Cost of Living
37 commitments
under this theme.
Explore the status of the GNWT's commitments under this theme.
- Commitment Progress Markers
-
Fulfilled
In Progress
Unfulfilled
- Milestone Progress Markers
-
- Fulfilled
- In Progress
- Unfulfilled
- Commitment
-
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.1.1 – We will continue to implement northern solutions for northern housing by:
Working in partnership with other orders of government to address affordable housing requirements in support of their service delivery to NWT residents.
The NWT, in conjunction with Nunavut and Yukon actively engage the federal government in national housing issues. Pre and post-election lobbying and communications including the release of a northern business case on housing by the three northern housing corporations may be partially credited with recent announcements in the federal budget of dedicated funding for housing in the three territories.
The NWTHC continues to work with federal, provincial and territorial partners on the national housing strategy. It is anticipated that there will be a ministers of housing meeting in April to finalize a P/T agreement with Canada that will set the stage for increased housing and homelessness investment.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has requested that the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) construct and property manage 45 new rental housing units for their members. The NWTHC and GNWT Department of Justice are now waiting for the RCMP to complete their internal approval processes and legal review of the draft Memorandum of Understanding Agreement.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.1.1 – We will continue to implement northern solutions for northern housing by:
Developing program approaches such as Housing First to address high demand for single person households, including those that are homeless.
The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation provides a multiyear contribution agreement to the Yellowknife Women’s Society to support the Yellowknife based Housing First program. So far in 2018, there are 20 program participants that are currently receiving support from the housing first program, not all participants are in housing and some have been successfully rehoused.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.3.1 – We will continue to implement northern solutions for northern housing by:
Reviewing the GNWT’s homelessness supports and implementing recommendations that improve policy and program consistency between departments.
In 2016 the NWTHC led a Community Partnership Forum on Homelessness, where the formation of a City led a Roadmap Working Group was established.
The Working Group involved a cross section of agencies which developed a number of priorities to address homelessness in Yellowknife. These priorities included: a Housing First project, semi-independent units in shelters, a 10-year homelessness plan, a Safe ride program, a Managed alcohol program, and a 24 hour service gap in shelter services.
NWTHC will be conducting a regional Homelessness review, including a comprehensive scan on the effectiveness of homelessness resources throughout the NWT and homelessness concerns. The NWTHC has drafted a Terms of Reference outlining the scope of the regional review, once approved the NWTHC will undertake a Request for Proposals to select a consultant to work with on this important project.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.1.1 – We will continue to implement northern solutions for northern housing by:
Implementing community based housing property management services in rural and remote communities to improve service levels.
The NWTHC is expanding local housing service delivery in the communities of Whatì, Gamèti, Colville Lake, Fort Liard and Wekweètı̀.
In Whatì, Gamèti, and Fort Liard, new local housing organizations (LHOs) have been established. The Manager’s and administration offices are in operation. Maintenance staffing is underway.
For Wekweètı̀ and Colville Lake, the NWTHC has been partnering with the Department of the Executive’s Government Service Officers (GSOs) to provide local administrative support.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.1.1 – We will continue to implement northern solutions for northern housing by:
Developing options for rationalizing public housing utility pricing structures to promote self-reliance.
Utilities are one of the NWTHC’s major expenditures, requiring ongoing monitoring and analysis.
On August 1, 2016, the NWTHC increased the user-pay power rate paid by tenants from nine (9) to fifteen (15) cents per kilowatt hour (kWh).
A further six (6) cents per kWh rate was implemented on August 1, 2017 for a total of twenty-one (21) cents per kWh.
The NWTHC is working with MACA to move from paying government rates for water and sewer services to residential rates, on par with other homeowners.
Incremental utility rate adjustments will continue until the power rates of public housing tenants are on par with those of other residents in the communities.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.1.1 – We will continue to implement northern solutions for northern housing by:
Demolishing vacant housing units that are beyond their useful life in order to support land requirements for new housing investment.
The NWTHC’s Unit Disposal Plan supports the mandate of the 18th Legislative Assembly under Cost of Living priority by demolishing vacant housing units that are beyond their useful life to support land requirements for new housing investment.
The NWTHC develops an annual Unit Disposal Plan that targets fifty (50) disposals a year through sale and demolitions.
In 2016-17, the NWTHC sold thirty-one (31) units and demolished forty-eight (48) units for a total of seventy-nine (79) units.
The NWTHC’s Unit Disposal Plan for 2017-18 has been developed, twenty (20) units have been demolished or are approved for demolition and thirty-one (31) units have been sold or have sales underway. All of these actions are expected to be completed by March 31.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.1.1 – We will continue to implement northern solutions for northern housing by:
Developing options to support Aboriginal and local governments in their housing aspirations and initiatives to address homelessness.
At the request of the K’atlodeeche First Nation (KFN), the NWTHC acquired 10 units from the KFN and plans to operate them as public housing.
The federal lease for 10 lots was signed by Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and the NWTHC effective May 1, 2016. Three units are occupied and the NWTHC is planning to renovate up to 5 more units this summer, and the remaining 2 over the next 2 years.
The NWTHC is working with the KFN to transfer 5 of 6 vacant homeownership units to the First Nation to be utilized for their own community housing. The NWTHC will retain one home to be utilized as a housing office.
The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation received a proposal from K’asho Gotine Charter Community (Fort Good Hope) to acquire the NWTHC’s inventory of vacant housing units in the community.
Both parties have agreed to the transfer and are just waiting on the signing of the Transfer and Purchase Agreement. It is anticipated that the whole process will be complete by March 2018.
A housing presentation has been developed and has been presented. The NWTHC will continue to make the presentation at future community meetings.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.1.1 – We will continue to implement northern solutions for northern housing by:
Ensuring that housing programs and services reflect community values and priorities.
The Strategic Renewal of NWTHC programs and services is underway. Taking guidance from Housing Engagement Survey results and concerns raised by residents, stakeholders and political leaders, these changes made so far include: the Fuel Tank Replacement initiative, Seniors Aging in Place program, the Community Housing Support initiative, customer service improvements, and Students in Public Housing policy.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.1.1 – We will continue to implement northern solutions for northern housing by:
Developing housing programs and services that deliver households from core housing need.
The NWTHC supports seniors living independently in their home communities by providing repair programs that focus on health and safety, modification for mobility issues, energy efficiency, and preventative maintenance.
The NWTHC has implemented a new program called Aging in Place that supports seniors by providing assistance for retrofits that increase energy efficiency and extend the durability of the home.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.1.1 – We will continue to implement northern solutions for northern housing by:
Reducing the number of households in core housing need in the NWT by 250 households per year for the next three years.
To get clarity on future direction and priorities on NWT housing, the NWTHC conducted the 2017 Housing Engagement Survey with tenants, LHOs, Aboriginal and community governments, residents and other housing stakeholders. Feedback is being used to renew the strategic actions of the NWTHC. Program renewal to ensure that programming is responsive to the needs of residents and accessible with low barriers is an important part of addressing core need.
Using an array of programs and initiatives developed under the direction of the 2017 Housing Engagement Survey and the NWTHC Strategic Renewal, an action plan has been implemented to assist.
These initiatives span homelessness, rental and homeownership areas as well as target groups. Understanding that the nature of core need varies from community-to-community, programming has been designed to address particular problems in small, mid-size and large communities. The status of the plan will be monitored regularly to take stock on the progress of how many households have been assisted.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.1.1 – We will continue to implement northern solutions for northern housing by:
Creating a comprehensive and fully-costed plan to reduce core need.
Regular members are requesting that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a plan to bring core housing need down to national levels.
The NWTHC developed a fully costed report titled Towards Level Ground: Addressing Persistent Core Need in the Northwest Territories. The report provides context on the scale of what would be required to achieve this goal in the short-term as well as an action plan based on planned NWTHC activities.
Towards Level Ground: Addressing Persistent Core Need in the Northwest Territories was tabled in the house on October 20, 2017.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.1.1 – We will continue to implement northern solutions for northern housing by:
Increasing lobbying of the federal government to halt the continued reduction in CMHC operation and maintenance funding.
The NWT, in conjunction with Nunavut and Yukon actively engage the federal government in national housing issues. Pre and post-election lobbying and communications including the release of a northern business case on housing by the three northern housing corporations may be partially credited with recent announcements in the federal budget of dedicated funding for housing in the three territories.
The NWTHC will continue to lobby the federal government, including Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and Employment and Social Development Canada to ensure that the NWT receives appropriate funding to address our level of need regarding housing, the Indigenous Housing Strategy and homelessness supports.
The NWTHC continues to work with federal, provincial and territorial partners on the National Housing Strategy. It is anticipated that there will be a ministers of housing meeting in April to finalize a P/T agreement with Canada that will set the stage for increased housing and homelessness investment.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.1.1 – We will continue to implement northern solutions for northern housing by:
Preparing to take maximum advantage of federal housing funds when available.
In 2017, the Minister and NWTHC staff met with Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos to discuss the urgency of NWT’s housing needs and the logistical challenges that we face in delivering housing.
During this meeting, the NWT presented opportunities for new programming that could be delivered in the NWT in partnership with Canada. New programming examples were developed by the NWT to align with both program and policy objectives outlined by Canada in ongoing National Housing Strategy work, and the mandate and priorities of the 18th Legislative Assembly.
Canada committed to exploring the matter of additional funds in consideration of the significant amount of money the Government of the NWT spends on housing in relation to its total budget.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.1.2 – We will support community-based planning to help make land available for the construction of affordable and market housing and to support community governments in dealing with derelict properties in their community.
Community governments are responsible for the control of development within community boundaries. This responsibility includes planning for future growth through the preparation of community plans or land use plans, and the control of development and land use through development controls such as zoning bylaws.
The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) supports community governments by providing assistance with the preparation of the required bylaws, creation of development and planning tools and guides, identification of vacant land within communities, and community government training programs.
Controlling development and land use also includes the management of derelict or abandoned buildings within communities. Derelict properties are often vacant and in a state of disrepair which can pose a safety risk to community residents.
MACA is working with the Northwest Territories Fire Chiefs Association as well as the Northwest Territories Association of Communities to support community governments in fulfilling their land development responsibilities to control of derelict buildings within community boundaries. The steps to accomplish this include the development of a fire safety and security risk tool for management derelict properties (Milestone 1), establishing an interdepartmental working group to coordinate the support and assistance provided to community governments by the Government of the Northwest Territories (Milestone 2), completion of vacant lot inventories (including mapping) for each community (Milestone 3), and provision of ongoing advice and assistance to community governments to use tools and lot inventory (Milestone 4).
Related Mandate Commitments:
- Commitment 5.4.10 – We will work with community governments to find solutions to land tenure issues which present barriers to community planning.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.1.3 – We will address the shortage of market housing in tax-based communities through collaboration with stakeholders, including the private sector, other governments, and third party organizations.
Sound analysis and data need to also inform our future direction. As such, the following studies and evaluations are either underway or will be launched shortly: an review of the Public Housing program, a seniors planning study, an evaluation of the GNWT’s homelessness activities, and a review of Housing Corporation rents for market units
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.2.1 – We will develop and implement a multi-year management strategy for barren-ground caribou in the Northwest Territories.
Barren-ground caribou are one of the most important resources of the Northwest Territories (NWT). Currently, only one of the NWT's barren-ground caribou herds is increasing (Porcupine herd), while most others are declining or stable-declining. An NWT-wide barren-ground caribou management strategy (Caribou Forever - Our Heritage, Our Responsibility) was first put in place for 2006-2010, and a revised Strategy was put in place for 2011-2015. An updated version of the Strategy for 2018-2022 is currently being developed to guide ongoing caribou management actions to support recovery and long term viability of caribou populations in the NWT (milestones 1, 2 and 3).
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and its wildlife co-management partners work together to ensure effective management, habitat conservation and sustainable use of wildlife in the NWT.
Related Mandate Commitments:
- Commitment 3.2.2 - We will develop a range plan for boreal caribou in the Northwest Territories.
- Commitment 3.2.3 - We will develop species-specific wildlife management strategies for the three wood bison herds and continue to monitor the populations of muskox, and moose.
- Commitment 3.2.4 - We will develop country food programming to promote opportunities for the consumption of foods such as fish, wildlife, berries, and mushrooms.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.2.2 – We will develop a range plan for boreal caribou in the Northwest Territories.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and its wildlife co-management partners are developing a range plan for boreal caribou in the NWT that will ensure critical habitat is protected throughout the range.
Boreal caribou are listed as a threatened species under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA), and the GNWT along with its co-management partners are responsible for the management of boreal caribou and boreal caribou habitat within the Northwest Territories. The federal recovery strategy identifies critical habitat needs for Boreal caribou (disturbance from fire and land use activities must not exceed 35% of boreal caribou range). Range plans need to be developed with co-management partners to ensure critical habitat remains over 65% in the NWT to meet legal requirements under SARA and to help ensure the NWT's population remains self-sustaining. Boreal caribou were also listed as Threatened under the NWT Species at Risk Act (NWT SARA) in 2014 and the Conference of Management Authorities has developed a NWT Boreal Caribou Recovery Strategy. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) has an active boreal caribou research program and has begun meeting with communities to identify important areas for boreal caribou, which will both help inform development of regional range plans.
Related Mandate Commitments:
- Commitment 3.2.1 - We will develop and implement a multi-year management strategy for barren-ground caribou in the Northwest Territories.
- Commitment 3.2.3 - We will develop species-specific wildlife management strategies for the three wood bison herds and continue to monitor the populations of muskox, and moose.
- Commitment 3.2.4 - We will develop country food programming to promote opportunities for the consumption of foods such as fish, wildlife, berries, and mushrooms.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.2.3 – We will develop species-specific wildlife management strategies for the three wood bison herds and continue to monitor the populations of muskox, and moose.
Wood bison are found in three populations in the Northwest Territories (NWT): the Mackenzie, Nahanni, and the Slave River Lowlands.
Wood bison are currently listed as a threatened species under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA), and was listed as Threatened under the Species at Risk (NWT) Act in 2017. A Wood Bison Management Strategy for the Northwest Territories 2010-2020 was developed to guide management and conservation of the species in the NWT, and an NWT Wood Bison Recovery Strategy is required now that the species has been listed as a Threatened species. The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is also working with wildlife management partners, Indigenous governments and organizations and community stakeholders to develop herd-specific management plans for the Mackenzie (completed), Nahanni and Slave River Lowlands populations.
The Wood Bison Management Strategy for the Northwest Territories guides the development of management plans for each of the wood bison populations in the NWT. The management plans, developed in partnership with Indigenous Governments and organizations, Wildlife Management Boards and other stakeholders will contain objectives and actions to sustain and recover healthy wood bison in the NWT (milestones 1, 2, 3 and 4).
Related Mandate Commitments:
- Commitment 3.2.1 - We will develop and implement a multi-year management strategy for barren-ground caribou in the Northwest Territories.
- Commitment 3.2.2 - We will develop a range plan for boreal caribou in the Northwest Territories.
- Commitment 3.2.4 - We will develop country food programming to promote opportunities for the consumption of foods such as fish, wildlife, berries, and mushrooms.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.2.4 – We will develop country food programming to promote opportunities for the consumption of foods such as fish, wildlife, berries, and mushrooms.
Many NWT residents are highly reliant on country food as a daily source of energy and essential nutrients. Country food, and an environment that sustains this resource, is essential to the health of NWT’s people.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) is committed to promoting initiatives that foster and support sustainable on-the-land livelihoods for the residents of NWT (milestone 2). ENR is moving towards assessing and strengthening existing programming in this area through identification and development of potential new initiatives, particularly with respect to traditional economy and country foods.
In October 2017, ENR and partners co-hosted an NWT Country Foods Forum that included sustainable country food systems as one of the major themes (milestone 1). ENR will undertake regional engagement sessions on the development of an NWT-wide Country Food Strategy and will continue to work with partners to identify opportunities for country food programming including research initiatives.
ENR continues to participate in the NWT On-the-Land Funders Collaborative which supports activities that promote country food security.
Related Mandate Commitments:
- Commitment 2.5.5 - We will implement programs that support youth in their communities and in their schools to encourage local food production and consumption.
- Commitment 3.2.1 - We will develop and implement a multi-year management strategy for barren-ground caribou in the Northwest Territories.
- Commitment 3.2.2 - We will develop a range plan for boreal caribou in the Northwest Territories.
- Commitment 3.2.3 - We will develop species-specific wildlife management strategies for the three wood bison herds and continue to monitor the populations of muskox, and moose.
- Commitment 4.3.5 - We will reduce the burden of chronic disease by promoting healthy lifestyles and improving screening and management, with specific focus on: Expanding the production and availability of local foods such as fish, country food, and garden produce.
- Commitment 4.3.10 - We will finalize a strategic plan to enhance existing programming and build new partnership initiatives to support healthy and sustainable traditional lifestyles.
Cost of Living 3.3.1:
We will provide incentives for residents to invest in energy efficient products, help businesses, condominiums and co-operatives make investments in energy conservation and energy efficiency, support residents and communities so they can make investments into renewable energies such as solar, and improve the energy efficiency of public housing.
Status:
The Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA) program review is underway and will assess programs and services for cost effectiveness, if they are meeting the needs of clients, and whether they support the goals and objectives of the NWT 2030 Energy Strategy. The GNWT has applied to the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada for funding under the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund (LCELF) to expand AEA programs and services. A decision on this funding request is pending.
Next Steps:
Complete the program review, and along with input received on AEA programs during the Energy Strategy Regional Engagement, design enhancements AEA programs and services.
Implement AEA enhancements based on the program review. Expand and enhance AEA programs and services once LCELF funding is approved.
Accomplishments to Date:
-
Complete AEA Review by March 31, 2018.
-
Implement Changes to AEA programs and services early in 2018-19
-
Expand and enhance AEA programs and service starting April 1, 2018 if LCELF funding is received.
Background:
Historically, funding to the Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA) was in the range of $3 million per year. In 2016-17, $3.5M was provided to the AEA to support residents, businesses and communities to make investments in renewable energy and efficiency. This additional funding also provided for incentives to condominium corporations to incorporate biomass energy systems into their operations.
Effectively meeting the goals and objectives of the NWT 2030 Energy Strategy will require changes and enhancements of AEA programs and services.
For more information about this initiative, please contact the Department of Infrastructure
Cost of Living 3.3.2:
We will create a new three-year energy action plan, building on previous investments made over the past three years and the outcomes of the energy plan review.
-
Links to Other Government Activities
Status:
The draft NWT 2030 Energy Strategy has been released for public comment. The GNWT is currently in the process of developing a short and long term action plan to integrate into the Strategy.
Next Steps:
Both the Energy Strategy and Action Plan will be finalized and released in the early 2018.
Accomplishments to Date:
-
Draft 2030 Energy Strategy Released for comment 2017 Q3.
-
Regional consultation meetings - 2016 Q4, 2017 Q1.
-
Energy Strategy public discussion guide published - 2016 Q3.
Background:
INF was mandated to develop a new three year Energy Action Plan. Based on stakeholder discussions an over-arching Energy Strategy that considers the strategic approach to energy over the next ten years has been developed first. The Strategy confirms the principles and policy framework that underpin the GNWT approach to energy. The action plan is being developed in accordance with the goals and objectives of the Strategy.
Links to Other Government Activities:
This work will be closely linked to the development of the Climate Change Strategic Framework being developed by ENR and included joint public engagement sessions commencing in the fall of 2016 and ending in the spring of 2017.
For more information about this initiative, please contact the Department of Infrastructure.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.3.3 – We will assist community governments to improve energy efficiency and conservation, to reduce the impact of climate change by supporting development of community governments’ capital, energy and asset plans, to ensure training includes challenges related to climate change, and enable community governments to use local improvement charges for the purpose of assisting residents and/or businesses in implementing energy efficiency retrofits and/or renewable energy technologies.
Background
The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) will assist community governments to address energy management and improve energy efficiencies. MACA serves on the Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA) Board and has developed a strong partnership with the organization in the area of community energy planning, energy audits, and representing the community government interests with energy management.
MACA provides training to elected officials and community government staff in a variety of community government operations both online and in traditional classroom delivery newly designed courses in climate change. The Department has expanded its training content in a number of courses to include information on climate change and energy management and efficiencies. Content will include topics related to capital and asset management plans and funding of energy management initiatives.
In partnership with the Northwest Territories Association of Communities and guidance from community government representatives, MACA developed the NWT Asset Management Strategy, designed to be flexible and adaptable so that all community governments can make progress and move forward at their own pace to ensure successful implementation of asset management practices. The Strategy will work towards communities having the necessary support to meet basic maintenance requirements and extend the useful life of their infrastructure, as well as taking into account new building technologies, energy efficiencies and conservation and climate change.
The NWT Asset Management Strategy was released in May 2016 (Milestone 1). MACA is working with 10 communities to pilot electronic asset management software called Web Work Azzier (Milestone 2). MACA compiled a series of preventative maintenance activities through the Asset Management program for community governments (Milestone 3).
The City of Yellowknife has proposed amendments be made to the Cities, Towns and Villages Act (CTV) to allow Local Improvement Charges to be used for energy projects. MACA completed research and conducted focus groups with elected officials and staff from each of the six MTA communities to inform the decision needed to enable legislation for energy retrofits (Milestone 4).
Related Mandate Commitments:
- Commitment 1.4.4 – We commit to assisting community governments as they innovate to address climate change by supporting the development of community government capital plans and asset planning, and ensuring that training recognizes the challenges of climate change.
- Commitment 5.4.4 – We will continue to pursue and assist communities in accessing new federal funding for the enhancement of community government infrastructure, including implementing the asset management framework through the Gas Tax Agreement to ensure that all communities have asset management plans.
- Commitment 5.4.9 – We will assist community governments with technical assistance in identifying energy efficiency improvements for community government buildings and taking action to improve energy efficiency.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.3.4 – We will improve the energy efficiency of public housing.
In 2017-2018, the NWTHC is investing $200,000 in support of the LED lighting initiatives in its public housing units.
In 2017-2018, the NWTHC plans to support several unilateral organizations (Avens, North Slave Housing Corporation, Garden Co-op, etc.) with a $750,000 allocation for priority energy efficiency investments.
The NWTHC is also implementing a new Aging in Place home repair program for seniors that will have an energy efficiency component.
Cost of Living 3.4.2
We will implement a new NWT Energy Strategy that will include renewable and alternative energy solutions and actions that the GNWT and our partners will undertake to meet targets for greenhouse gas reductions in heating and power generation as well as a 10-year strategy for investing federal and other funding towards energy projects.
-
Links to Other Government Activities
Status:
The draft NWT 2030 Energy Strategy has been released for public comment. The GNWT is currently in the process of developing a short and long term Action Plan to integrate into the Strategy.
Next Steps:
-
Integrate public and stakeholder comments into the draft Strategy as appropriate.
-
Secure federal funding through the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.
-
Both the Energy Strategy and Action Plan will be finalized and released in the early 2018.
-
Begin implementing the NWT 2030 Energy Strategy and Action Plan in Q2, 2018.
Accomplishments to Date:
-
Draft 2030 Energy Strategy Released for comment 2017 Q3.
-
Regional consultation meetings - 2016 Q4, 2017 Q1.
-
Energy Strategy public discussion guide published - 2016 Q3.
Background:
INF was mandated to develop a new three year Energy Action Plan. Based on stakeholder discussions an over-arching Energy Strategy that considers the strategic approach to energy over the next ten years has been developed first. The Strategy confirms the principles and policy framework that underpin the GNWT approach to energy. The Action Plan is being developed in accordance with the goals and objectives of the Strategy.
Links to Other Government Activities:
This work will be closely linked to the development of the Climate Change Strategic Framework being developed by ENR and included joint public engagement sessions commencing in the fall of 2016 and ending in the spring of 2017.
For more information about this initiative, please contact the Department of Infrastructure.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.4.3 – We will continue to develop and advance initiatives to displace diesel generation in the NWT, including:
Hydroelectric power and transmission lines, including the Taltson expansion.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.4.3 – We will continue to develop and advance initiatives to displace diesel generation in the NWT, including:
Wind energy projects, including the Inuvik High Point Wind Project, and assessing the feasibility of wind energy projects in other communities or regions.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.4.3 – We will continue to develop and advance initiatives to displace diesel generation in the NWT, including:
Solar energy projects.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.4.3 – We will continue to develop and advance initiatives to displace diesel generation in the NWT, including:
Biomass energy projects.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.4.3 – We will continue to develop and advance initiatives to displace diesel generation in the NWT, including:
Seeking federal funding under the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.
Cost of Living 3.4.4:
We will better use our existing hydroelectric resources by exploring options to respond to low water in the North Slave hydroelectric power system, improve hydro system water monitoring and reservoir management, and find ways to make use of surplus Taltson hydroelectric power in the South Slave region and beyond.
Status:
As of August 2016 the utilities in the South Slave Taltson Hydroelectricity zone can provide a preferential electric heat rate using Taltson surplus hydroelectric power in South Slave. The NTPC rate was approved by the NWT Public Unities Board as 30% less than the cost of heating oil, or about 6 to 7 cents/kWh on an interruptible basis.
Pending approval, the GNWT has applied to the federal government under the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund (LCELF) to provide an electric heat incentive through the Arctic Energy Alliance in the South Slave.
There is ongoing work to look at ways to make better use of hydroelectric resources in the North and South Slave. In the North Slave, tree ring and snow pack data is being integrated with modeling tools to enhance forecasting of hydro resources.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Research on the Snare Basin focused on snow pack testing in 2018 Q1.
-
NTPC to continue to offer electric heat contracts in the South Slave.
-
AEA will design an electric heat incentive program if LCELF funding is received.
-
Complete North Slave water shed research and determine next steps in 2018 Q2 & Q3.
Accomplishments to Date:
-
Release the North Slave Resiliency Study 2016 Q3.
Background:
One of the priorities identified during the 2014 Energy Charrette was to capture surplus energy from the Taltson Hydro Generation Station.
In response to low water levels and drought conditions in the North Slave Snare hydroelectricity system, the department of Infrastructure engaged Manitoba Hydro International (MHI) to assess the resiliency, review options for addressing drought impacts, and examine longer term hydrology in the North Slave power system.
The Snare River has historically had periodic droughts in three of the last 30 years. The North Slave Resiliency Study showed that the Snare Hydro system is well operated, and that thought should be given for how to best insulate rate payers from the shock of diesel usage during droughts.
For more information about this initiative, please contact the Department of Infrastructure.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.5.1 – In collaboration with our partners in Yukon and Nunavut, we will work with the Government of Canada to increase the federal Northern Resident’s Tax Deduction by at least 33 per cent, indexed to inflation.
The federal government fulfilled part of the Liberal Party’s election promise in the 2016-17 Budget by increasing the Northern Residents Tax Deduction by 33 per cent up to a maximum of $22 per day.
The federal government is undertaking a review of all federal tax expenditures, including the Northern Residents Tax Deduction, and the GNWT will continue to work with the federal government to support the fulfillment of the election promise to index the Northern Residents Deduction to inflation.
Related Mandate Commitments
- Commitment 3.5.5 – We will support community governments to access available federal funding through the Investing in Canada Plan to invest in community public infrastructure.
- Commitment 3.5.7 – We will participate in all Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) proceedings that effect the north to ensure competitive and affordable broadband and telecommunication services for NWT residents.
For more information about this initiative, please contact the Department of Finance.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.5.5 – We will support community governments to access available federal funding through the Investing in Canada Plan to invest in community public infrastructure.
Background:
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is working in partnership with NWT community governments and the Government of Canada on the negotiation and implementation of funding agreements for two long-term federal infrastructure funding plans – the New Building Canada Plan and the Investing in Canada Plan.
The New Building Canada Plan was announced in 2013 and included an updated Gas Tax Administrative Agreement as well as the Small Communities Fund which provides base infrastructure funding to provinces and territories. The Small Communities Fund includes the delivery of $38.7 million in infrastructure investments in communities across the Northwest Territories.
The GNWT and the Government of Canada are also working on the implementation of the Investing in Canada Plan which was announced in 2016. Phase I of the plan includes $52 million in infrastructure investments under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and the Clean Water Wastewater Fund in communities across the Northwest Territories.
Phase II of the Investing in Canada Plan includes infrastructure funding over 12 years to all provinces and territories provided through five key areas; public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, rural and northern communities, and trade and transportation.
MACA is working with NWT community governments and the Department of Infrastructure to ensure community governments are able to achieve the maximum benefits through the federal infrastructure programs. The actions to achieve this include implementation of the Small Communities Fund (Milestone 1), implementation of the Public Transit and Clean Water and Wastewater Fund (Milestone 2), continued implementation of the Gas Tax Fund (Milestone 3), and the negotiation of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan bilateral agreements (Milestone 4).
Related Mandate Commitments:
- Commitment 1.4.4 – We commit to assisting community governments as they innovate to address climate change by supporting the development of community government capital plans and asset planning, and ensuring that training recognizes the challenges of climate change.
- Commitment 3.3.3 – We will assist community governments to improve energy efficiency and conservation, to reduce the impact of climate change by supporting development of community governments’ capital and asset plans, to ensure training includes challenges related to climate change, and enable community governments to use local improvement charges for the purpose of assisting residents and/or businesses in implementing energy efficiency retrofits and/or renewable energy technologies.
- Commitment 5.4.4 – We will continue to pursue and assist communities in accessing new federal funding for the enhancement of community government infrastructure, including implementing the asset management framework through the Gas Tax Agreement to ensure that all communities have asset management plans.
- Commitment 5.4.9 – We will assist community governments with technical assistance in identifying energy efficiency improvements for community government buildings and taking action to improve energy efficiency.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.5.6 – In collaboration with our partners in Yukon and Nunavut, we will work with the Government of Canada to increase federal investment in Nutrition North by at least $40 million over four years and seek improvements to the transparency, accountability and effectiveness of the overall federal program.
Nutrition North Canada is a federal program jointly administered by the federal departments of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada and Health Canada. This program directly affects food security and the cost of living for those living in remote northern communities.
Related Mandate Commitments
- Commitment 3.5.1 – In collaboration with our partners in Yukon and Nunavut, we will work with the Government of Canada to increase the federal Northern Resident’s Tax Deduction by at least 33 per cent, indexed to inflation.
- Commitment 3.5.5 – We will support community governments to access available federal funding through the Investing in Canada Plan to invest in community public infrastructure.
- Commitment 3.5.7 - We will participate in all Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) proceedings that effect the north to ensure competitive and affordable broadband and telecommunication services for NWT residents.
For more information about this initiative, please contact the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.5.7 – We will participate in all Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) proceedings that effect the north to ensure competitive and affordable broadband and telecommunication services for NWT residents.
The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) is regularly involved with Canada Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulatory matters, to ensure that the interests of the GNWT and NWT residents and businesses are considered by the CRTC and the Government of Canada in decisions regarding market regulation of telecommunication services. Its focus is on issues of affordability, sustainability, and supporting infrastructure.
Updates regarding the activities and CRTC proceedings are posted on the GNWT’s Department of Finance website.
Related Mandate Commitments
- Commitment 3.5.1 – In collaboration with our partners in Yukon and Nunavut, we will work with the Government of Canada to increase the federal Northern Resident’s Tax Deduction by at least 33 per cent, indexed to inflation.
- Commitment 3.5.5 – We will support community governments to access available federal funding through the Investing in Canada Plan to invest in community public infrastructure.
For more information about this initiative, please contact the Department of Finance.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.6.2 – We will improve the accessibility, affordability and inclusivity of child care in the NWT to allow all children aged zero to five to experience an enriching, quality early learning environment, by:
Supporting the creation of new child care spaces and programs in all communities.
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.6.2 – We will improve the accessibility, affordability and inclusivity of child care in the NWT to allow all children aged zero to five to experience an enriching, quality early learning environment, by:
Ensuring the sustainability of existing early childhood development programs.
The Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) is committed to improving the accessibility, affordability and inclusivity of child care in the NWT.
On October 1, 2016, a revised funding support model for licensed early childhood programs came into effect (milestone 1). These changes include a significant increase to funding for infant and special needs spaces to offset the higher staff costs for these groups. For licensed programs that have parent fees, this Early Childhood Program (ECP) funding is provided in addition to the fees charged per child to parents.
The territorial implementation of free play based Junior Kindergarten (JK) in the 2017-2018 school year fulfills the GNWT 18th Assembly Mandate commitment to provide quality early learning programming for 4 year old children in all NWT communities (milestone 2).This work helps fulfill the 18th Assembly mandate commitment to improve the accessibility, affordability and inclusivity of child care in the NWT to allow all children aged zero to five the opportunity to experience an enriching, quality early learning experience.
Related Mandate Commitments:
Commitment 2.1.1: We will implement the Right from the Start Framework to invest in early childhood development by:
- Working with stakeholders and communities to explore options for free, play-based care for 4-year-olds
- Revising the funding support model for licensed early childhood programs
- Strengthening licensed early childhood programs through improving resource materials and increased training for early childhood workers
COST OF LIVING
Commitment 3.6.2 – We will improve the accessibility, affordability and inclusivity of child care in the NWT to allow all children aged zero to five to experience an enriching, quality early learning environment, by:
Creating an action plan for a phased-in approach to making childcare more accessible and affordable.
The Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) is committed to improving the accessibility, affordability and inclusivity of child care in the NWT.
On October 1, 2016, a revised funding support model for licensed early childhood programs came into effect (milestone 1). These changes include a significant increase to funding for infant and special needs spaces to offset the higher staff costs for these groups. For licensed programs that have parent fees, this Early Childhood Program (ECP) funding is provided in addition to the fees charged per child to parents.
The territorial implementation of free play based Junior Kindergarten (JK) in the 2017-2018 school year fulfills the GNWT 18th Assembly Mandate commitment to provide quality early learning programming for 4 year old children in all NWT communities (milestone 2).This work helps fulfill the 18th Assembly mandate commitment to improve the accessibility, affordability and inclusivity of child care in the NWT to allow all children aged zero to five the opportunity to experience an enriching, quality early learning experience.
Related Mandate Commitments:
Commitment 2.1.1: We will implement the Right from the Start Framework to invest in early childhood development by:
- Working with stakeholders and communities to explore options for free, play-based care for 4-year-olds
- Revising the funding support model for licensed early childhood programs
- Strengthening licensed early childhood programs through improving resource materials and increased training for early childhood workers