The GNWT announced Thursday that the wage top-up program will be extended until Aug. 31, 2021.

The program, originally announced as a short-term measure, supports low-wage workers by topping up wages between $13.46 and $17.99 to $18.00 an hour.

Businesses have been asked to provide top-up wages to eligible employees on behalf of the GNWT. In return, the GNWT compensates the employer by covering their CPP and EI expenses related to the top-up.

If an employer chooses not to participate in the program, employees can apply directly through the , or by contacting NWTwagetopup@gov.nt.ca. The program, originally in place from April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020, has now been extended three times.  

As of the end of Feb. 2021, there are 96 businesses participating in the wage top-up program and 2,337 individuals who have benefitted. The total cost of the program so far is $2,670,079.