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The Basics of the Northwest Territories
Covering a large land area in the North of Canada, the Northwest Territories (NWT) is the second largest of the three Canadian territories. A territory rather than a province, means that the federal government has greater control over the territory's affairs. The Northwest Territories has a population approaching 43,000, almost half of which are Aboriginal. The largest urban centre and capital city is Yellowknife with over 20,000 people.The NWT is situated above the Arctic Circle. For three months of the summer, sunlight is almost continuous. In winter, however, darkness sets in and the light of day is barely seen. Climate in the Northwest Territories can be challenging. While in the south, summers can be mild with long days, winters are bitterly cold. In the North of the territory, the cold is even more extreme.
Economy and Employment
The NWT economy relies heavily on resource industries that are subject to wide fluctuations in world markets. Mining is the largest private sector industry, and oil and gas exploration and development in the Mackenzie River valley and offshore in the Beaufort Sea are also becoming important. The NWT has recently become home to a growing diamond industry as well.Though the city remains small, Yellowknife is growing rapidly, and developing into a more advanced service economy. The city is experiencing an influx of investment and people. Recent surveys indicate that Yellowknife has the 3rd fastest growing economy in Canada, following Vancouver and Toronto.
A large portion to the Northwest Territories population continues to rely on the Aboriginal peoples' traditional subsistence activities; fishing, hunting and trapping. Fur harvesting continues to be very important, supplementing the income of many Aboriginal families. Economic development is therefore being carefully managed so as not to threaten the fragile Arctic ecosystem and the traditional lifestyles of the northern peoples.
The NWT unemployment rate is consistently below the Canadian average, varying depending on the season.
Standard of Living
The geographic and climatic realities of life in the Northwest Territories make the cost of living fairly high. Because of the higher transportation costs, many day-to-day items cost more than they would in major Canadian cities. Average personal yearly employment income, however, is higher in the NWT in order to offset the higher cost of living. The minimum wage is among the highest in Canada and employers often pay a bonus or supplement to entice individuals to move to the NWT.Residential Housing
Housing in the NWT is generally more expensive than the Canadian average, due to the costs associated with building structures capable of withstanding the cold climate. However, the cost of a house can be 50 per cent lower outside the city of Yellowknife.Education
In Canada, all citizens and permanent residents under the age of 20 are entitled to free education through the end of high school through the public school system. Despite the small population, the Northwest Territories has a comprehensive and first-rate public education system that covers a child from early childhood programs through Grade 12. The main school system also includes apprenticeship programs and other training programs. The schooling system is designed to meet the needs of indigenous communities as well as others.The NWT has one major Post-Secondary institution, Aurora College, with campuses in Yellowknife, Fort Smith and a number of other areas. The programs are directed specifically to the needs of individual learners, the workforce and northern communities.
Health
Health care is considered a basic right in Canada. Under Canadian Law, all provinces and territories must provide universal, publicly funded health care to all citizens and legal residents of Canada. In other words, most basic health services in Canada are offered at no direct cost to the patient. Under the guidelines of the Canada Health Act, the NWT ensures that all residents have access to medically necessary hospital and physician services based on need, not on ability to pay. The NWT also provides a range of services.History
Originally, the borders of the Northwest Territories covered a major portion of present-day Canada. Before 1870, the territory was under the control of the Hudson's Bay Company, at which point it was transferred to the newly-formed Government of Canada. Over time, pieces of the territory were parceled off to form many of Canadian provinces and territories. The Northwest Territories remains a vast territory extending over a large portion of the Arctic.The character of the NWT has evolved to become identified more closely with a Northern and indigenous identity.
Culture
The culture of the NWT is established in the region's aboriginal traditions, languages and cultural practices. The NWT's eight official languages include six aboriginal dialects as well as English and French.Alongside its traditional culture, Yellowknife is a growing modern city. The northern location and relative isolation give Yellowknife a strong community feel and a distinct character.
Demographics
The population of the NWT has fluctuated significantly over the years with shifting borders and natural resource booms - now home to approximately 42,000 people. Just under half of these individuals live in the capital city of Yellowknife,Over a third of the residents of the NWT are of aboriginal descent. Eight per cent of the population is Metis, a group of mixed aboriginal and French heritage.