GNWT Cabinet Communications - 20th Legislative Assembly

01/06/2026

Last week during Question Period in the Legislative Assembly, Minister Wawzonek responded to questions from Sahtu MLA Danny McNeely regarding the advancement of the Mackenzie Valley Highway and opportunities to streamline regulatory processes for the project.

The Minister reaffirmed the Government of the Northwest Territories' commitment to working closely with Indigenous governments along the entire Mackenzie Valley Highway corridor, from the southern NWT to the Arctic coast. The Minister noted that engagement with Indigenous governments has continued to accelerate as work progresses on the full route and as discussions advance with federal partners.

Minister Wawzonek also highlighted efforts to support a "one project, one review" approach that could help reduce duplication and improve the efficiency of regulatory processes. She emphasized that the GNWT is working collaboratively with Indigenous governments, communities, and the federal government to position the project for success while respecting existing partnerships and regulatory requirements.

The Minister further noted that representatives from the federal Major Projects Office are scheduled to visit the Northwest Territories to meet with governments and discuss opportunities to advance major infrastructure projects, including the Mackenzie Valley Highway.

01/06/2026

In fall 2025, the GNWT did public engagement on two proposed acts related to public safety: Civil Forfeiture and Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods legislation. The feedback that was received was summarized and is now available through a
What We Heard report.

Find out what NWT residents had to say here: https://ow.ly/1Moc50Z6r2j.

Cliquez ici pour consulter la présente page en français. Overview The GNWT is developing new Civil Forfeiture legislation and Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) legislation and inviting the public to complete an online survey and attend in-person and virtual

01/06/2026

Fuel prices have been adjusted in 11 NWT communities to reflect the cost of fuel delivered through the 2026 winter resupply program. Learn more about the changes here:

Effective today, fuel prices have been updated in 11 communities serviced by the Department of Infrastructure’s Petroleum Products Program. Prices have been updated in Colville Lake, Délı̨nę, Gamètì, Jean Marie River, Nahanni Butte, Sambaa K’e, Tsiigehtchic, Tulita, Wekweètì, Whatì, and...

01/06/2026

Last week, Minister Wawzonek provided an update in the Legislative Assembly on the progress of major nation-building infrastructure projects across the Northwest Territories, including the Mackenzie Valley Highway, the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor, and the Taltson Hydro Expansion Project. These projects are critical investments in Arctic sovereignty, economic reconciliation, energy security, climate resilience, and long-term prosperity for Northerners. Significant progress continues to be made through collaboration with Indigenous governments, community partners, and the federal government as work advances on planning, engagement, regulatory processes, and partnership development. The Northwest Territories is playing an increasingly important role in Canada’s economic future, supply chains, and Arctic security, and the momentum behind these projects continues to grow.

01/06/2026

🌈 Pride Month is a celebration of community, belonging, and respect.

In the Northwest Territories, we know that welcoming communities are built by people who choose kindness, inclusion, and support for one another every day.

As a government, we have a responsibility to help create workplaces and public services where people feel safe, valued, and able to be themselves. That matters not only for individuals and families, but for the future of the North as we continue working to attract and keep talented people in our communities.

To all 2SLGBTQQIA+ Northerners celebrating this month: we are glad you are here, and our territory is better because of you.

29/05/2026

Posted on behalf of Minister Semmler of Health and Social Services:

Today, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the launch of Ajuinnata: The Mary Simon Catalyst for Mental Wellness. This project is in honour of Mary Simon’s legacy and to recognize her work while serving as Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General and Commander-in-Chief. Here in the NWT, we want to recognize her leadership through a two-year Mental health Learning and Listening Tour which highlighted the urgent need for improved mental health services, especially in Northern, remote communities.

Her work underscored the reality that equitable access to mental health supports requires sustained commitment and collaboration from governments. This initiative is a step towards strengthening services for all people to ensure equity and healthy people and communities.

Ottawa, ON — The Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) is proud to support the creation of Ajuinnata: The Mary Simon Catalyst for Mental Wellness that will help to […]

29/05/2026

A new What We Heard Report on the review of the ATIPP Act is now available.

Find out what NWT residents had to say about the ATIPP Act here: https://haveyoursay.nwt-tno.ca/atipp-review.

Cliquez ici pour consulter la présente page en français. Overview The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is reviewing the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the “ATIPP Act”). The ATIPP Act was introduced in 1996 and significantly amended

28/05/2026

The Office of the Auditor General of Canada released a report today on Child and Family Services in the Northwest Territories. The GNWT accepts the Auditor General’s findings and recommendations. The GNWT response is included in the report:

Overall, the Department of Health and Social Services and the 3 health and social services authorities in the Northwest Territories did not do enough to protect and support the well‑being of at‑risk children and their families. We found serious shortcomings in key child protection services, from...

27/05/2026

The Interpreter Career Pathway Program began its Indigenous language interpretation journey today with eight fluent Indigenous language speakers selected from a total of 22 applications across seven language groups.

Learn more:

The attached document is being distributed on behalf of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

27/05/2026

The GNWT is proposing targeted updates to the Student Financial Assistance Regulations to improve clarity and expand eligibility to those in the aviation field. Proposed Student Financial Assistance Regulation changes include updates related to pilot training, loan remission, and travel benefits. Find out what’s proposed and have your say before June 26, 2026.

Cliquez ici pour consulter la présente page en français. Overview Have your say on proposed changes to the Student Financial Assistance Regulations under the Student Financial Assistance Act. We want your feedback on the proposed amendments to the Student Financial