthening the non-profit and charitable sector in the territory.

By creating access to available GNWT trainings, the GNWT aims to support capacity building and organizational development for NGOs that are providing critical services to residents across the territory. Available topics include:

Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today in response to the Government of Canada’s announcement on increased defence spending:

“I welcome today’s announcement by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Defence Minister David McGuinty outlining Canada’s plan to meet NATO’s 2% defence spending target this year. This is a meaningful step toward strengthening national security and reaffirming Canada’s commitment to Arctic sovereignty.

Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today following last week’s federal engagement meetings in Ottawa:

“Last week, I travelled to Ottawa alongside Ministers Caroline Wawzonek, Lesa Semmler, and Caitlin Cleveland, and senior GNWT officials, including our Senior Envoy to the Government of Canada. Together, we brought a clear and united message: the North is ready to deliver for Canada, and we’re ready to work in partnership to make it happen.

The Department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC) has confirmed two cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), otherwise known as bird flu, in a raven and a ring-billed gull in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories . ECC will continue to conduct additional testing on any potential cases of HPAI should they occur. There have been 9 confirmed cases of HPAI in birds in the Northwest Territories since 2022.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) would like to advise residents of several highway and bridge construction projects in the coming summer months.

The governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories invest millions each year in NWT highways, bridges and culverts to ensure they remain a safe and reliable transportation option for residents, businesses and visitors.

Today, Premier Simpson issued a statement on National Indigenous History Month:

"Today, on Inuvialuit Day, we recognize the signing of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement in 1984 — the first comprehensive land claim in the Northwest Territories. It was a landmark moment that has shaped the political and legal landscape of the North. The vision, determination, and leadership of the Inuvialuit helped set the stage for other land claims and self-government agreements that have followed.