The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released an updated assessment of mineral potential across the eastern Northwest Territories, specific to the area known as the Slave Geological Province. This study provides a modern, data-rich picture of the region’s mineral potential with a focus on critical minerals that are central to Canada’s economic growth, energy transition, and supply chain security.

The Tłı̨chǫ Government and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly assess the potential for a Tłı̨chǫ Government-owned hydroelectric project on the La Martre River.

The Northwest Territories (NWT) Community Planning Framework has been named a finalist for the 2026 Canadian Awards for Planning Excellence. Released in September 2025, the NWT Community Planning Framework encourages the use of community planning tools to engage residents, build local capacity, and support development goals, while considering relationships across economic development, climate change, housing, healthy communities, and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is updating the Mining Incentive Program (MIP) to better support mineral exploration across the territory. Announced at PDAC 2026, the $500,000 lifetime funding cap for corporate projects will be conditionally removed, while maintaining annual funding limits and the program’s competitive, merit-based structure.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is expanding the criteria for forgiveness of debts under Housing NWT’s legacy mortgage program.

Residents with legacy Housing NWT mortgages may be eligible to have their remaining mortgage forgiven if they meet one of the following criteria:

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) recognized the exceptional contributions of volunteers across the territory at the 2025 NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards (OVA). The awards were presented by Vince McKay, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA), during a ceremony at the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly. The annual awards celebrate the vital role of volunteerism in fostering strong, resilient, and connected communities throughout the NWT.

Language learners and speakers from across the NWT gathered this week in Yellowknife for the annual Mentor-Apprentice Program gathering to celebrate the achievements of the 2025–26 cohort.

The nine-month program pairs fluent Indigenous language speakers with apprentices for 200 hours of one-on-one learning. The program gives apprentices the chance to strengthen fluency, gain confidence, and use their language in everyday life, while giving mentors the opportunity to pass their knowledge and language on to the next generation.

The Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC), Naka Power Utilities (NWT) Ltd. (NAKA), with the support of the GNWT, are launching public engagement on the Integrated Power System Plan (IPSP), a major multi-year effort led by the NWT Public Utilities Board (PUB) to plan the future of electricity across the territory.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is releasing new flood hazard and flood inundation maps for five of the ten communities at highest risk of river flooding in the Northwest Territories (NWT). Informed by community input, the latest available information on flood hazard areas, and the impacts of climate change, the new flood maps replace existing maps that were completed in the 1980s.

Correction: A previous version of this news release incorrectly stated that applications invited through the Expression of Interest draws would be assessed in order of work permit expiry date. The correct process is that invited applications will be assessed in the order they are received.

The Northwest Territories (NWT) Nominee Program’s Employer-Driven and Francophone streams will open on March 9, 2026, at 9 a.m. MST.