Month In Review – Northwest Territories

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Month In Review – Northwest Territories

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LAWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Laws

Oct 13: To align with federal changes, the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) increased the carbon tax rebate for large emitters from 72% to 85% of benchmark fuel volumes, retroactive to April 1, 2026. The amendment applies only to large emitters. It doesn’t affect residents or other businesses that are no longer subject to the carbon tax since its elimination in April 2025.

New Laws

Sep 23: The GNWT officially ended seasonal time change and switched to a new permanent time standard, known as Northwest Territories Time (UTC-06:00), the same time used by Alberta and Saskatchewan. As a result, the Territories will not turn back the clocks one hour on November 1, 2026.

New Laws

Oct 5: Under the newly renewed bilateral Working Together agreement, the federal government will provide the Northwest Territories $51.2 million over seven years to improve access to quality health care. The GNWT will use the money to strengthen public health service capacity, hire and retain health care workers, and strengthen mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention services.

New Laws

Sep 29: The GNWT released a What We Heard report on the results of its recent public engagement on proposed new Mineral Resource Act regulations. Issues addressed include benefit agreements, removal of minerals, drill cores, transition of existing mineral rights, and Mineral Rights Review Board authority.

New Laws

Sep 8: The Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) announced more than $44.9 million in federal funding to support water, wastewater, and solid waste infrastructure projects enabling the construction of up to 2,300 housing units across the Northwest Territories in communities like Behchokǫ̀, Colville Lake, Délı̨nę, Fort Good Hope, Fort Liard, Fort McPherson, Fort Providence, Fort Smith, Inuvik, Nahanni Butte, Sambaa K'e, Tsiigehtchic, Ulukhaktok, and Yellowknife.

Health & Safety

Oct 1: The Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) published new data on lifting and twisting incidents to workers while carrying heavy items. The three occupations in Northwest Territories and Nunavut with the highest risk for such incidents: i. Janitors, caretakers, and building superintendents; ii. Air transport ramp attendants; and iii. Construction trades helpers and labourers.

Action Point: Find out about the 5 keys of implementing an effective ergonomics program to prevent musculoskeletal injuries at your workplace.

Workers’ Compensation

Oct 1: The WSCC rolled out an Employer Support team to improve service delivery for businesses across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Available through WSCC Connect, the team will provide employers with a single point of contact and offer immediate assistance with general questions and account management, such as navigating online services, business registration, obtaining a clearance, and submitting payroll.