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Budget 2020 invests in individuals and families, making it easier for residents to access programs and services, expanding important education initiatives like Northern Learning Centres, strengthening supports for residents to age in place, and providing tax benefits to help address the high cost of living in the North.

Long-term and continuing care in communities

The GNWT will add $3.9 million to support the operations of 72 long-term care beds in Yellowknife and $379,000 to support community health programs, support services, diagnostic and therapeutic services, social programs, ambulance services and other health programs and services.

In 2020-21, the GNWT will also manage $1.48 million in federal health spending for mental health and addictions, and home care and community care.

The NWT Cost of Living Offset

COLO is a new, tax-free benefit administered by the Canadian Revenue Agency on behalf of the GNWT to help individuals and families living in the NWT to compensate for the cost of the carbon tax. 2020 COLO payments of $156 per adult and $180 per child will start in July 2020 and increase annually in proportion to the Carbon Tax.

The Northern Distance Learning Program

The Northern Distance Learning Program (NDL) provides increased access to acadeic programming for students in small community schools so they can meet the graduation requirements of high school and prepare to enter directly into post-secondary education—while staying in their home communities. Education investments in Budget 2020 will expand this essential program from 15 to 20 small NWT communities.

Increased access to programs and services

In 2020-21, the GNWT will invest $337,000 to improve accessibility of online programs and services by creating a single web-based portal for residents and businesses, and offering 40 different licences and permits online.