Results from the latest Fur Harvesters Auction show that demand for fur is bouncing back and that the NWT is still regarded as among the best source of high-quality fur in the world.

It is not surprising that the global fur trade has been challenged in the wake of COVID-19. Traditional live auctions in which international buyers can attend to inspect and feel the fur in their hands have been suspended. Instead, auctions have moved online. Like many, they have had to reimagine their business virtually.

If you are an NWT farm operator, you will have an opportunity to complete the Census of Agriculture questionnaire this month and to help update Canada's agricultural profile.

While agriculture is a critical industry for all Canadians, we have a unique context in the NWT that represents an important facet of Canadian agriculture. To ensure that future programs and services are applicable, we need to make sure our story is part of the national narrative.

Possibly the most coveted NWT Polar Bear has had a makeover.

Unused since about 2009, the GNWT’s Four-Legged West Facing Polar Bear™ has been rejuvenated for a new and growing consumer market that values proven provenance and will pay premiums for ethically and environmentally sourced diamonds.

The old bear was tired and its head hung low. It looked soft and slouchy. It was overpowered by its wordmark and stationery.

Yellowknife — May 12, 2021

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has renewed its Polar Bear Diamonds™ trademark as it works to re-introduce branded Polar Bear Diamonds™ into the global marketplace.

The new government-certified Polar Bear brand reflects a strong and forward-looking bear in a dynamic stance communicating the confidence and pride of wearing an authentic Northwest Territories diamond.

May 11, 2021

Reservations for NWT campgrounds officially opened last week and to no one’s surprise, it’s promising to be a busy summer for NWT Parks.

By the end of the first week, 3763 reservations had been booked – an increase of 15% from last year’s record number of overnight stays by NWT residents. 5704 visits were made to the NWT Parks campground reservation portal generating more than 110,476 page views. 

To improve performance on the GNWT’s online reservation system, bookings for campgrounds were opened in phases.

Hay River — May 10, 2021

Arctic Canada Construction Ltd. (Arcan) in Hay River has been awarded the design-build contract to construct a new fish processing plant in Hay River. 

The plant, which will be managed by the Tu Cho Cooperative, is central to the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT)’s plans to restore the Great Slave Lake commercial fishery as outlined in the 2017 Strategy for Revitalizing the Great Slave Lake Commercial Fishery.

This information was published in 2021 and is no longer current.

This is National Mining Week (May 10-14, 2021). It gives Canadians the opportunity to learn about Canada’s minerals industry as a sustainable and responsible supplier of the minerals and metals needed to build a clean, inclusive economy that benefits all Canadians. 

Applications are now being accepted for the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment’s Tourism Business Mentorship Program.

This Program provides NWT tourism operators with the opportunity to learn and benefit from experienced mentors.

Mentorships will be provided virtually by the Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO) - a network of executive-level volunteers with decades of experience.

Each participant in the program will receive 49 hours of virtual mentoring from a CESO. Sessions can be scheduled to work with your schedule and availability.

Hay River — May 10, 2021

Arctic Canada Construction Ltd. (Arcan) in Hay River has been awarded the design-build contract to construct a new fish processing plant in Hay River. 

The plant, which will be managed by the Tu Cho Cooperative, is central to the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT)’s plans to restore the Great Slave Lake commercial fishery as outlined in the 2017 Strategy for Revitalizing the Great Slave Lake Commercial Fishery.

Northwest Territories Parks and Campgrounds will begin opening on May 14, 2021 with appropriate COVID-19 protocols in place. The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is pleased to provide the following update on dates and planning related to the 2021 season.

Extended Stay Draw