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I am very pleased to announce that the Government of the Northwest Territories has been selected as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. This prestigious competition recognizes private and public sector organizations that provide exceptional workplaces for their employees and lead the nation in attracting and retaining top talent. Our selection was announced nationally this morning in a special editorial section of the Globe and Mail.
The GNWT was selected based on the evaluation of eight criteria: physical workplace; work atmosphere; health, financial, and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee communications; performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement.
The GNWT’s inclusion places us among a select group of Canadian employers who lead the nation in their commitment to employees. It demonstrates our success in creating an environment where employees can thrive and contribute to the economic and social prosperity of the Northwest Territories and it highlights our values as an organization for prospective employees and business partners.
What makes the GNWT a Top 100 employer? We offer excellent compensation and benefits; generous leave allowances, opportunities for a varied career; support for education, training and development; and a family friendly work environment including flexible work hours where operationally possible.
The GNWT is a great place to work. We are an inclusive employer that values the skills and contributions of all employees, and are respectful of the diversity of our workforce. Working for the GNWT is challenging and exciting, and employees have the ability to contribute to a vibrant North and to be part of an organization that respects and honours cross cultural context. Due to our small size, employees have the opportunity to make a difference and are able to see the direct impact their work has on residents of the NWT.
There are great opportunities for career growth, development and advancement and, last but not least, the chance to work in beautiful pristine locations and experience the richness of different cultures and traditions.
One of the priorities of the 17th Legislative Assembly is the establishment of effective and efficient government. We recognize that in order to provide services to northerners, we rely on staff who are committed to their professions, their communities, and the people they serve. I am very proud that the GNWT is leading Canadian employers in this regard.
The GNWT is a diverse organization with employees in every community of the Northwest Territories drawn from a wide variety of backgrounds. Yet all of us share a common commitment and a common purpose: a strong, sustainable and prosperous territory. That is the true source of our success as a northern employer. I would like to thank the Members of the Legislative Assembly, our union partners, and all GNWT employees for their hard work and commitment which greatly contributed to our national recognition as an employer. All of us play a role in establishing the high standards of our workplaces and we can all take great pride in this achievement.