Definitions:

Employee Recognition

1. The GNWT recognizes the accomplishments made by its employees and is committed to honouring and encouraging individuals and teams who contribute through their efforts and actions to the success of the organization. Recognition may involve:

• Giving praise;
• Granting awards and;
• Celebrating and communicating successes.

2. Recognition will be linked to the GNWT's corporate objectives by supporting defined goals and values. It will focus on creating enduring lasting effect for employees and the organization.

3. The GNWT Employee Recognition Policy provides guidelines for the following types of recognition:

• Government-wide recognition;
• Department recognition;
• Long service with the GNWT;
• Appreciation of service on resignation and/or retirement.

In conjunction with the Employee Recognition Policy, these guidelines and procedures apply to all employees, except those employed by the NWT Power Corporation. Participation in department recognition awards is on a voluntary basis.

More information on all of these awards can be found in the Human Resources Manual under the Employee Recognition Policy section 1413 and its subsections.

Types of Employee Recognition:

The Premier’s Awards

Each year, the Premier recognizes Territorial Public Servants who demonstrate excellence in their work.

There are several opportunities to recognize public servants for demonstrating dedication and excellence in their work. The Premier’s Awards recognize and celebrate the achievements of employees in the following categories:

The Premier’s Award for Excellence recognizes the outstanding achievements of individual GNWT employees or teams of GNWT employees who continue to strive for excellence, best practice management and improvements in the workplace.

The Premier’s Award for Collaboration recognizes the outstanding achievement of GNWT employees in teams who work in partnership with other government and non-government employees to improve services to Northwest Territories’ residents.

The Dave Ramsden Career Excellence Award recognizes the outstanding achievements of individuals in the Northwest Territories who have served 20 years or more in the Government of the Northwest Territories public service. The goal of this award is to recognize individuals who have made a commitment to their careers in the public service.

Kristine McLeod Emerging Indigenous Leader Award

With the support of the Gwich’in Tribal Council, the Government of Northwest Territories presents the Kristine McLeod Emerging Indigenous Leader Award to honour the memory of the young leader who passed away unexpectedly in August 2021.

Kristine McLeod contributed immensely to the health, wellness, culture, and education of Gwich’in people and the Northwest Territories (NWT). The award recognizes young Indigenous NWT residents who demonstrate exceptional initiative and commitment to the principles of public service within their community, territorial, federal, or Indigenous government. The goal of this award is to recognize Indigenous individuals who personify outstanding leadership qualities.

Departmental Recognition

Departmental Recognition Programs acknowledge individual employees or teams who demonstrate excellence and innovation in meeting the objectives of a Department, Board or Agency. These programs assist in motivating the public service as they provide an effective way for employees to be recognized at the department level.

Information on Departmental Recognition programs can be found in the Human Resources Manual under Section (1413c).

Long Service Awards

To recognize the long-term commitment of its employees, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) honours those who have served long periods of uninterrupted service with the GNWT.

This recognition serves as an acknowledgement of employee dedication. Detailed information on the GNWT’s Long Service Awards can be found in the Human Resources Manual in Section 1413d.

Service Appreciation

On the occasion of the resignation and/or retirement of a long-term employee who leaves the government in good standing, the GNWT expresses appreciation for commitment and dedication to the Territorial Public Service. Detailed information on service appreciation can be found in the Human Resources Manual in Section 1413e.

References & Authorities:

HR Manual
Planning and Development 1400
Sub-Sections 1413-a, b, c, d, e 

FAM Policy:

FAM Directive 2004
Extending and Accepting Hospitality, Gifts and Other Benefits, January 2003

FAM Directive 2005
Promotional Material, January 2003