Yellowknife — December 1, 2021
The Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) COVID-19 Vaccination Policy takes effect today. GNWT employees who have not provided proof of vaccination are required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and undergo regular testing for COVID-19 as directed by their department.
At the end of the working day on November 30th, 81.2% of GNWT employees had provided their proof of vaccination and had it verified. Table 1 shows the share of employees by department who provided their proof of vaccination. The GNWT will post updated numbers to MyHR.
The policy is designed to support a safe working environment for all employees and the members of the public that they serve. Vaccination is a vital tool to reduce the presence and impact of COVID-19 in the workplace, in communities, and in the Northwest Territories as a whole.
Employees who have not provided proof of vaccination must follow PPE requirements as directed. Policy mandated PPE requirements are in effect across the GNWT. Because each worksite is different, each department has prepared guidelines that describe PPE requirements. Employees have been notified of these requirements, and copies of the guidelines are available on MyHR.
Given the realities of test kit procurement and logistical challenges in distributing kits to remote communities, the GNWT will implement testing requirements community-by-community. Implementation dates will be shared at a later date. More information on testing is available on MyHR.
Quote(s)
“A vaccinated public service will help protect all of our residents and communities, allowing us to provide the service and support NWT residents rely on us for. By asking employees to provide proof of vaccination, or requiring employees to follow PPE and testing requirements, we are protecting our employees, and the communities in which they live and work. I encourage all GNWT employees and NWT residents to get vaccinated.”
- Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Finance
Table 1: Employee Vaccination by Department
|
Department |
No |
Yes |
% |
|
Education, Culture and Employment |
20 |
263 |
92.90% |
|
Environment & Natural Resources |
32 |
252 |
88.70% |
|
Executive and Indigenous Affairs |
11 |
97 |
89.80% |
|
Finance |
34 |
439 |
92.80% |
|
Health & Social Services |
33 |
279 |
89.40% |
|
Industry, Tourism & Invest, and BDIC |
20 |
162 |
89.01% |
|
Infrastructure |
99 |
496 |
83.40% |
|
Justice |
130 |
402 |
75.60% |
|
Lands |
12 |
97 |
89.00% |
|
Legislative Assembly |
20 |
50 |
71.40% |
|
Municipal & Community Affairs |
3 |
104 |
97.20% |
|
Education Councils* |
334 |
776 |
69.91% |
|
Tłı̨chǫ Community Services Agency - Health |
71 |
66 |
48.20% |
|
NTHSSA |
363 |
1526 |
80.80% |
|
Aurora College |
47 |
228 |
82.90% |
|
NWT Housing Corp |
26 |
102 |
79.70% |
|
WSCC |
16 |
148 |
90.20% |
|
Grand Total |
1271 |
5487 |
81.20% |
* Beaufort Delta DEC, Commission scolaire francophone, TNO, Dehcho DEC, Sahtu DEC, South Slave DEC, Tłı̨chǫ Community Services Agency – Education
Quick facts
- The COVID-19 Vaccination Policy states that GNWT employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by November 30th, 2021, or adhere to PPE use and COVID-19 testing as directed by their department or agency.
- Vaccination gives us all an added layer of protection against COVID-19and helps build community immunity. Community-wide vaccination helps protect our friends, family and loved ones from getting sick with COVID-19 and helps limit the severity of illness in cases of break-through infection.
- This Policy and amendments to it will be reviewed by the Department of Finance no later than six months after it comes into force. This Policy will continue to be updated as required and as reasonable given the evolving nature of the pandemic, vaccine availability, and government and public health authority direction.
Related links
For media requests, please contact:
Todd Sasaki
Spokesperson
Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
Email: todd_sasaki@gov.nt.ca