The Dene Nation is strongly opposed to the recent expansion of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program, citing significant concerns over its negative impact on labour markets in Dene communities.

Dene National Chief George Mackenzie has called for “a shift to focus towards promoting Dene skilled workers” and allocating more resources to support Dene employment and community development in Denendeh.

“The development of a strong, inclusive North requires strategies that ensure Dene people have substantial opportunities to pursue careers in their ancestral lands,” Mackenzie stated in a release this week.

“Our people face substantial challenges in the job market, from cultural misunderstandings to complex hiring processes that disadvantage Dene job seekers.

“Our people have the skill, knowledge, and ambitions to fill these positions, but they are being overlooked by companies who are prioritizing cheap labour over investing in local people and communities. This hurts everyone.”

A chronic lack of skilled and unskilled workers have long been cited as a detriment to private sector stability and expansion.

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland countered: “The recent adjustment to our nominee allocation simply restores the number of spaces we had last year. It is not an expansion. This change reflects the realities of our current labour market and helps ensure essential services can continue while we keep building local and Indigenous capacity.

She continued: “Our government’s goal is to have Northerners working in Northern jobs, and we are committed to helping residents gain the skills, training, and experience they need to succeed. “We all want the same thing: healthy, thriving communities where people have the opportunity to work, raise families, and build a future. The GNWT remains committed to working with the Dene Nation and all partners to advance that shared goal.”

Chief Mackenzie urged a careful examination of the nominee program’s expansion and its impact on Dene employment opportunities.

“We need to question whether this strategy will truly advance Dene employment equity and community development goals,” he concluded.

The GNWT recently announced the third 2025 intake of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program opens on November 10.

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The GNWT stated these additional spots come following extensive advocacy work, leading to the Government of Canada’s decision earlier this month to restore the territory’s yearly full allocation of 300 nominations.

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program allows the GNWT to nominate foreign nationals for permanent residency who intend to live and work in the NWT and meet territorial labour-market needs.

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland stated: “Persistent, constructive advocacy delivers results, and I am thrilled we can reopen applications for a third time this year. Immigration is one of the most effective tools we have to strengthen the NWT economy, diversify industries, and advance nation-building in the North.”

The GNWT stated work is underway to update the Nominee Program for 2026 and beyond, informed by current public engagement and feedback from employers, Indigenous governments, and community partners.

Chief Mackenzie provided some early feedback in calling for increased funding for recruitment efforts that employ an applicant-centered screening process, ensuring qualified Dene candidates are included.

Mackenzie added that the current nominee program does not adequately address the need for employment opportunities that prioritize Dene communities, regional hubs, and Yellowknife.

The program’s structure also fails to accommodate flexible work schedules and community-based job models that allow Dene people to maintain ties to their traditional territories.

The Dene Nation recognizes and celebrates the diversity that enriches our land and appreciates the many contributions of newcomers to our territories, stated Mackenzie.

“However, a responsible balance must be achieved so that Dene citizens, especially our youth can access meaningful employment opportunities.”

Cleveland and Mackenzie has a meeting scheduled for this week, but CKLB is told it didn’t take place.

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