The Fire Danger system in the NWT is moving to a five-step expression of fire danger level to align with other Canadian agencies, and provide stronger guidance to residents and land-users.
The new system adds another level of fire danger – Very High – between high and extreme. This provides for clearer guidance for residents – ensuring the “Extreme” fire danger level is now reserved for the most severe conditions.
The applications for Take a Kid Trapping funding are open. Apply today for funding to help your organization get more kids out on the land!
Schools, Indigenous governments, and Indigenous organizations can apply for funding for specific projects.
Through Take a Kid Trapping events, kids can learn a range of valuable skills from trapping, setting fish nets, hunting, or cooking outdoors to essential knowledge in firearm safety and proper methods of preparing pelts for market. These activities not only preserve traditional life skills but also teach sustainable practices.
Applications for Muskox tags are being accepted for the 2026-27 hunting season starting April 1, 2026. Northwest Territories residents with a Resident Hunting Licence will be able to apply for muskox tags in the Sahtu and North Slave zones. Applications can be obtained at your regional Environment and Climate Change office. All applications must be postmarked before May 15, 2026.
The draw will take place on May 29, 2026, and winners will be contacted during the first week of June.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Weledeh Catholic School, École St. Patrick High School, and the Kimberlite Career & Technical Centre. 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.
Dumping garbage, appliances, or construction materials on public land damages the environment, creates safety hazards for wildlife, and is illegal under territorial legislation.
The penalty for illegally discharging contaminants in the Northwest Territories can include a fine of up to $300,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.
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The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Chief Jimmy Bruneau school in Behchokǫ̀. 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.
You can now nominate an NWT resident for the 2026 GNWT Accessibility and Inclusion Award. This annual award is an opportunity to recognize the contributions that help make the territory more accessible and inclusive for persons with disabilities.
NWT residents are encouraged to nominate an individual by filling out a nomination form, and returning it to AIPWD_Award@gov.nt.ca.
For more information, and to fill out and submit your nomination, please visit:
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released the What We Heard Report summarizing feedback gathered during engagement on Phase II of the Public Service Act modernization initiative. This phase focused on proposed amendments to section 41 of the Act, which outlines union representation for GNWT public servants.
Correction: The previous release of this PSA on March 12 stated the Technical Safety Act had come into force. The PSA should have stated the Technical Safety Act received assent and will come into force summer 2026.
The Technical Safety Act received assent on March 6, 2026, and will come into force in summer 2026 by future Order of the Commissioner. This Act modernizes and simplifies how technical safety is managed by bringing existing legislation together under one clear, coordinated piece of legislation.
Two cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), otherwise known as bird flu, have been confirmed in common ravens in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, as part of ongoing monitoring for HPAI in NWT wildlife.
Testing identified the H5 strain of HPAI, which is highly infectious among birds. These appear to be isolated cases, and the risk to birds and other wildlife remains low.
