Northwest Territories Article ()
1. Official Name
Northwest Territories (Northwest Territories)
2. Capital
Yellowknife
3. Government (January 2026)
The Northwest Territories operate under a consensus government system.
There are no political parties at the territorial level. Elected Members of the Legislative Assembly choose a premier from among themselves.
Current Premier: R.J. Simpson (elected by the Legislative Assembly in 2023)
4. Opposition Parties
None. The consensus system does not include an official opposition. All members are independent.
5. Commissioner (equivalent to Lieutenant Governor)
Margaret Thom (in office since 2017)
6. Flag
The flag is blue, white, and blue, with the territorial coat of arms in the center.
The coat of arms includes a wavy line representing the Arctic Circle boundary, mining symbols, and an Arctic fox, showing the North’s natural resources and wildlife.
7. Official Symbols
Flower: Mountain Avens
Bird: Snowy Owl
Animal: Muskox
Tree: Black Spruce
8. Basic Economy
The major economic sectors of the Northwest Territories include mining (diamonds, gold, tungsten), energy (hydroelectric power and natural gas), transportation and government services, and traditional hunting, fishing, and crafts in Indigenous communities.