Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statement today regarding the independent investigation into education bodies in the Dehcho region:

“Over the past several months, the Government of the Northwest Territories has heard serious concerns from parents, educators, community members, and education partners in the Dehcho about governance, workplace culture, communication, and the impacts these issues have had on students, families, and staff.

Have your say on proposed changes to property tax legislation.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is reviewing the Property Assessment and Taxation Act to make property taxation clearer, and more consistent across the territory.

All residents are invited to share feedback through an online survey. Your input will help shape legislation that works for communities and residents.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for École Boréale School in Hay River, Chief Sunrise School in Kátł’odeeche First Nation, and Deninu School in Fort Resolution.

École Boréale School in Hay River

Testing has confirmed that all water fixtures show lead levels below the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.

No remediation or mitigation measures are required, and École Boréale School can use sinks and water fountains normally.

Minister Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statement today in response to the Government of Canada’s decision to provide Large Enterprise Tariff Loan (LETL) financing to Burgundy Diamond Mines Ltd., the operator of the Ekati Diamond Mine:

“Today’s news will come as a relief to many Northerners. Ekati is an important private-sector employer in the Northwest Territories, and this federal decision will help provide support at a difficult time for workers, their families, Northern contractors, and communities that depend on the mine and its supply chain.

Minister of Health and Social Services Lesa Semmler issued the following statement today:

Driving on winter and ice roads in the Northwest Territories comes with unique challenges. These roads support community resupply and see increased commercial and residential traffic throughout the winter, especially from December to March and particularly on the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road.

The GNWT and the Department of Infrastructure continues to enhance winter road safety through widening sections where possible and maintaining regular inspections and maintenance.

Whether you are a resident or a commercial driver, please keep these safety tips in mind: 

Amendments to the Driver’s Licence Regulations and General Identification Card Regulations are set to come into force by the end of January 2026.

Helping to formalize authority and update driver endorsements, these Regulations are guided by the Motor Vehicles Act, which was last amended on March 21, 2025.

These amendments:

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Harry Camsell School in Hay River. Testing has confirmed that some drinking water fixtures show lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for the school.

Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today regarding interim Cabinet arrangements:

“Earlier today, Minister Lucy Kuptana advised me that she has decided to seek election as Chair of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

“I respect her decision to pursue this opportunity. At the same time, it is important that the Government of the Northwest Territories carries out its work in a way that does not influence, and is not perceived to influence, external governance processes.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has created new Northwest Territories Defensive Firefighter Training (NWT-DFT) materials to support fire departments in small communities across the territory.