Northwest Territories Employment Standards Guide
The Northwest Territories Employment Standards Act provides minimum employment standards for workers in the territory. The NWT economy is resource-based, with significant diamond mining, oil and gas, and government employment sectors.
Key legislation
- Employment Standards Act
- Human Rights Act
- Safety Act
- Workers' Compensation Act
Employment standards at a glance
Minimum wage
$17.20/hour (effective September 1, 2026)
Standard workweek
40 hours
Overtime threshold
8 hours/day or 40 hours/week
Public holidays
11 statutory holidays
Vacation minimum
2 weeks/4% in each of the first 5 years, 3 weeks/6% beginning in the sixth year
Notice of termination
2 weeks (90 days+)
Protected grounds
Human Rights Act (SNWT 2002, c 18)
- Race
- Colour
- Ancestry
- Nationality
- Ethnic origin
- Place of origin
- Creed
- Religion
- Age
- Disability
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity or expression
- Marital status
- Family status
- Family affiliation
- Political belief
- Political association
- Social condition
- Conviction for which a pardon has been granted
Leave types
- Maternity leave (17 weeks)
- Parental leave (61 weeks)
- Compassionate care leave (28 weeks)
- Bereavement leave (7 days)
- Sick leave (5 days)
- Court leave
- Domestic violence leave (10 days)
- Traditional Aboriginal practices leave
Legislation and workplace agencies
- Employment Standards Act (SNWT 2007, c 13)
- Human Rights Act (SNWT 2002, c 18)
- Safety Act (RSNWT 1988, c S-1)
- Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC)
Key industries in Northwest Territories
- Mining (Diamonds)
- Oil and Gas
- Government Services
- Tourism
- Indigenous Economic Development