The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released updated NWT Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines. As a key part of these updated screening guidelines, the GNWT has switched from using Papanicolaou (PAP) tests to human papillomavirus (HPV) tests.

HPV is a vaccine-preventable infection that can cause cancer. Not all HPV strains cause cancer, but there are high-risk HPV strains that can cause cells to change into cancer cells and should be monitored.

Premier R.J. Simpson extends his deepest condolences on the passing of Ted Blondin, a respected Elder from the Tłı̨chǫ Region whose lifelong dedication to his people leaves an enduring legacy across the Northwest Territories.

“Ted Blondin was a remarkable leader whose vision and commitment helped shape the future of the Tłı̨chǫ Region and the Northwest Territories. His tireless efforts to advance education, health, social well-being, and self-governance—most recently as Chair of the Tłı̨chǫ Community Services Agency—leave a legacy of service that will be felt for generations.

Minister Vince McKay issued the following statement regarding CN Rail's decision to not repair the section of damaged rail line between Enterprise and Hay River:

Yellowknife (April 3, 2025) – Effective April 1, 2025, the Northwest Territories (NWT) Arts Council and arts funding programs that are currently administered by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), will transition to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI). 

YELLOWKNIFE (April 2, 2025) – Applications for muskox tags are being accepted for the 2025-26 hunting season as of April 1, 2025. Northwest Territories’ (NWT) residents with a Resident Hunting Licence or a General Hunting Licence are able to apply for muskox tags in the Sahtu and North Slave areas. Applications can be obtained at your regional Environment and Climate Change office. All applications must be postmarked before May 15, 2025.

Yellowknife, April 1, 2025 — The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is moving forward with its commitment to transition to a hybrid public Board of Directors for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC) and NT Hydro, and is inviting applications from members of the public interested in serving on the Board.

YELLOWKNIFE (April 1, 2025) – Applications for single intake homeowner repair programs are now open! Housing NWT is accepting applications from April 1, 2025, till October 31, 2025, for the following single intake homeowner repair programs with approved repairs taking place the following year, beginning April 1, 2026:

Ministerial Activities Advisory for the week of April 1-7, 2025

Ministerial Travel 
Please note that travel schedules may change with little or no notice. This schedule is accurate as of March 31, 2025. 

         No travel is 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.

Yellowknife, March 31, 2025 —  Premier R.J. Simpson is announcing changes to Ministerial portfolios and senior leadership within the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). These changes are intended to better align leadership across government to support the delivery of the Priorities of the 20th Legislative Assembly.

Minister Jay Macdonald will assume the roles of Minister of Justice and Government House Leader, while continuing as Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Yellowknife, NT (March 28, 2025) - The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) implemented today an increase of $3.5 million in Dedicated Wage Funding and a permanent increase of $664,000 in Flexible Funding to support the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Sector.