Maple News reports that the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has successfully regained its full allocation of 300 nominations for the 2025 Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP), following an earlier federal decision that had cut the quota in half. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) previously reduced the NTNP allocation to 150 at the start of the year, but growing pressure from territorial leaders and community stakeholders prompted the government to reverse course.
The restoration marks a significant milestone for the GNWT and the broader Northern economy. Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, called the decision the result of “persistent, constructive advocacy” by Northern communities, employers, Indigenous governments, and newcomers alike.
Cleveland emphasized that the restored nomination levels will help address ongoing labour shortages by giving territorial employers renewed access to skilled foreign workers. In turn, newcomers will benefit from a more stable and transparent pathway to permanent residency in Canada’s North, promoting long-term settlement and regional growth.
The NTNP allows the territorial government to nominate foreign nationals for permanent residence based on labour market needs. In 2024, for the first time, the GNWT met its entire annual nomination allocation, reflecting strong demand across key sectors. The full restoration to 300 nominations for 2025 reinstates the program to its pre-reduction strength.
The reversal comes after a mid-year boost to 197 nominations in August, which partially alleviated the pressure. However, Northern advocates continued to press for full reinstatement, citing the importance of immigration as a key driver of workforce development, entrepreneurship, and community sustainability in the territory’s unique socio-economic landscape.
Minister Cleveland also expressed gratitude to federal Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, crediting her engagement and recognition of the Northwest Territories’ distinct needs. The restored allocation, Cleveland noted, reflects a renewed cooperation between Ottawa and the territories aimed at supporting Canada’s northern sovereignty and economic resilience.
The Department of Education, Culture and Employment is expected to announce the next NTNP intake period soon, as it finalizes internal preparations. In parallel, the GNWT is working on modernizing the program for 2026 and beyond. This includes consultations with employers, Indigenous leaders, and community partners to ensure the program remains agile and responsive to the North’s evolving labour demands.
As Canada experiences increasing migration pressure and skills shortages, the restored NTNP quota reconfirms the growing role of regional nominee programs in shaping national immigration outcomes. For the Northwest Territories, it’s a vote of confidence in the region’s potential and its ongoing contribution to Canada’s demographic and economic growth.