Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the flag of the Northwest Territories lowered to half-mast?
   
   The Northwest Territories flag is lowered to half-mast as a gesture of sorrow and mourning.
   
   
   
2. Does the NWT have more than one flag to represent the Northwest Territories?
   
   The NWT has one official territorial flag that was adopted in January of 1969 by the Council of the Northwest Territories. Also, there are thirty-three communities across the NWT and each one has a flag to represent their community.
   
   
   
3. Where can I find the official symbols of the NWT and the Government of the Northwest Territories?
   
   The official symbols of the Northwest Territories are outlined on the Legislative Assembly webpage. For information on the official logos of the GNWT, visit the Visual Identity Program.
   
   
   
4. How many official languages are there in the NWT?
   
   There are eleven official languages in the Northwest Territories. For more information on the legislation regarding these eleven languages, consult the Official Languages Act (PDF).
   
   
   
5. Where can I find information on the NWT?
   
   To find more information on the Northwest Territories, visit the Government of the Northwest Territories website, and the NWT Legislative Assembly website.
   
   
   
6. Does a Commissioner, Premier, or Minister retain their title “honourable” when they leave office?
   
   In the NWT, when a Commissioner, Premier or Minister leaves office, they no longer retain the title of 'honourable'. According to the NWT Official Table of Precedence, former Commissioners and former Premiers continue to be listed on Table of Precedence, but they do not retain their title of 'honourable'.
   
   
   
7. What is an official visit?
   
   An official visit happens when a member of the Royal Family, Head of State, Governor General, Prime Minister, foreign representative to Canada, etc., visits the NWT on official business.
   
   
   
8. How do I decide who speaks first at events?
   
   Refer to the NWT Table of Precedence for guidance as to who should speak first at an event hosted in the NWT. Also refer to the Canadian Table of Precedence if your event includes officials from the Government of Canada.
   
   
   
9. What is appropriate dress?
   
   The decision for appropriate dress or attire for a specific event is at the discretion of the host. For more information of the proper etiquette for attire, consult the Canadian Heritage Dress Code webpage.