Improvements reflecting the views of harvesters across the NWT are one step closer as the review of a critical support program moves forward. 

A What We Heard Report for the Community Harvesters Assistance Program (CHAP) review has been released – summarizing views gathered during engagement with harvesters, community members, Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, and others with a stake in the future of traditional harvesting in the NWT.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received an AA- credit rating from Fitch Ratings Inc. after being assessed for creditworthiness, debts and financial obligations. The Fitch AA- rating is a signal that the GNWT continues to manage its financial affairs in a responsible manner and gives the GNWT stronger scores for revenue stability, prudent fiscal management and debt.

The Minister Responsible for Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC), Paulie Chinna, is announcing the opening of four three-bedroom housing units in Jean Marie River.

In spring 2021 the community of Jean Marie River suffered a devastating flood. The NWTHC and other GNWT departments quickly took action to assist the community in dealing with this disaster, but the damage to buildings in the community was significant. Among the buildings damaged beyond repair were several NWTHC-owned units.

Work to create a new polytechnic university for the Northwest Territories (NWT) took a significant step forward with the unanimous passage of Bill 30: An Act to Amend the Aurora College Act by the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories on December 8, 2021.

The new legislation sets the stage for the creation of a truly arm’s length post-secondary institution – a feature for the governance of the new polytechnic that the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has repeatedly heard is a priority for NWT residents. 

A new management plan for supporting recovery of the Bathurst caribou herd is now in-place.

The Bathurst Caribou Management Plan, developed by the Bathurst Caribou Advisory Committee, provides guidance for the recovery and sustainable management of the Bathurst caribou herd. The Bathurst Caribou Advisory Committee is made up of representatives from 14 public and Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations.

The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) announced a new Public Health Order (PHO) that will go into effect at 12:00 pm today.

Some of the highlights of the new PHO include:

Minister R.J. Simpson and British Columbia (BC) Minister of Education Jennifer Whiteside are pleased to announce that the Northwest Territories (NWT) will partner with BC for the renewal of the Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 (JK-12) school curriculum and assessments. This decision is the result of extensive research, analysis, and more than 40 consultation and engagement sessions with Indigenous governments, education bodies, the Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association (NWTTA) and educators.

With an expected increase in travel and out of town visitors expected this holiday season, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) will be expanding the COVID-19 At-Home Student Screening Program.

Schools that volunteered and opted into the program will send students home with five (5) COVID-19 self-test kits before the holiday break begins. It is recommended that parents, guardians, and caregivers test their child the day before returning to school in the new year. The rest of the tests can be used by anyone in the household at any point over the break. 

Further to the May 2021 announcement of the Polar Bear Diamond™ rebranding, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) today announced that Diamonds de Canada (DdC) has been awarded the Polar Bear Diamond™ license, allowing them to bring the iconic trademark back into the market with a renewed look and feel. 

Infrastructure projects play a significant role in the economic activity of the Northwest Territories. These Estimates inject money into the economy and provide business and employment opportunities for residents, while delivering the critical infrastructure the NWT needs to provide important programs and services.