YELLOWKNIFE (January 7, 2013) The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is pleased to announce it has granted Deepak International Ltd  (DIL) with Approved NWT Diamond Manufacturer (ANDM) status. As an ANDM, DIL is qualified to purchase a portion of the 10% of NWT rough diamond production offered by NWT diamond producers to NWT cutting and polishing operations.

In addition, the GNWT and DIL have also signed a certification agreement and an exclusive polar bear trademark licensing agreement for the iconic POLAR BEAR DIAMOND™.

YELLOWKNIFE (December 19, 2012) - The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is seeking public input on a draft Prelude Lake Management Plan (PMP). The plan is in response to issues arising from the increased popularity of the park. The PMP seeks to address some of the major concerns that can affect park users’ enjoyment, including: parking space, all-terrain vehicle use, marina congestion and the need for additional camping space.  The PMP outlines suggestions to address these issues, both in the immediate and longer term.

YELLOWKNIFE (December 17, 2012) Ministers from the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and senior officials from the three NWT diamond mines met to discuss the contribution the diamond industry has made to the NWT, the GNWT’s programs and services aimed at supporting the successful participation of NWT residents in the industry, as well as collective efforts and future plans to grow participation in the diamond industry so benefits can be realized for residents and mining companies alike.

YELLOWKNIFE (December 14, 2012) – Today, Robert C. McLeod, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) announced the launch of a new website for the department.

“Today, people want quick access to information and services from their government. Our new website provides this and much more,” said Minister McLeod. “The new site will improve MACA’s approach to e-services for programs and includes new features that will help the department better serve the residents of the NWT.”

Yellowknife (December 14, 2012) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has committed to take action against poverty as part of Poverty Free NWT, a partnership involving the GNWT, the federal and Aboriginal governments, business, industry, non-profit and nongovernmental organizations.

 YELLOWKNIFE (December 13, 2012) – ­The Northwest Territories (NWT) Species at Risk Committee has released the results of the 2012 Species Assessments.

Every year, the Species at Risk Committee assesses the status of species in the NWT. This is the first year assessments have been done since the Species at Risk (NWT) Act came into force in 2010. 

Species assessed in 2012 were Peary Caribou, Boreal Caribou, Polar Bear and Hairy Braya (a plant).

INUVIK (December 12, 2012) – Members of the Executive Council of the 17^th Legislative Assembly and the Gwich’in Tribal Council Board of Directors met in Inuvik on December 10-11.

YELLOWKNIFE (December 7, 2012) – Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) Robert C. McLeod today announced the release of Community Emergency Management, a video guide to community emergency management and preparedness produced by the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs.

YELLOWKNIFE (December 6, 2012) - Public engagement and discussion in the development of a comprehensive economic opportunities strategy for the Northwest Territories begins this month. 

FORT SMITH (December 5, 2012) – Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Jackson Lafferty and Sydney O’Sullivan, Chair of the Board of Governors of Aurora College, announced today that Ms. Jane Arychuk has accepted the position of President, Aurora College effective December 1, 2012.