The Northwest Territories (NWT) has always been a land of opportunity. This land has sustained thriving and resilient Indigenous peoples since time immemorial, and it has welcomed and provided opportunities to new community members who have made the NWT their home. Together, the land and the people of the NWT have contributed to Canada’s cultural, economic, and environmental prosperity, and we have much more to offer.

The world is changing around us - climate, culture, technology, and society are undergoing rapid transformations. In the NWT, our political systems are evolving, our economy is in transition, and changes to our climate are impacting the land and our people in new ways. While these changes may present new challenges, they also create new opportunities. We must ensure that the NWT is positioned to take advantage of these new opportunities while we continue to build upon our many successes.

To do this work in a changing world, we must challenge the status quo and become the drivers of positive change. If we do things simply because that’s the way they’ve always been done, or if we try to do them alone, we will fail. This work will require the courage and compassion to embrace risk, the humility to trust and to learn, and the willingness to work together in true partnership. It is with this vision of change and new ways of working that the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) will work to advance progress on the Priorities of the 20th Legislative Assembly:

• Suitability, accessibility and affordability of housing;
• A strong economic foundation;
• Access to health care and addressing the effects of trauma; and
• Safe residents and communities.

It is critical that these basic needs are addressed to help create a foundation from which all residents can strive to realize their fullest potential, capitalize on new opportunities, and achieve self-sufficiency. The Mandate of the GNWT will guide this work over the course of the 20th Legislative Assembly. The Mandate contains high-level commitments organized into six areas that support the Priorities:

• Housing;
• Economy;
• Access to health care;
• Addressing the effects of trauma;
• Emergency management; and
• Public safety.

The Mandate commitments are focused to ensure government efforts are concentrated on the Priorities, but broad enough to ensure there is space to incorporate guidance from and be responsive to Members of the Legislative Assembly, the public, Indigenous governments, communities, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations. Specific actions, targets and measures will be set out annually in the GNWT Business Plans to support meaningful progress and transparent reporting on the Mandate Commitments.

Our actions will be guided by the commitments contained in the Mandate and informed by open dialogue and engagement with the public. We look forward to working with all Members of the 20th Legislative Assembly to advance our shared Priorities for the benefit of all NWT residents.