Vaccination Requirements for GNWT Employees

Press Release

As of November 30th, 2021 the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) will require employees who interact with vulnerable members of the public to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The GNWT is committed to protecting the health and well-being of GNWT employees, NWT residents, and communities. As such, the new policy will apply to those who provide service to vulnerable members of the public in the healthcare, education and corrections sectors, and employees travelling to remote communities on duty travel.

The GNWT recognizes that privacy and trust are particularly important where health information is concerned. Personal information is protected by provisions of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, (ATIPPA) associated with its collection, use, disclosure and protection.

The GNWT engaged with the Union of Northern Workers, the NWT Teachers Association, Indigenous Governments, and others to develop the policy.

The GNWT continues to strongly encourage all public servants and NWT residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Quote

“As the NWT’s largest employer, the GNWT is committed to playing a leadership role in its response to COVID-19 by making decisions that protect the health and safety of the territory’s public servants and the communities in which they live. Although this policy applies specifically to employees and contractors providing services to vulnerable members of the public, we urge all of our employees to get vaccinated. A vaccinated public service will help protect all of our residents and communities, allowing us to provide the service and support NWT residents rely on us for.”

– Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Finance

Quick facts

• Accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis for medical reasons or based on protected grounds under the Human Rights Act.
• Access to documents and information relating to an employee’s vaccination status will be on a need-to-know basis and restricted to only the specific individuals necessary to carry out the implementation of this Policy.

Related links

• https://www.gov.nt.ca/covid-19/
• https://www.gov.nt.ca/covid-19/en/services/covid-19-vaccine
• https://www.nthssa.ca/en/services/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-updates
• https://www.fin.gov.nt.ca/

For media requests, please contact:

Todd Sasaki
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
[email protected]
(867) 767-9168 ext. 15015

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