NWT Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Kami Kandola is preparing to make an order effective March 21, 2020 prohibiting all travel (by air, land, and port) into the Northwest Territories, with limited exceptions, to combat COVID-19 in the territory.

Furthermore, Dr. Kandola will also order those returning to the territory, to self-isolate in Yellowknife, Fort Smith, Hay River, or Inuvik.     

This measure will be required to ensure protection of residents of our smallest communities as people return north.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT)  recognizes the difficulties that the COVID-19 pandemic and health measures being taken to combat the virus’ spread is causing NWT businesses, service providers, residents, governments and non-government organizations. Today, Minister Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Finance and Minister Katrina Nokleby, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, and Infrastructure, announced Economic Relief Measures that will help minimize expenses and keep cash available for immediate needs in this time of uncertainty.

On Thursday, March 19 2020 the majority of Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) employees began working from home. This decision was made to ensure that the GNWT is implementing social distancing measures as recommended by the Chief Public Health Officer to assist in mitigating and containing the possible risk to health of all NWT residents.

As of 12:00pm today, the Minister of Health and Social Services, Diane Thom, has declared a territory-wide Public Health Emergency under the Northwest Territories Public Health Act in response to  the COVID-19 global pandemic to protect public health in the Northwest Territories.

The Public Health Emergency was declared upon the recommendation of Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Kami Kandola, and is in effect from March 18 through April 1.

A significant step in strengthening the foundation of Aurora College was made last week when the College launched a new Student Information System. The new system will improve the quality of students’ educational experience and provide data to inform future decision-making as Aurora College transforms to a polytechnic university.

Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek released the Government of the Northwest Territories’ 2020-21 Budget, the first budget of the 19^th Legislative Assembly.

Total revenues of $2.19 billion are expected in 2020-21, along with total expenditures of $1.98 billion, which include departmental spending, infrastructure contributions, and other items. The 2020-21 surplus is forecast to be $203 million.

Revised estimates project a 2019‑20 deficit of $70 million. Projected surpluses in the medium-term outlook are anticipated to decline to $3 million in 2023‑24.

In collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Services, Tlicho Community Service Agency and Hay River Health and Social Services Authority, the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) is piloting a two-year caregiver program that will provide additional supports around the home and community to elders, seniors, and persons with disabilities who have ongoing care or support needs.                                                                           

February is Indigenous Languages Month in the Northwest Territories (NWT), and the theme of this year’s celebration is “Say It With Me.”

Indigenous Languages Month is a chance for people across the territory to promote the nine official NWT Indigenous languages and honour the Elders, teachers and language leaders who are working to revitalize Indigenous languages in their communities.

It was another proud moment for Northerners last week in Ottawa, as Minister Chinna presented the Arctic Inspiration Prize to Northern Compass.

The Arctic Inspiration Prize recognizes and promotes the contribution made by teams who have dedicated their time to projects that serve the Canadian Arctic, the people and Canada as a whole. 

The GNWT Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) has released its first five-year evaluation report on the Education Renewal and Innovation (ERI) initiative for junior kindergarten (JK) to grade 12 education in the Northwest Territories (NWT).