Affirmative Action

The GNWT is committed to a competent Public Service that is representative of the people it serves. To achieve this, the GNWT established the Affirmative Action Policy that offers priority hiring to candidates belonging to eligible designated groups that are under-represented within the Public Service.

Applicants interested in employment with the GNWT should identify their eligibility in the designated groups at the time of application in order to receive priority consideration under the Affirmative Action Policy.  Include a statement on the cover letter or resume.

For example, on the cover letter:

I am an Indigenous Aboriginal and wish to be given priority consideration under the Affirmative Action Policy.

Or on the resume:

Affirmative Action Candidate - Indigenous Non-Aboriginal.

When requested, applicants have to provide verification of their affirmative action status.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide proof.  Proof may include:

• birth certificate;
• medical certification for disability;
• copy of treaty, Métis or beneficiary cards;
• signed affidavit/statutory declaration confirming applicant is a descendant from Dene, Inuit or Métis people, indigenous to the present boundaries of the Northwest Territories; or
• proof of residency from