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The Government of the Northwest Territories is proposing changes to the Public Service Act to make our public service more fair, transparent, and inclusive. These changes will introduce a clear process for how unionized public servants can confirm or change their representation, aligning with modern practices across Canada.
Have Your Say
We want to hear from you. Share your feedback on the proposed changes by completing a short online survey. Your input will help shape how these changes are implemented.
The Public Service Act sets out the rules for how GNWT employees are managed, including rights and responsibilities, collective bargaining, and workplace relations.
Right now, the Act names bargaining units and unions—and there’s no process to change them. The proposal introduces a Public Service Labour Relations Board, an independent body that will oversee applications for union certification and decertification. This will give unionized employees more choice and ensure decisions are fair and impartial.
These changes only apply to unionized GNWT public servants. Non-unionized employees are not affected. Workers outside the public service follow the Canada Labour Code, with the Canada Industrial Relations Board handling certification and decertification for private sector and federally regulated employees in all three territories.
Next Steps
Engagement closes January 11, 2026.
Feedback will be summarized in a What We Heard report, which will be shared publicly.
The input received will help inform the final approach before legislation is introduced.
The Government of the Northwest Territories is proposing changes to the Public Service Act to make our public service more fair, transparent, and inclusive. These changes will introduce a clear process for how unionized public servants can confirm or change their representation, aligning with modern practices across Canada.
Have Your Say
We want to hear from you. Share your feedback on the proposed changes by completing a short online survey. Your input will help shape how these changes are implemented.
The Public Service Act sets out the rules for how GNWT employees are managed, including rights and responsibilities, collective bargaining, and workplace relations.
Right now, the Act names bargaining units and unions—and there’s no process to change them. The proposal introduces a Public Service Labour Relations Board, an independent body that will oversee applications for union certification and decertification. This will give unionized employees more choice and ensure decisions are fair and impartial.
These changes only apply to unionized GNWT public servants. Non-unionized employees are not affected. Workers outside the public service follow the Canada Labour Code, with the Canada Industrial Relations Board handling certification and decertification for private sector and federally regulated employees in all three territories.
Next Steps
Engagement closes January 11, 2026.
Feedback will be summarized in a What We Heard report, which will be shared publicly.
The input received will help inform the final approach before legislation is introduced.
Share Updating the Public Service Act on FacebookShare Updating the Public Service Act on TwitterShare Updating the Public Service Act on LinkedinEmail Updating the Public Service Act link
Page last updated: 10 Dec 2025, 10:34 AM
Status
Open
Updating the Public Service Act is currently at this stage
This engagement is open from Dec 10, 2025 to Jan 11, 2026.
Under Review
this is an upcoming stage for Updating the Public Service Act
Completed
this is an upcoming stage for Updating the Public Service Act
