Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statement today on the restoration of the Northwest Territories’ 2025 nominee allocation:

“I am very pleased to share that the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received confirmation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that our full 2025 nominee allocation has been restored. This brings our total back to 300 nominations, a full return to pre-2025 levels.

This is an important milestone for the Northwest Territories and a clear example of how persistent, constructive advocacy delivers results for Northerners. Since the previous federal government cut our allocation in half earlier this year, our government has worked tirelessly to make the case that the North needs a nominee program that reflects our unique realities, one that supports small businesses, provides certainty for workers and families, and strengthens our communities.

I want to sincerely thank Minister Lena Metlege Diab and the Government of Canada for listening to the concerns we raised and for recognizing the importance of immigration in supporting Northern growth and sovereignty. Minister Metlege Diab has shown real leadership and understanding in working with us to reach this outcome. This decision reflects a renewed spirit of collaboration and a shared commitment to ensuring that every region of Canada, including the North, has the tools it needs to grow and thrive.

The restoration of our full allocation means that employers will once again have access to the skilled workers they need to keep their businesses running and expand. It means that newcomers who have chosen to live and work in our communities will have a clearer path to stay and build their lives here. And it means that our small and remote communities will have better opportunities to grow their populations and economies sustainably.

ECE is working quickly to open the next intake for the Northwest Territories Nominee Program so that eligible employers and applicants can take advantage of the restored allocation. More information will be shared as soon as program details are finalized.

This outcome was not achieved by government alone. It reflects the collective voice of Northerners, from MLAs and Indigenous governments to chambers of commerce, employers, and newcomers themselves, who spoke up about the impact of these cuts and what immigration means to the North’s future. I want to especially thank those who shared their lived experiences in public forums, community meetings, and through the media. Their stories brought this issue to life and helped ensure it could not be ignored. Together, we have shown what can happen when we speak with one voice for the North.

Immigration is not just a workforce strategy; it is a cornerstone of nation-building. When done right, it complements local employment efforts and strengthens Northern businesses by filling gaps that cannot be met through the current labour market. It enriches our communities, supports small and growing enterprises, and reinforces Canada’s presence and sovereignty in the Arctic.

A strong, inclusive North depends on people, and today’s announcement is an important step toward building that future.”

Quick Facts:

• The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) allows the GNWT to nominate foreign nationals for permanent residency who intend to live and work in the NWT and meet territorial labour-market needs.
• The 2025 allocation was initially reduced from 300 to 150, partially increased to 197 in August, and has now been fully restored to 300.
• The GNWT met its full allocation for the first time in 2024, demonstrating strong demand across the Employer-Driven and Francophone streams.
• Work is underway to update the NTNP for 2026 and beyond, informed by current public engagement and feedback from employers, Indigenous governments, and community partners.

For media requests, please contact:
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca