Yellowknife — October 17, 2023
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has entered a media blackout period that will run until December 8, 2023, spanning the time between the dissolution of the 19th Legislative Assembly and the appointment of members of the Executive Council for the next Assembly.
During this time, there are constraints on communication activities and media interviews. As there are no Regular Members of the Assembly to hold the Executive to account, Ministers’ decisions are restricted to matters that are routine, necessary, emergent, and non-controversial.
News releases will be discontinued during the transition period, except in cases of emergency. Public Service Announcements may be released for routine promotion of ongoing programs and services. Requests to interview Ministers or the Premier during this period or for stories to be published during the transition period will be declined.
To fulfill the GNWT’s commitment to public accountability and transparency, GNWT spokespersons may accept media interviews to explain or discuss established policies, programs and services in cases where it is necessary to support the routine administration of government.
For more information, please refer to the GNWT Executive Council Submissions Handbook, beginning at page 140: Cabinet Operational Guidelines 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6.
For media requests, please contact:
Todd Sasaki
Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories