The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls highlighted the need for legislation related to missing persons in Canada. The GNWT is committed to responding to the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry and has developed legislation to further support missing person investigations.

The GNWT has now drafted regulations needed to bring the Missing Persons Act into force. 

These regulations prescribe details related (but not limited) to:

Residents are reminded that Jackfish Lake, located in Yellowknife on Highway 3, continues to have elevated levels of arsenic and harmful algae. The water is not safe for swimming, fishing, or other recreational use. Updated warning signage will be installed around Jackfish Lake within the next couple of weeks.

Harmful Algal Blooms (Cyanobacteria):

Effective immediately, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is implementing rental fees on lands held under onshore Significant Discovery Licences (SDLs).

SDLs are issued under the Petroleum Resources Act (PRA) to companies that have successfully bid for the exclusive right to develop oil and gas resources on specific lands. Unlike other Canadian jurisdictions, the NWT has, until now, not required rental fees for SDLs, nor have companies been obligated to advance resource development to retain their licences.

The Department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC) has confirmed two cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), otherwise known as bird flu, in a raven and a ring-billed gull in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories . ECC will continue to conduct additional testing on any potential cases of HPAI should they occur. There have been 9 confirmed cases of HPAI in birds in the Northwest Territories since 2022.

Today, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) released the first edition of the Early Learning Framework.

Ehts'o nàtsʼeelıı (We Sew Beads) by Tłı̨chǫ Dene Matthew Vukson is a new exhibit opening at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC). The opening reception will be on June 5, 2025, from 7:00-8:30pm.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is pleased to announce the three recipients of the 2025 Accessibility Impact Awards. This event is an opportunity for the Government of the Northwest Territories, the NWT Disabilities Council, and the NWT Human Rights Commission to recognize and celebrate the outstanding people and businesses advancing accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the territory.

Parking and airport fees at the Yellowknife Airport (YZF) will increase on July 1, 2025 following the amendment of the Public Airports Fees and Public Airports Traffic Regulations.

The details of the current and new fees are available on this backgrounder.

The proposed changes aim to better align YZF’s fees with comparable airports across Canada, ensuring the airport remains financially sustainable while providing high-quality services. The previous airport fee increase was in 2017.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is providing this update to ensure residents are informed of the most recent developments regarding concerns over lead levels in school water supplies.

Over the past few days, additional resources have been mobilized and expert support engaged to better understand the situation. While a comprehensive investigation is still underway, the GNWT believes it is important to share what is currently known so families, school staff, and the broader public have the facts and a clear understanding of next steps.

The GNWT has released the results of its 2024 Mental Wellness and Addiction Recovery (MWAR) Survey, which gathered feedback from northerns about their experiences with related services and supports.