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Program Guidelines

The GNWT Leadership Development Program has two levels available for participants. 

  • Level 1, the Emerging Leaders stream, is designed for new and aspiring leaders. It builds foundational leadership skills, including self-awareness, communication, interpersonal effectiveness, decision-making, and stress management.
  • Level 2, the Existing Leaders stream, is designed for leaders with experience in management roles. It strengthens advanced leadership capabilities, including strategic thinking, decision-making, communication, conflict resolution, change management, and team leadership, with an emphasis on applying these skills in practice.

Time Commitment 

Each level contains 10 modules to be completed at the rate of one module per month.  Both levels include a combination of modules delivered in person and online, as well as an on-the-land component. 

The length of time required to complete each level is as follows: 

  • Emerging Leaders (Level 1): Pre-entry workshop (14 hours) and 9 modules (21 hours each) delivered over 10 months. 
  • Existing Leaders (Level 2): Pre-entry workshop (14 hours) and 9 modules (14 hours each, except Modules 1 and 9, which are 21 hours each) delivered over 11 months.

Full program attendance is mandatory. All participants must be able to attend all modules as scheduled. It is critical that those who apply review the program schedule and confirm their availability. The applicant’s supervisor must commit to supporting the time commitment required to complete the modules.

If participants miss a module, they have one year in which to complete the program if space is available to accommodate make up participation. 

Mentorship

When the program begins, each participant will be asked to identify a Mentor who will be part of their learning journey throughout the program. Mentors will be supported through a Mentoring workshop and a written agreement with the participant.

The Mentor will support the participant throughout the program and is expected to attend the following: 

  • Both Level 1 and Level 2: Mentoring Workshop (7 hours). 
  • Emerging Leaders (Level 1) has the option to attend partial day with mentee, part of Module 2 (4 hours), part of Module 9 (11 hours), and the completion ceremony. 

Eligibility 

The GNWT Leadership Program is open to all indeterminate and term territorial public service employees except employees covered by the Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association Collective Agreement and employees of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. 

Priority will be given to Indigenous candidates in accordance with the Indigenous Employment Policy: 

  • Stage One Priority (S1P) - Indigenous individuals who are recognized members and descendent of a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit people Indigenous to the present boundaries of the Northwest Territories.
  • Stage Two Priority (S2P) - Indigenous individuals who are recognized members and descendent of a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit people Indigenous to areas of Canada outside of the present boundaries of the Northwest Territories.

Employees must declare their status when submitting their application to be given priority placement. 

Application and Selection 

Cohorts run annually, with Emerging Leaders (Level 1) beginning in the fall and Existing Leaders (Level 2) beginning in the winter.  

Emerging Leaders (Level 1) - Fall 2026 Cohort

Existing Leaders (Level 2) - Winter 2027 Cohort

The application period for the Fall 2026 Emerging Leaders (Level 1) cohort is open from June 8, 2026, until June 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Applications for the Level 2 Winter 2027 cohort will open September 2026.

Applicants can fill and submit your application online using the online form.  Your application will only be considered if all sections of the form have been filled out and if it has been received by the deadline.  If you have any issues with the online form, please email us at LDP@gov.nt.ca for assistance.

Each program cohort is designed for 20 participants; therefore, departments are allotted one seat each. 

Departmental deputy heads are responsible to select successful candidates for each cohort ensuring that priority placement is provided to Indigenous candidates in accordance with the Indigenous Employment Policy.

Program Cost 

The fee is the responsibility of the employee’s department. In addition, any duty travel coordination and related expenses associated with participant attendance are the sole responsibility of the employee’s department. 

Program Fees: 

  • Level 1: cost per participant $8,750
  • Level 2: cost per participant $10,500

Our Cancellation Policy requires 10 days notice prior to the start date. This window allows us to offer the seat to other candidates. If an employee withdraws after this deadline, or is registered for one or more module modules but is unable to attend, the department will remain responsible for all costs.