Marine Transportation Services (MTS) has set its cargo rates for the 2026 sailing season to communities along the Mackenzie River, Great Slave Lake and the Western Arctic. MTS is operated by the Government of the Northwest Territories and provides essential seasonal resupply of fuel and freight to northern communities.

Cargo rates are adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and other operational factors. These updates help ensure MTS can continue to provide reliable and cost-effective marine resupply services.

The next Expression of Interest draw for the Northwest Territories Nominee Program’s Employer Driven Stream is scheduled for June 25, 2026. To be considered, applicants must submit their expression of interest profile by June 22, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MT.

The new Expression of Interest system was launched earlier this year, and the first draw took place on March 25, 2026. At that time, 295 profiles were submitted and the 65 top-ranking profiles were selected, including:

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Echo Dene School in Acho Dene Koe and Inualthuyak School in Sachs Harbour. Testing has confirmed that some water fixtures show lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for the schools.

Changes to the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program were made earlier this year to encourage harvesting and trapping, with new payment increases now in effect. The Government of the Northwest Territories has increased the following:

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is continuing community engagement on the Mackenzie Valley Highway to share updates and discuss next steps.

Upcoming community meetings:

• April 23 – Fort Good Hope, Community Hall, 6:00 p.m. (rescheduled from February 12)
• April 24 – Colville Lake, School Gym, 12:00 p.m. (rescheduled from February 13)

These sessions are a chance to:

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for École Allain St-Cyr in Yellowknife. Testing has confirmed that some water fixtures show lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for the school. As Garderie Plein Soleil is located within the school, testing included shared spaces, and elevated lead levels were identified in a fixture located in a jointly accessed area.

The Community Wildfire Resilience Contributions program is open for applications for fiscal year 2026/2027.

A maximum of $300,000 per applicant is available annually to implement FireSmart projects which will advance the seven FireSmart disciplines.

Applications are now open for the Housing NWT Memorial Scholarships to support residents of the Northwest Territories pursuing post-secondary education in a field related to housing.

Applications are open until May 31, 2026, for the following scholarships:

The 9th Annual Arctic Anglers Family Fishing Derby is happening April 3–5, 2026, on Prelude Lake!

This fun, family-friendly, 100% catch-and-release event celebrates our northern fishing traditions while promoting conservation and time outdoors. This year, all proceeds will support Home Base YK.

Created in 2017, the derby’s mission is to get families and children fishing and enjoying the outdoors.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Sir John Franklin High School in Yellowknife. Testing has confirmed that some water fixtures show lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for the school.