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The Department of Industry and Development operated from 1967 until 1973; it was responsible for promoting the economic growth of the Northwest Territories. This included encouraging and providing for the development of the tourism industry at the local level through grant programs aimed at communities that would help them realize the economic benefit of tourism. It also provided training in management and hospitality, developed public tourism facilities, and promoted the north through advertising locally, at travel shows and through promotional materials such as maps and guides. This division was also involved in the promotion of commercial and industrial development by encouraging the establishment of primary and secondary industries that would provide economic benefit to northern residents. For example, they were involved in the expansion of the arts and crafts industry, the development of the fishing and lumber industry, as well as the development and supervision of cooperatives. The function of Game Management, which was also handled through this department, provided for the rational management of all game resources in the Northwest Territories. This was achieved by planning and implementing educational, research, big game and trap line management programs that were aimed at maximizing the utilization of the game resources of the North. This division also assisted indigenous people that still depended on natural renewable resources for their livelihood, by developing and enforcing game laws and regulations.

In 1969, the Department of Industry and Development headquarters organization was completed. Progress was made in coordinating and integrating the various programs in the fields of Tourism, Game Management and Industrial Development. As part of the new headquarters organizational structure, a small Administrative Section was established, to centralize administrative support for the department and to relieve program managers from routine administrative and accounting responsibilities. A second small headquarters element, the Research and Planning Section was also established in 1969 to carry out long-range planning for the Department and to assist in integrating departmental planning with that of the other departments of the Government of the Northwest Territories. This section was responsible for an analysis of the forest products industry, commercial fishing industry and the labour and material elements of the Northern Housing Program.

The Tourism Division was initially a program that was delivered by the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs and Northern Development. In 1968, this program was transferred from the Federal Government to the Department of Industry and Development of the Government of the Northwest Territories. The transfer of this program marked the establishment of organized tourism promotion in the Northwest Territories. This division consisted of three operating sections: Promotion, Development and Research. The polar bear symbol was introduced at this time as well as a series of promotional literature about the Northwest Territories. The division developed a policy designed to encourage greater activity and support of the tourism industry at the community level. This policy and supporting program enabled communities to play a more effective role in developing local services and in improving the reception and information services for visitors. The Tourism Division provided grant programs to remote indigenous communities to help them realize the economic benefit of the tourism industry. The program provided financial assistance for the construction of accommodation or renovations to existing buildings. The division also provided management training to members of the community and to lodges. Hospitality seminars, designed by Travel Industry Association of Canada, were delivered and the Visitor's Service Centre at the Alberta-Northwest Territories Border was opened. The public tourism facilities development program was initiated; it encouraged the development of day use and picnic areas along the Dempster Highway and the proposed Mackenzie Highway. The Tourism Division participated in travel shows in the United States and southern Canada and in conjunction with the Canadian Government, packaged tours of the Northwest Territories were offered. This division also published the Explorer's Guide and Official Travel Map. This division was successful in offering the first commercially packaged tours of the Northwest Territories and in 1971, assisted in launching the boat "Norweta," which brought group tours to the river settlements for the first time.

The Department of Industry and Development was responsible for identifying and developing employment-generating opportunities. It was involved in identifying areas of demand where opportunity existed for service support and secondary industries capable of providing meaningful wage employment to the residents of the Northwest Territories. An effort was made to provide management advice to small businesses, assist indigenous people in becoming involved in the wage economy, and permit them access to managerial positions. The division delivered employment oriented training courses such as the Junior Office Managers Course which was designed to produce junior managers for governmental and private enterprise. The department was instrumental in the formation of the Northwest Territories Chamber of Commerce in 1972.

The Industry Development Division also focused on preparing for the accelerated economic development in the Mackenzie Valley due to possible construction of the gas pipeline and construction of the Mackenzie Highway. The Research and Planning section of this division maintained close ties with Federal Government agencies and provided input into the planning for the pipeline and highway to ensure that the interests of northern residents would be protected.

The Industry Development Division was also involved in the identification and promotion of viable enterprises capable of being operated by, and providing employment for, northern residents. In one instance, a Lumber Grade Stamping Agency was established to up-grade the quality of lumber produced in the Northwest Territories. The division also helped to overhaul the boat shop in Hay River and relocated the Jean Marie River Sawmill. A particular emphasis was placed on the development of the commercial fishing industry. The division organized the Fisherman's Loan Approval Board that provided financial assistance and loans to fisherman who wished to purchase boats. The Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation was established and this corporation assumed purchasing and marketing responsibilities of freshwater fish. The fish packing facilities at Lac La Martre were completed and the Wellington Bay Arctic Char Fishery was overhauled and put in good working condition. Major commercial fisheries operated on Great Slave Lake, Lac La Martre and Cambridge Bay. The establishment of a liaison with Central Region Fisheries Service and Environment Canada it was ensured that major commercial fishing operations in the Northwest Territories would be monitored to ensure a long-term fishery development program would be followed.

The Commercial Development program was delivered through the Industry Development Division. This program administered loans for business ventures, such as the Eskimo Loan Fund, Indian Economic Development Fund and Small Business Loan Fund. The department assumed responsibility for the cooperatives, therefore the development emphasis was placed on consolidating and strengthening the cooperatives. In 1971, the Canadian Arctic Co-operative Federation Limited was established as the coordinating body for all cooperatives in the Northwest Territories. In preparation for the establishment of the Federation, a cooperative education program was conducted and training program implemented for groups who wished to develop into co-operatives. An educational program on credit unions was also instituted. It was hoped that these initiatives would result in economic gains for aboriginal peoples.

Furthermore, the Industrial Development Division conducted research studies in order to determine potential markets for northern arts and crafts. A review was made of existing arts and crafts projects to determine methods of increasing production and provide additional income for the producers. This division also facilitated the promotion of northern arts and crafts. For example, the Masterworks Exhibition that was organized by the Canadian Eskimo Art Council was supported financially by this department and went on a world tour with showings in major art centers in the United States and Europe. Interest in northern arts and crafts was raised through the Pangnirtung weaving project and Baker Lake print program. The ultimate goal of the division was to facilitate the transfer of ownership of the Canadian Arctic Producers from the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, into the hands of northern producers.

The Game Management Division of the Department of Industry and Development oversaw the management of wildlife resources. A Fur Marketing Service was initiated to assist trappers wishing to take advantage of the services of the large fur auction houses. The Trappers Assistance Program provided repayable loans to enable the trapper to purchase supplies and equipment at the beginning of the trapping season. A Trapper Education Program aimed at encouraging the use of humane traps and assisted making these traps available. Guide Training Schools were conducted, as well as courses to interest young people in the trapping profession. The Game Management Officer Training Program was implemented in 1972 and sought to train northerners to be Game Management Officers and thereby eliminate the need to recruit from Southern Canada. The Game Management Division was also responsible for the development and enforcement of meaningful game laws and regulations. This included a caribou and polar bear tagging program aimed at maintaining the harvest of polar bear and caribou within safe limits and provided biological and management information for maintaining wildlife in appropriate numbers. The Program of Organized Settlement Caribou Hunts was also introduced by this division and assisted settlements in obtaining meat for their use.

In 1973, the Department of Industry and Development was renamed the Department of Economic Development and was restructured to respond more readily and effectively to the growing demands of the modern and traditional economies of the Northwest Territories.

The Department of Human Resources was established on April 1, 2005 as an amalgamation of separate human resource units in each department, authority and public agency of the Government of the Northwest Territories excepting the NWT Power Corporation and the Workers' Compensation Board. Cabinet approved the centralization in August 2004 as a result of a 2003 review conducted by consultants Deloitte and Touche. The Department was first formed with three divisions: Corporate Human Resources, Client Services, and Employee Relations. By 2010, divisions were altered slightly to include Management and Recruitment Services, Strategy and Policy, the Directorate and Regional Operations. Client Services was renamed Employee Services.

The Directorate provided leadership and direction to the Department, as well as providing strategic and corporate human resource advice to the Minister, Deputy Ministers and Deputy Heads throughout the Government.

The Strategy and Policy Division was responsible for the development and review of government-wide human resource management strategies, legislation, policies, guidelines and practices as well as quality assurance services to make sure these are fairly and consistently applied. Research, analysis and reporting was also undertaken and coordinated through this Division.

The Management and Recruitment Services Division provided front-line general human resources services such as the administration of job competitions, recruitment, and strategic advice for government-wide planning.

The Corporate Human Resources Division managed government-wide human resource management programs as well as providing labour relation and recruitment advice and employee training and development programs. This division was also responsible for leading the implementation of 20/20: A Brilliant North, the NWT Public Service Strategic Plan. Employee Services Division was reponsible for providing compensation, benefits and data management for employees.

The Department of Human Resources merged with the Department of Finance on April 1, 2017.

In 1995, the Department of Health and the Department of Social Services consolidated to form the Department of Health and Social Services. The mission of the Department of Health and Social Services is to promote, maintain and enhance the health and well being of individuals and families in the Northwest Territories. In doing so, it has sole or joint responsibility for the administration of the following Acts: Aboriginal Custom Adoption Recognition Act; Adoption Act; Change of Name Act; Child and Family Services Act; Child Welfare Act; Dental Auxiliaries Act; Dental Mechanics Act; Dental Profession Act; Disease Registries Act; Emergency Medical Aid Act; Guardianship and Trusteeship Act; Hospital Insurance and Health and Social Services Administration Act (formerly Territorial Hospital Insurance Services Act); Human Tissue Act; Intercountry Adoption (Hague Convention) Act; Licensed Practical Nurses Act; Marriage Act; Medical Care Act; Medical Profession Act; Mental Health Act; Midwifery Profession Act; Nursing Profession Act; Ophthalmic Medical Assistants Act; Optometry Act; Personal Directives Act; Pharmacy Act; Psychologists Act; Public Health Act; Tobacco Control Act; Veterinary Profession Act; Vital Statistics Act.

The Department of Health and Social Services is responsible for programs related to: Adoption Management; Family Support and Child Protection Services; Community Wellness; Guardianship; Mental Health and Addictions; Environmental Health, Health Insurance Services; Licensing of Professionals; and reporting of health and illness related issues to the federal government. The Department also has responsibility for the office of the Chief Medical Health Officer, which is responsible for health and disease surveillance activities across the NWT, as well as prevention and disease control activities. Community Wellness programs are designed to provide funding to communities under health related programs such as: Aboriginal Head Start; AIDS Community Action Program ; Brighter Futures; Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program; Community Action Program for Children; Health Promotion Strategy Fund; Healthy Children Initiative; Hepatitis C Prevention; Population Health Fund. Environmental health provides for the delivery of various programs and services under the NWT Public Health Act and Regulations, and focuses on preventing disease and injury; promoting health; and improving the environment through the use of education, consultation, inspection, monitoring, and if necessary, by the enforcement of public health legislation.

The primary vehicles for the provision of health care are the eight Health and Social Services (HSS) Authorities which plan, manage and deliver a full spectrum of community and facility-based services for health care and social services. The eight Authorities are: Beaufort-Delta HSS Authority; Dehcho HSS Authority; Fort Smith HSS Authority; Hay River HSS Authority; Sahtu HSS Authority; Stanton Territorial Health Authority; Tlicho Community Services Agency; Yellowknife HSS Authority.

Organizationally the Department has under gone many reorganizations and realignments of its program delivery units and renaming of its divisions. In general, the organizational structures has tended to reflect departmental responsibilities and activities with divisions responsible for: directorate and finance support activities; policy, planning and reporting activities; community health issues, population health issues, territorial health services including insurance services and administration and support of the regional health authorities; child protection and family support services.

The Department of Health was established on August 14, 1978 when the Department of Health and Social Services was split to form two distinct departments in order to prepare for the eventual transfer of the responsibility for federal health services to the Government of the Northwest Territories.

The Department of Health was responsible for the promotion, improvement and preservation of the health of residents of the Northwest Territories through the development of an integrated and coordinated health care system in the Northwest Territories and the provision of health care services. This department administered the Supplementary Health Programs, Medicare Programs, Territorial Hospital Insurance Services, the Professional Training Bursary Programs and funded the Northwest Territories share of the cost of services provided in the Northwest Territories by Medical Services, Health and Welfare Canada. The department established health related promotional and educational activities, such as the development of a health curriculum for schools, family life promotion, tobacco cessation promotion and lifestyle awareness programs. The Department of Health also provided a Resource Centre for health care professionals that contained library and video material. It distributed information and materials relating to health and monitored and reviewed health-related legislation in the Northwest Territories. The department served on inter-provincial and national boards that developed policies, guidelines and legislation in respect to health and provided assistance and advice to other Government of the Northwest Territories departments on health matters.

The Administration Activity within the Department of Health developed, coordinated, directed and managed the delivery of health services in the Northwest Territories. It registered persons eligible for Hospital and Medical Care Insurance, coordinated special studies and research in health care, conducted an annual audit of medical services and reviewed costs of providing health services. The Administration Activity provided a bursary in order to assist persons employed in the health field in the Northwest Territories to obtain additional training and education. Between 1979-80, a Health Information and Promotion Program was delivered in order to increase health educational material in the Northwest Territories and to increase communication between health care professionals within the Northwest Territories. Funds were provided to community programs such as the Rae-Edzo Native Women's Committee Health Awareness Program and the department worked with the Department of Social Services and the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation in assisting communities in developing services for the elderly and disabled. This activity also focused on streamlining the processing of claims in the Health Management Information system and prepared to assume provincial type health responsibilities as they were contracted with the federal government. Administration introduced new legislation (Hospital, Public and Mental Health), reviewed Supplementary Health Programs and followed-up major recommendations from studies such as the Inuvik Health Care Study.

There were three main divisions under the Administration Activity. The Directorate Division included Hospital Operations and was responsible for overall departmental direction and coordination. The Hospital Operations Division coordinated the budgeting and capital project process for budget review and developed policies and legislation regarding the operation of hospitals. The Health Insurance Division implemented the benefit plans of the Department of Health. The Finance and Administration Section of the Department of Health was also included under this division. The Programs and Standards Division, which included Health Promotion and the Health Resource Centre, developed policies and procedures, reviewed and developed ordinances and regulations, coordinated and delivered Health Promotion activities and planned health services for the elderly and chronically ill.

Between 1989-90, there were changes within the Administration Activity. The Activity was now accountable for the following: the Departmental Executive that consisted of the Deputy Minister's Office, Health Legislation and Policy and Finance and Administration. The Insurance and Institutional Health Division was composed of Health Insurance, Capital Planning, Hospitals and Health Facilities and Human Resources. The Community Health and Standards was under direction of the Assistant Deputy Minister and included Community Health Services, Nursing and Dental Services and the Medical Directorate. All of the personnel and financial resources for the administration of the Department of Health were included under this activity.

Prior to the amalgamation of the Department of Health and the Department of Social Services in 1994, the Administration Activity was reorganized again and divided into the following divisions: Deputy Minister's Office, Health Legislation and Policy, Finance and Administration Repatriation Program, Community Health, Nursing Services, the Medical Directorate, Health Insurance Services, Capital Planning and Maintenance, Hospital/Health Facility Operations and Human Resource Management. Through these divisions, the Administration Activity worked with Arctic College in developing curriculum for the Nursing Education Program and produced health profiles for the northern communities. The Administration Activity also developed HIV/AIDS prevention strategies, developed standards for air medevac carriers, drafted instructions for public health act and medical profession act, developed financial forecasting methods for health insurance programs and evaluated health insurance programs.

The Supplementary Health Programs supplemented the benefits provided by the Hospital Insurance, Medical Care and Medical Transportation programs. The Extended Medical Benefit Program alleviated costs for residents who did not receive coverage provided by employers. The programs paid most costs involved with the investigation, diagnosis, treatment, maintenance and/or rehabilitation of persons with specified long-term disease conditions. In 1980-81, the Department of Health consolidated the pharmacare programs of Health and Welfare Canada, Social Services and the Department of Health into one Pharmacare Program. This resulted in the Supplementary Health Programs paying the cost of most prescription drugs for senior citizens and those persons under age 65 who had one of the disease conditions that were supplemented by the Supplementary Health Programs. As well, an Aid to Independent Living Program was added to this activity. The Pharmacare Program also covered prescription drug costs for Treaty Indians and Inuit, which were fully reimbursed by Health and Welfare Canada. Costs incurred on behalf of indigent and non-Indigenous Northwest Territories residents were recovered from the Department of Social Services.

Between 1989-90, two additional programs were added to this activity. The Seniors' Extended Health Benefits Program provided coverage for non-Indigenous and Metis residents who were 60 years and older in the areas of prescription drugs, glasses, special aids to independent living and medical transportation. The Federal Indian Health Policy was also created and administered on behalf of Health and Welfare Canada Supplementary Health Benefits to Status Indian and Inuit residents of the Northwest Territories. The Department of Health administered these benefits. Coverage included ground transportation, alcohol treatment, dental services, glasses, hearing aids and prescription drugs. In 1990-91, the Pharmacare Program and Seniors' Extended Health Benefits Program were dissolved, however, benefits that were paid through these programs were now paid through the Extended Health Benefits Program.

The Northwest Territories Share of Health Care Services Activity provided the funds required to pay the Government of the Northwest Territories' share of the medical services rendered to Metis and non-Indigenous residents of the Northwest Territories that were provided by the Medical Services Branch of Health and Welfare Canada. These services were primarily provided through the nursing stations and health centres operated by Health and Welfare Canada. Between 1988-89, health services in the Baffin Region were operated solely by the Government of the Northwest Territories. The goal was to ultimately transfer all remaining Federal responsibilities for health services to the Territorial Government. In April 1988, Health and Welfare Canada's remaining responsibilities for health services were transferred from the federal government to the Government of the Northwest Territories. Transfer brought federal facilities and staff into the Government of the Northwest Territories, together with a decentralized system under Health/Hospital Boards. These Boards were responsible for the planning, management and delivery of health care. They delivered medical, dental and other programs in their regions, managed local units and were accountable to the Territorial Hospital Insurance Board which in turn, was accountable to the Minister of Health and ensured that the residents of the Northwest Territories participated in the development and management of their health services.

The Territorial Hospital Insurance Services Activity was responsible for the administration of hospital insurance programs for Northwest Territories residents. It included payments to Budget Review Hospitals, Semi-Budget Review Hospitals and other hospitals both inside and outside the Northwest Territories where residents of the Northwest Territories received care. This activity also monitored the cost of providing health care and conducted and supported research in the health care field. It reviewed all approved plans for the construction of health care facilities and developed and expanded health care services within or associated with the Budget Review Hospitals. This activity aimed to develop an integrated and coordinated system of hospital services within the Northwest Territories. This activity was also involved in the expansion of hospital services, establishing detoxification services, planning for nursing homes, conducting studies on health care in communities and reviewed of health care programs. During 1982-83, this activity negotiated the transfer of Nursing Stations from the Baffin Region to the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Between 1988-89, the Territorial Hospital Insurance Services monitored and controlled hospital expenditures and assisted hospitals in maintaining their accreditation standards. This activity recognized approved hospitals outside the Northwest Territories and funded referrals to these facilities when certain levels of hospital care was not available in the Northwest Territories. All health care in the north had to meet the requirements set out in the Territorial Hospital Insurance Services Act, Regulations, Policies and Standards, as well as applicable Territorial legislation and policies. In 1994-95, the Territorial Hospital Insurance Services was renamed the Health and Hospitals Board and the responsibility for providing payment for insured hospital services provided outside the Northwest Territories was transferred to the newly formed Out of Territories Hospitals Activity.

The Medicare plan covered medical services for residents of the Northwest Territories while they were receiving care both in the Northwest Territories and outside the Northwest Territories. The physician recruitment program was part of this activity and aimed at recruiting and staffing various positions across the north. In 1989, the name changed to the Medical Care Plan.

Between 1980-81, a Medical Services Contract was added to the Department of Health. The department contracted with the Northwest Territories Regional Medical Services Branch of Health and Welfare Canada to provide a financial, secretarial and office support service. All of the direct costs of providing this service were reflected in this activity. The contract was completed and dissolved in 1988 when the responsibility for health services were transferred from Health and Welfare Canada to the Government of the Northwest Territories.

In 1984-85, the Medical Transportation Activity was added to the Department of Health. This activity was responsible for paying patient and escort costs associated with the Subsidized Medical Travel and Returning Inuit Travel Programs. The financial payment for medical travel costs were processed through the Department of Health and recoveries made from the appropriate agency. Health and Welfare Canada handled the program administration for this activity at the community level.

In 1995, the Department of Health and the Department of Social Services were consolidated to form a single department called the Department of Health and Social Services.