Yellowknife — July 2, 2024
Two sets of regulations came into force on July 1, 2024 that support improvements to the Northwest Territories (NWT) Income Assistance program.
They include:
- Amendments to the existing Income Assistance Regulations
- New Income Assistance for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Regulations
As announced in June, these changes will increase benefit levels and income exemptions and reduce barriers to accessing Income Assistance in the Northwest Territories.
Changes in legislation are outlined in this plain language summary. Amendments were guided by feedback received during engagement sessions with various partners and stakeholders, including Indigenous governments, non-governmental organizations, current and past clients, landlords and vendors, Government of the Northwest departments, and the public.
The public was also invited to review the proposed regulations as part of a Have Your Say engagement opportunity. The results of this extensive review of the Income Assistance program were then summarized in a What We Heard Report.
These amendments aim to improve accessibility to the territory’s Income Assistance programs, ensure that residents most in need have the opportunity to develop greater financial security, and enable clients to fully participate in community life and in the opportunities available to them.
Related Links:
- Plain Language Summary: Proposed Regulations
- Have Your Say: Income Assistance Regulations
- Have Your Say: Income Assistance Review
- What We Heard Report: Income Assistance Program Review
For media requests, please contact:
Briony Grabke
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories
867-767-9352 Ext. 71073