NORTHWEST TERRITORIES (July 14, 2021) – Julie Green, Minister of Health and Social Services is pleased to announce the 2021 recipients of the $1.75 million Anti-Poverty Fund. This year, 52 grants were awarded to community, Indigenous and non-profit organizations to help overcome and reduce poverty by addressing its root causes.

The successful proposals will reduce poverty by supporting food security; those experiencing homelessness; early childhood development; employment and training; healthy living; Traditional Knowledge; and on-the-land activities.

Effective immediately there is no longer a $200 transaction limit at NWT liquor stores. The limit of six 375ml containers of spirits (mickeys) is still in place.

The restrictions were originally placed on April 16, 2020 as part of the GNWT’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to support the territory’s balanced approach to managing alcohol. The limitations were enacted to combat overconsumption and bootlegging activities throughout the territory while still ensuring that NWT residents would have safe and reasonable access to alcohol in unrestricted communities.

A new Tłı̨chǫ community exhibit ‘Treaty 11 – 100 years’ is now on display at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC). The exhibit commemorates the 100th anniversary of Chief Mǫwhì signing the treaty in Behchokǫ̀, NT, on August 22, 1921.

The exhibit is open to the public and can be viewed during regular operating hours at the PWNHC. An official opening will take place on July 16, 2021 at the PWNHC. The event is open to the public and will include a Feeding of the Fire Ceremony and remarks, followed by tea and bannock.

The Government of the Northwest Territories has amended the Employment Standards Act and Regulations to provide protection to NWT workers and flexibility to employers during the COVID-19 pandemic and future emergencies. These changes come into effect July 1, 2021.

These changes include the establishment of Emergency Leave, which provides job protection to NWT workers by allowing them to access unpaid leave when they are unable to perform their duties because of an emergency, such as the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency. 

Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) today announced new engagements with stakeholders and partners to help advance a Northwest Territories (NWT) Knowledge Economy (KE).

NWT groups and residents have the opportunity to explore and contribute to the discussion around the KE through a number of engagements, an online survey and an ideas platform.

The Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) is easing indoor gathering restrictions for all Northwest Territories’ residents. 

This change is one of the steps in Emerging Wisely 2021: Step by Step Together released on June 9. With the relaxation of these restrictions, businesses and organizations can resume holding events and carry out operations at near normal capacity levels.

Flood-affected residents, small businesses, and community governments in flood-impacted communities will get enhanced disaster assistance to recover and rebuild after unprecedented flooding.

Home repair or replacement

The GNWT will pay for and coordinate repairs to restore private, primary homes to pre-disaster condition.  

The GNWT will cover all costs to bring homes back to pre-disaster condition

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is pleased to announce vaccine opportunities have been provided to youth in all 33 NWT communities. Going forward, vaccine will be available in every health centre in the territory to ensure timely, equitable access for all residents.

Today, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) released Emerging Wisely 2021: Step by Step Together, its plan for easing and ending pandemic restrictions.

The plan outlines the public health restrictions that will be eased starting today. This plan sets specific targets based on vaccination levels in the NWT and across Canada as well as COVID-19 case counts. As these targets are reached, restrictions will be eased or discontinued until eventually no public health restrictions remain.