Legislative Assembly approves 2025-2026 Budget

Press Release

March 13, 2025

Members of the 20th Legislative Assembly have approved the Main Estimates for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Initially presented on February 6, the Main Estimates proposed to spend $2.5 billion on Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) programs and services in 2025-26. The Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight subsequently reviewed the Main Estimates and identified areas where enhanced funding was recommended to further align programs and services with the needs of Northwest Territories (NWT) residents and businesses, and with the priorities of the 20th Legislative Assembly.

As a result, Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek has committed to an additional $41.6 million to Housing NWT to make much needed investments in public housing. This additional funding will enhance programs and services for all residents and communities in the Northwest Territories while still fulfilling the GNWT’s commitment to fiscal sustainability.

Quotes

“Seizing opportunities is made easier through our consensus style government where we respect and listen to all perspectives and together weigh our options for the best path forward. I want to thank all Members for their dedication and contributions throughout this budget process that have helped shape a 2025-26 budget that when implemented will support meaningful progress towards a brighter future for the Northwest Territories.”

– Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Finance

“I am proud of our government for coming together, making this commitment, and recognizing the critical need for housing in the Northwest Territories. Late last year I developed a 3-year notional plan to help address our housing crisis. I am encouraged and energized to see committee and Cabinet uniting to make this investment a reality, and recognize our urgent need for more homes. Over the next year, this commitment combined with Housing NWT’s internal investment will result in $50 million invested in more homes for Northerners. This additional funding for Housing NWT isn’t just about buildings— it’s about people. These homes will change lives and mean that more families will have a safe and comfortable place to call home.”

– Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing NWT

“I am proud of the work that Accountability and Oversight Committee has put into the 2025-2026 operations budget. This process has been and remains a consensus driven progression where Cabinet and Regular Members work together to make positive changes for all Northwest Territories residents. Although there are many challenges we need to work to address, we were able to focus on advancing more resources for Housing in this budget, which is needed in all regions. The Accountability and Oversight Committee was able to secure additional support and planning in this budget for Healthcare, Income Assistance and Childcare providers in a shared effort to advance the 20th Assemblies priorities. The ability for all Members to work together with Cabinet to advance this budget highlights the strengths of our consensus system. I look forward to seeing these implemented over the 2025-26 fiscal year”

– Denny Rodgers, Chair, Accountability and Oversight Committee and MLA for Inuvik Boot Lake

Quick facts

The commitments include new funding for:
- Housing NWT to make critical investments in public housing ($41.6M)
These commitments will also restore funding for:
- The Family Violence Network through the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs as lead for non-government organization support ($100K).
The Minister also committed to:
- Housing NWT developing a program for addressing housing arrears for Elders and forgiveness of debts for implementation in the 2025/26 fiscal year.
- Education, Culture and Employment developing a critical path and timeline, given the closure of the Community Learning Centres, to ensure residents have access to quality programs that enhance education and employment opportunities; and
- Education, Culture and Employment working with Indigenous governments, community organizations and Members of the Legislative Assembly to ensure the unique needs of each community are considered in planning for the future of the GNWT Community Learning Centre buildings.
- The $41.6 million commitment to Housing NWT will be included in a supplementary appropriation in the May 2025 session.
- This $41.6 million, when combined with Housing NWT’s planned 2025-2026 capital plan, will result in $50 million in planned investment.