News Releases

The Government of the Northwest Territories tables draft cannabis legislation

YELLOWKNIFE (February 28, 2018) –   Louis Sebert, Minister of Justice, introduced the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) proposed legislation for legalizing recreational cannabis in the Northwest Territories (NWT) today.

The proposed Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Implementation Act deals with those aspects of the legalization of recreational cannabis that the GNWT has authority over, including: minimum age, possession limits, public smoking, the sale and distribution of recreational cannabis, and impaired driving.

NWT Parks Enjoy Another Record-Breaking Year

YELLOWKNIFE (February 28, 2018) — Northwest Territories (NWT) Parks have enjoyed another record-setting year with overnight visits to NWT Parks totaling 35,050 — an increase of more than 20% over 2016’s showing; more than 32% higher than the five-year average.

Overnight visits in NWT parks surpassed the five-year average in all regions, with most experiencing 40% increases.  Parks in nearly every region experienced double-digit growth year-over-year, with the North Slave region seeing the largest jump at just over 28%.

New NWT Film Commission Award to Celebrate Remote NWT Locations

YELLOWKNIFE (February 23, 2018) – Alongside the iconic zombear awards at this year’s Dead North Film Festival will be the Northwest Territories Film Commission’s (NWTFC) first-ever industry award.

The NWTFC Best NWT Location award will be presented to the filmmaker who selects the most unique, remote or fascinating location in the territory for their film.

Governments of Canada and Northwest Territories Finalize Bilateral Agreement to Improve Health Care Services

February 21, 2018                              Health Canada                        Ottawa, ON                

Canada’s universal, publicly funded health system is a source of pride for Canadians. The Government of Canada is working with provinces and territories to strengthen health care and adapt the system to the changing needs of Canadians.

GNWT Releases NWT Disability Strategic Framework

YELLOWKNIFE (February 20, 2018) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) released today the NWT Disability Strategic Framework: 2017 to 2027. This framework outlines a ten-year shared direction and commitment by the GNWT, its disability partners and stakeholders towards advancing equity, accessibility, inclusion, and participation by persons with disabilities in all aspects of economic and social life in the NWT.

Northern Corrections and Probation Officers receive national recognition

YELLOWKNIFE (February 9, 2018) – Twenty-three northerners were awarded the Governor General of Canada’s Corrections Exemplary Service Medal yesterday, the highest honour for corrections services professionals in Canada.

Northwest Territories corrections service professionals from Yellowknife, Hay River, and Fort Smith received the Governor General medal for distinguished service at a reception yesterday evening.

The Honourable Margaret Thom, Commissioner of the Northwest Territories presented the medals.

GNWT Finalizes Regulations for the New Mental Health Act

YELLOWKNIFE (February 8, 2018) – Glen Abernethy, Minister of Health and Social Services, announced that the government has finalized the regulations under the new Mental Health Act.

The regulations will guide health professionals’ delivery of short term care and treatment to individuals with chronic and acute mental health disorders in situations where there is an immediate risk to their safety or the safety of others. The regulations outline the process to ensure the protection of patient rights.

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