Minister of Health and Social Services, Lesa Semmler, is pleased to announce the three recipients of the 2024 Accessibility Impact Awards. This collaborative awards event is an opportunity for the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), the NWT Disabilities Council, and the NWT Human Rights Commission to recognize and celebrate the outstanding people and businesses advancing accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the territory.

To help offset the costs of participating in land-based experiences like camping, boating, fishing and hunting, and traditional activities, funding through the Take a Family on the Land Program is once again being offered so more northerners can get involved.

The Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) is seeking feedback from the public and stakeholders on the proposed Meat Processing Safety Regulations. Input received from public and stakeholder engagement conducted from December 2021 to February 2022 helped inform the development of these proposed regulations.

Due to fire danger in the region, a fire ban has been put into effect for Hay River Territorial Park prohibiting open fires. The ban, which is in addition to any regional fire bans in place by NWT Fire, is effective immediately and will remain in place until June 7, 2024.

Today, Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek released the first budget of the 20th Legislative Assembly.

Budget 2024-25 aligns with Restoring Balance: A Fiscal Sustainability Strategy for the 20th Legislative Assembly to improve fiscal capacity so that the GNWT can respond to emergencies and reduce short-term debt.

Today Premier R.J. Simpson tabled the Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). Informed by the priorities of the 20th Legislative Assembly, the Mandate will guide government decisions, programs and policies over the next four years.  

The 20th Legislative Assembly shares the vision of a safe and prosperous Northwest Territories (NWT), where residents have the tools they need to realize their full potential, capitalize on new opportunities, and achieve self-sufficiency.

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, later today I will table the Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories 2023 to 2027. This Mandate will be our guide as we work to advance the Priorities of the 20th Legislative Assembly.

Applications for Bison tags are now available for the 2024-25 hunting season.

There are four (4) bison tags for the Mackenzie bison population available to Northwest Territories residents with a Resident Hunting Licence or a General Hunting Licence. Per the Big Game Hunting Regulations, there is mandatory harvest reporting for these tags, which are for males only. See the Summary of Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more information.

Media are invited to attend the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) 2024-2025 Budget Lock-up. 

When: Thursday, May 23, 2024 

Where:             Arthur Laing Building 

Time:                6:00 PM – 9:00 PM 

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is introducing a new financial assistance program for Northwest Territories (NWT) residents evacuating their homes and communities because of the increased flooding and wildfires in the NWT.

The Emergency Evacuation Relief Program is available to all NWT residents who have evacuated their home community. It is designed to help residents with accommodation needs and day-to-day purchases such as groceries, gas and other necessities. Residents who apply and are approved will receive a one-time direct deposit payment as follows: