Yellowknife — September 1, 2026
Today, amendments under Bill 81: An Act to Amend the Education Act, came into force, supporting a more modern, accountable, and collaborative education system in the Northwest Territories.
The amendments mark an important milestone of Education Act Modernization, which began during 19th Legislative Assembly and has involved extensive engagement with Indigenous governments and education partners.
The amendments will ensure that the Act better reflects today's education system and strengthens how education partners work together to support students. The changes also recognize the important role of Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations and Indigenous peoples in the territory’s education system.
Key changes include:
- Updated language in the Act that recognizes the role of Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations and Indigenous peoples in achieving quality education.
- Clearer roles and responsibilities for education bodies to support better decision-making and accountability.
- Updated processes for modifying school programs for students, including requirements for informed parental consent.
- Improved access to student information, where permitted by law, to support program evaluation and monitor student progress.
- Authority for the Minister to establish oversight committees to support continuous improvement in the education system.
- Updated provisions that support information sharing on teacher certification suspensions and cancellations with other jurisdictions.
As part of amending Bill 81, the Government of the Northwest Territories updated its Student Records Regulations, Academic Year and School Attendance Regulations, and Education Staff Regulations. The What We Heard Report for these regulations is currently being translated to French and will be available on our website soon.
Quote:
"Bill 81 helps modernize the Education Act and provides greater clarity, accountability, and collaboration across the Northwest Territories’ education system. By recognizing the important role of Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations and Indigenous peoples, and strengthening legislative tools that support student success, the amendments will help ensure the education system meets the needs of students, families, and communities across the territory."
- Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment
Quick Facts
- During the 19th Legislative Assembly, Bill 81: An Act to Amend the Education Act, No. 2 (Bill 81) was passed. The following regulations were amended to support Bill 81 coming into force:
- Student Records Regulations
- Education Staff Regulations
- The amendments are part of the ongoing modernization of the Northwest Territories education system. Amendments to the Academic Year and School Attendance Regulations were also completed to support system modernization.
- The Act updates governance, information-sharing, student support processes, and oversight provisions within the education system.
- The amendments formally recognize the role of Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations and Indigenous peoples in achieving quality and excellence in education.
- The coming into force of Bill 81 marks the completion of the first phase of Education Act Modernization. The Government of the Northwest Territories is continuing to work with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations, education bodies, and other partners on longer-term improvements to education system governance, structure, and student outcomes through ongoing modernization of the Education Act.
- Next steps in Education Act Modernization include continued discussions with Indigenous governments and education partners on the future governance and structure of the Northwest Territories education system, with a focus on improving student outcomes across the territory.
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For media requests, please contact:
Agata Gutkowska
Manager, Communications
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories
agata_gutkowska@gov.nt.ca