No new taxes, but new spending commitments as N.W.T. passes 2026-27 budget
CBC
There will be no new taxes for Northwest Territories residents in the 2026–2027 budget, and the government projects a $20 million operating surplus.
The budget, which passed on Thursday, also comes with an estimated $40 million in new spending commitments following negotiations between assembly members and cabinet.
That includes money for supporting initiatives related to inclusive schooling and early literacy screening and intervention.
Inuvik Boot Lake Legislative Assembly member Denny Rodgers praised members for successfully responding to the priorities of their communities during the budget negotiation process, particularly when it came to primary care reform.
"We pushed for real timelines, real staffing commitments and real changes to how people access care," Rodgers said.
"Cabinet agreed to … establish consistent care teams, fill key vacancies, and expand nurse practitioner and community health nurse roles where communities face chronic gaps."
But he added that the budget is just a first step, and residents will expect to see tangible improvements in the areas to which the government has committed funding.
The passage of the budget comes at a time when the territory is at a challenging crossroads, Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek told the assembly.
The N.W.T. has faced successive emergencies and now sits in the midst of a geopolitical crisis where the Arctic is in the spotlight.
"The eyes of our nation [are] on the Arctic, and it's our opportunity to stand as elected leaders … and say that we can work together, identify priorities, identify creative solutions, work toward them collaboratively," Wawzonek said.
Rodgers told the assembly that Wawzonek has committed to clearer timelines on the Mackenzie Highway, the Taltson Line and the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor – and to meaningful consultation with Indigenous partners and governments.
He said the minister also responded to requests for improved RCMP presence in communities without detachments by committing to overnight accommodations in Gamètì and Tsiigehtchic and improved access to justice services.
But Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart, who voted against the budget, accused the government of settling for the bare minimum.
He criticized the government for failing to fund a dedicated emergency management agency after the House passed a motion calling for one.
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