Correction: The previous release of this PSA on March 12 stated the Technical Safety Act had come into force. The PSA should have stated the Technical Safety Act received assent and will come into force summer 2026.

The Technical Safety Act received assent on March 6, 2026, and will come into force in summer 2026 by future Order of the Commissioner. This Act modernizes and simplifies how technical safety is managed by bringing existing legislation together under one clear, coordinated piece of legislation.

The Technical Safety Act sets the stage to develop consistent approaches to the regulation and safety of elevators and lifts, boilers and pressure vessels, electrical systems, and gas equipment. There is no gap in the regulation of the technical safety systems in the NWT as the existing technical Acts remain in force and each discipline will be gradually incorporated into the Technical Safety Act through regulations over the next three to four years.

This approach is not uncommon, with several jurisdictions organizing technical safety legislation through this same framework. Currently, six Canadian jurisdictions, including Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec regulate all electrical-mechanical fields under one ‘umbrella’ Act.

For media requests, please contact:
Communications
Department of Infrastructure
Government of the Northwest Territories
INF_Communications@gov.nt.ca