Since March 2020, the Courts of the Northwest Territories have issued Directives in response to the COVID 19 pandemic. These Directives were adjusted over time, to reflect the evolution of the public health situation. All the measures that had been put in place have been lifted and all court operations have returned to normal until further notice.
In observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, the Courts of the Northwest Territories have directed that no hearings be scheduled on that day. This has been reflected on the posted court schedules commencing in 2021 and will be observed annually. Emergency hearings and statutorily required hearings such as appearances before Justices of the Peace following arrest may be scheduled as required.
The court registry is operated by the Department of Justice, and is the public office of the courts taking care of day-to-day filings and business activities.
The Northwest Territories has three courts which operate independently from the federal and territorial governments, enabling judges to make fair decisions. All cases are heard within the Northwest Territories, but can eventually be referred to the Supreme Court of Canada.