GNWT Cabinet Communications - 20th Legislative Assembly

06/10/2026

Health care in the Northwest Territories is getting a boost through two major federal investments announced today, alongside territorial funding for health infrastructure.

Through the renewed Working Together bilateral health agreement, the Northwest Territories will receive $51.2 million over seven years to:

✔ strengthen public health services and coordination of primary care
✔ grow and retain the health care workforce, including through cultural safety training
✔ strengthen mental health and substance use services
✔ support culturally appropriate, community-led mental wellness and su***de prevention programs

At the same time, the Government of Canada is investing more than $70.2 million through the Provincial and Territorial stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund, alongside $23.4 million from the GNWT, to support 16 health-related infrastructure projects, including new facilities and upgrades to existing buildings.

These projects will benefit 12 communities:
Colville Lake, Délı̨nę, Fort McPherson, Fort Smith, Inuvik, Jean Marie River, Kakisa, Łutselk’e, Nahanni Butte, Tsiigehtchic, Wekweètì and Yellowknife.

Together, the federal investments represent more than $121 million to support both the people who deliver care and the places where that care is provided, helping improve access to health and social services for residents across the Northwest Territories.

Learn more: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2026/10/canada-and-northwest-territories-partner-to-improve-health-infrastructure-and-access-to-health-care-for-communities.html

06/10/2026

Producers in the Northwest Territories can now apply for the relaunched Northwest Territories Producers' Incentive Program. This program provides enhanced support for northern film, television, and digital media producers.

The renewed program includes increased funding of up to $15,000 for pre-development projects and up to $35,000 for development projects.

Learn more and apply:

Enhanced support for northern producers is here by way of the relaunched Northwest Territories Producers Incentive Program.

05/10/2026

One of the largest tree planting projects on NWT public lands is done! Working with Jean Marie River First Nation, crews planted over 3.3 million trees near Sambaa Deh Falls this summer. Combined with 2025 planting, the GNWT has now planted 3.77 million trees. This means we’re 47% of the way to meeting our goal of 8 million trees by 2031 under the 2 Billion Trees Program.

Read the full story:

One of the territory’s largest tree planting projects on public lands is now finished, restoring wildfire-affected forests near Sambaa Deh Falls.

05/10/2026

The GNWT and the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) are encouraging residents to practice safe charging habits during Fire Prevention Week™, October 4 to 10, 2026.

This year's Fire Prevention Week™ theme, "Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower," highlights the importance of safely charging the devices we use every day. Many household items, including phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, toys, e-bikes and scooters, rely on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

More: https://ow.ly/31Fk50ZUzim

02/10/2026

Have your say on the Mackenzie Valley Highway.
The GNWT is hosting engagement sessions in three Gwich’in communities on the Mackenzie Valley Highway.
- Tsiigehtchic: October 6, Chief Paul Niditchie Gymnasium, 5-8pm
- Fort McPherson: October 7, Council Chambers, 5-8pm
- Inuvik: October 8, Ingamo Friendship Centre, 5-8pm

We are looking for feedback on the project plan, how it may affect communities, and ways to reduce any negative impacts.
Your input will help shape the design of the highway.

Food will be provided.

Learn more:

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is inviting residents to upcoming community engagement sessions on the Mackenzie Valley Highway (MVH).

02/10/2026

Northwest Territories drill core is the first to be scanned as part of the Canadian Digital Core Library, marking an important milestone. The Initiative uses modern tools and technology to scan cores, providing more information and data on mineral potential found in historic cores. This will allow geological data to be viewed remotely, making exploration more accessible and less costly.

Learn more here: https://ow.ly/sRxN50ZU2rp

02/10/2026

Calling NWT artists!

The GNWT is looking for artists living in the Northwest Territories to create original artwork for future editions of the NWT hunting/trapping and sport fishing regulations guides.

Ten pieces will be commissioned representing wildlife, fish, landscapes and harvesting traditions across the NWT's five regions.

Applications close October 16, 2026.

Learn more and apply: https://ow.ly/h3xC50ZU03P

02/10/2026

Delivery is underway for 10 new modular housing units to Fort Providence!
The five modular duplexes are part of Housing NWT’s 98-unit project to provide new housing for single occupants in nine NWT communities by Spring 2028.

The ten homes were manufactured in Hay River by Metcan Building Solutions Inc. and are being shipped to Fort Providence.

This project is part of the Government of the Northwest Territories’ $150-million, three-year investment to increase the number of affordable homes across the territory.

More: https://ow.ly/8uJo50ZTY5I

01/10/2026

On behalf of Minister Wawzonek:

Earlier this week, at Canada 2020’s From Ambition to Action: Getting Big Things Done summit in Ottawa, I joined Ehren Cory of the Canada Infrastructure Bank and Mark Cliffe-Phillips of the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board to discuss what it takes to move major northern projects forward.

As national interest in northern development grows, how these projects advance matters to communities across the Northwest Territories and to Canada. Our distinct co-management system, rooted in modern treaties, involves Indigenous governments and independent boards from the beginning, bringing Indigenous rights, regional knowledge and environmental considerations into decisions early.

The Mackenzie Valley Highway offers a practical example. There is significant and constructive coordination underway between the GNWT project team and Review Board staff to support a clear path through the environmental assessment process, including how work already underway could inform future stages.

That does not predetermine an outcome or reduce the work that must be completed. It means using work already done, identifying issues earlier and reducing unnecessary duplication and uncertainty.

More broadly, we want a single, clear and coordinated path for major transportation, energy and infrastructure projects that works within the NWT’s treaty-based system and respects the roles of Indigenous governments and independent boards.

Speed and rigour do not have to compete. Building infrastructure with Northerners strengthens communities, creates economic opportunity and is part of how Canada delivers on Arctic sovereignty.

01/10/2026

Housing NWT has adjusted rental rates for its Market Housing Program to better reflect changing market conditions and the cost of delivering housing in communities across the Northwest Territories.

These adjustments help keep Market Housing rents in line with what people are paying in the private rental market. Setting rents closer to market rates helps create a more level playing field for Indigenous governments and private landlords that want to enter the market.

The Market Housing Program helps address housing gaps by providing rental housing for residents and workers, including essential service providers such as teachers, nurses, RCMP members and other community workers.

Learn more: