Open ProvincesNorthwest Territories
Northwest Territories is a Canadian territory. Capital: Yellowknife. Find key facts below and follow the link to the official government site for current services, taxes and programs.
Key figures
- Population
- 45,904 2026-07 · -0.3% / 12 m
- Inflation (12 months)
- 4.7% 2026-09
- Average weekly earnings
- $1,779 2026-08
Source: Statistics Canada. Updated automatically. Compare all provinces →
Guides for this province
- Renting in Northwest Territories: rights, rent increases and average rents
- Working in Northwest Territories: minimum wage, standards and wages
- Moving to Northwest Territories: health card, driver's licence and taxes
- Cost of living in Northwest Territories: prices, rent, wages and taxes
- Buying a home in Northwest Territories: land transfer tax, rebates and first-time buyer help
- Health care in Northwest Territories: health card, drug plans and dental help
- Studying in Northwest Territories: tuition, student aid and grants
- Seniors in Northwest Territories: pensions, supplements and programs
- Taxes in Northwest Territories: income tax rates, sales tax and take-home pay (2026)
- Families in Northwest Territories: child benefits and family programs
- Immigrating to Northwest Territories: nominee program, steps and processing times
| Type | Territory |
|---|---|
| Capital | Yellowknife |
| Joined Canada (or created) | 1870 |
| Languages | 11 official languages (including English, French and nine Indigenous languages) |
| Sales tax system | GST only (no provincial sales tax) |
| Sales tax rates | GST 5% (Source: Canada Revenue Agency) |
| Public health plan | NWT Health Care Plan |
| Driver's licensing body | NWT Department of Infrastructure |
| Official government site | https://www.gov.nt.ca/ |
Rates and amounts change. Each figure on this site shows its official source and the date it was read; confirm on the official page before making a decision.
Programs in this province or territory
Families and children
- NWT Child BenefitMonthly amount for lower-income families, paid with the CCB.
Official source ↗ · read on 2026-11-13Amounts — as published in November 2026 One child under 6 $67.91 / month One child aged 6 to 17 $54.33 / month Partial benefit above adjusted family net income of $30,000
Work and income
- Income AssistanceHelp with food, shelter and utilities for residents in need.
Read the full guide →Amounts — policy manual of April 2026 Earnings you can keep $500 / month plus 25% of the rest Example in the manual: basic benefit for a single person in Yellowknife $573 / month Official source ↗ · read on 2026-11-13Conditions and rules
- Covers shelter, utilities, food and clothing, based on your community and type of housing; ages 19 to 59, assessed monthly.
- Seniors and people with disabilities have a separate annual program (July to June).
How to get it : Contact Income Security Programs (1-866-973-7252).
Seniors and retirement
- Senior Citizen Supplementary BenefitMonthly top-up for low-income seniors receiving the GIS.
Official source ↗ · read on 2026-11-13Amounts — as published in November 2026 Amount $196.00 / month - Senior Home Heating SubsidyHelps lower-income seniors pay for home heating fuel.
Official source ↗ · read on 2026-11-13Amounts — as published in November 2026 Household income limit $90,000 / year Zone 1 $530 / month, up to $4,240 Zone 3 $1,090 / month, up to $8,720
Students and training
- Student Financial AssistanceThe territory's own grants and loans for post-secondary students.
Amounts — Student Handbook of April 2026; amendment R-087-2026 (no dollar change) Basic grant, Northern Indigenous resident: tuition up to / books, per semester $3,320 / $875 Basic grant, Northern resident schooled in the NWT: tuition up to / books, per semester $2,655 / $700 Living allowance (grant or remissible loan): single / spouse / 1 dependant / 2 / 3 $1,000 / $1,400 / $1,700 / $1,950 / $2,200 per month Each additional dependant +$200 / month Repayable loan up to $1,400 / month Revolving borrowing limit (remissible + repayable) $90,000 Grant for students with disabilities $4,000 / year, plus up to $20,000 / year for services and equipment Part-time course reimbursement up to $880 / course (lifetime $8,800) Official source ↗ · read on 2026-11-13Conditions and rules
- Amendment R-087-2026 (in force for 2026-27) changed definitions and eligibility (12-week programs, Aurora College access programs, up to 2 semesters of private pilot training, travel for a spouse, pro-rated loan remission) but not the dollar amounts.
How to get it : Apply through NWT Student Financial Assistance.
Federal programs (all of Canada) →
Guides
- Moving to another province: checklistA practical checklist for moving between Canadian provinces and territories: health card, driver's licence, vehicle, taxes and address changes.
- Sales tax systems across CanadaWhich provinces and territories charge GST only, GST plus a provincial tax, QST or HST — grouped, with links to official sources.
- Provincial health insurance plansThe name of the public health insurance plan in each Canadian province and territory, with a link to each government.
- Driver's licensing by provinceWhich body issues driver's licences in each Canadian province and territory, with a link to each government.
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