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Proposed Changes to Academic Year and School Attendance Regulations
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The Government of the Northwest Territories is seeking public feedback on proposed changes to the Academic Year and School Attendance Regulations under the Education Act.
The proposed amendments would introduce a clear process for District Education Authorities and the Commission scolaire francophone de division to make changes to school calendars after they have been published.
These changes are intended to improve transparency, ensure appropriate oversight, and support flexibility for schools and communities when adjustments are needed.
The proposed amendments would:
Allow education authorities to amend school calendars after they are publicly released.
Require education authorities to notify the Minister at least two weeks in advance of any changes and include the rationale for the change, potential impacts on students and school staff and a description of any engagement with partners (e.g., community governments, Indigenous governments or organizations, and the NWT Teachers’ Association)
Require updated calendars to be publicly available at least one week before changes take effect.
Ensure changes do not conflict with collective agreements.
Allow the Minister to approve exceptions to instructional hours in emergency cases, public health situations and other extraordinary events affecting communities
Have Your Say
Residents are invited to review the proposed amendments and share their feedback by August 16, 2026. Submit your feedback to educationoperations@gov.nt.ca. All feedback will be reviewed and considered before the regulations are finalized.
Background
The Academic Year and School Attendance Regulations set out requirements for school calendars and instructional time in the Northwest Territories.
The proposed updates clarify how and when education authorities can make changes to school calendars after they have been shared publicly, while maintaining clear expectations for communication, consultation, and instructional time.
Next Steps
Following the engagement period, GNWT will review all feedback received. A What We Heard Report will be published summarizing input. Final regulatory amendments will be considered for approval and implementation.
The proposed changes are expected to come into force in 2026.
The Government of the Northwest Territories is seeking public feedback on proposed changes to the Academic Year and School Attendance Regulations under the Education Act.
The proposed amendments would introduce a clear process for District Education Authorities and the Commission scolaire francophone de division to make changes to school calendars after they have been published.
These changes are intended to improve transparency, ensure appropriate oversight, and support flexibility for schools and communities when adjustments are needed.
The proposed amendments would:
Allow education authorities to amend school calendars after they are publicly released.
Require education authorities to notify the Minister at least two weeks in advance of any changes and include the rationale for the change, potential impacts on students and school staff and a description of any engagement with partners (e.g., community governments, Indigenous governments or organizations, and the NWT Teachers’ Association)
Require updated calendars to be publicly available at least one week before changes take effect.
Ensure changes do not conflict with collective agreements.
Allow the Minister to approve exceptions to instructional hours in emergency cases, public health situations and other extraordinary events affecting communities
Have Your Say
Residents are invited to review the proposed amendments and share their feedback by August 16, 2026. Submit your feedback to educationoperations@gov.nt.ca. All feedback will be reviewed and considered before the regulations are finalized.
Background
The Academic Year and School Attendance Regulations set out requirements for school calendars and instructional time in the Northwest Territories.
The proposed updates clarify how and when education authorities can make changes to school calendars after they have been shared publicly, while maintaining clear expectations for communication, consultation, and instructional time.
Next Steps
Following the engagement period, GNWT will review all feedback received. A What We Heard Report will be published summarizing input. Final regulatory amendments will be considered for approval and implementation.
The proposed changes are expected to come into force in 2026.
Page published: 17 Jul 2026, 01:23 PM
Status
Open
Proposed Changes to Academic Year and School Attendance Regulations is currently at this stage
This engagement is open from July 17 to August 16, 2026.
Under Review
this is an upcoming stage for Proposed Changes to Academic Year and School Attendance Regulations
Completed
this is an upcoming stage for Proposed Changes to Academic Year and School Attendance Regulations
