A strain of avian influenza that is highly contagious among birds is currently spreading from the United States into southern Canada.

Also known as ‘bird flu,’ avian influenza is a respiratory disease which naturally occurs in wild birds throughout the world. It is common for migratory waterfowl such as ducks, gulls, geese, and shorebirds to carry and spread these viruses.

The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) is announcing the annual notice of the nomination deadline for the Northwest Territories (NWT) Outstanding Volunteer Awards. This year marks the 31st year of this award, which recognizes and celebrates the remarkable contributions volunteers make in communities across the NWT.

Residents are encouraged to nominate an elder, youth, individual, or group of volunteers in their community. This program acknowledges those who give their time to improve the quality of life for their fellow NWT residents. 

A male inmate who escaped custody from the Fort Smith Correctional Complex on the evening of April 30, 2022, was located and arrested the morning of May 1, 2022, and is now in custody.

A full critical incident review will be completed to determine the circumstances of the escape and work towards any improvements necessary.

The Department of Justice has the responsibility to uphold the protection and safety of individuals in our care and custody as well as the safety of our staff and the public with the utmost diligence. 

On Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at 9:55am, as part of Emergency Preparedness Week, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) will conduct a live test of NWT Alert, the Northwest Territories public alert notification system. Residents may see and hear the public alert test on wireless devices, radio stations, and cable television networks across the NWT.

Today is the first day of Mental Health Week - a yearly event celebrated across Canada.

From May 2nd to May 8th, the Canadian Mental Health Association is running a campaign to inform Canadians about how to support and empathize with those struggling with mental wellness.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) has extended the deadline to apply for Supporting Child Inclusion and Participation (SCIP) yearly funding to May 2, 2022 at 5 pm. This extension provides applicants with additional time to complete their proposals.

This funding is intended to reduce barriers and increase participation in early learning and child care programs for children aged 0-6 years old with diverse needs.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is seeking input from the public about the Mackenzie Valley Highway (MVH) located between Wrigley and Norman Wells. When completed, the MVH will be a two-lane gravel highway from Wrigley to Norman Wells, approximately 321 kilometres in length.

We invite you to visit the GNWT’s Public Engagement website between April 12 and May 27, 2022 to provide feedback. There you can access:

The GNWT is launching an after-action review in which community governments, flood-affected residents, businesses, and those who participated in the emergency response will have their say on the territory’s 2021 flood response and disaster assistance.

Following an emergency, an after-action review is the standard practice to evaluate the response.
The GNWT, led by the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA), is seeking feedback from:

The first confirmed case of Influenza in the past two years was recently reported to the OCPHO. This case serves as a reminder, that despite the lifting of COVID-19 health restrictions, respiratory viruses will continue to pose a risk to residents’ health.

Clients in Yellowknife are now able to book their driver and vehicle services appointments online at: https://www.gov.nt.ca/DriverAppointment.

This new option allows clients to see available time slots and book appointments at their own convenience, as well as manage their appointments using the cancellation and rebooking options.

Clients are reminded to come to their appointments fully prepared and with all required documentation.