Ministerial Travel

Please note that travel schedules may change with little or no notice. This schedule is accurate as of February 15.

The attached documents replace the communique previously issued on 2/14/2024. They are being distributed on behalf of the Council of Leaders of the Northwest Territories and the Government of Canada.

Check against delivery

Premier R.J. Simpson announced today that John MacDonald will assume the role of Secretary to Cabinet and Deputy Minister of the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs, effective immediately. The Secretary to Cabinet provides coordination and leadership to the executive branch of government and is the most senior official within the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) public service.

Today, Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement to congratulate the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc, and all Nunavummiut on the signing of the final devolution agreement:

“On behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories (NWT) I offer my sincere and heartfelt congratulations to the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc, and all Nunavummiut on the signing of the final devolution agreement transferring responsibilities for Crown land and natural resources from the federal government.

Minister of Justice R.J. Simpson announced today the judicial appointment of Mr. Gary Magee to the Territorial Court of the Northwest Territories. This appointment will be effective January 17, 2024.

Mr. Magee holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of British Columbia and a Masters in Constitutional Law from Osgoode Hall, York University. 

He has practiced law for 19 years and has spent the majority of his legal career living and working in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. He has a broad range of experience covering criminal, family, and civil law.

Premier Cochrane issued the following statement today on the passing of Chief Edward Sangris:

“I, along with residents of N’dilo, Dettah, Yellowknife and the Northwest Territories, am saddened to hear of the passing of Chief Edward (Eddie) Sangris.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has entered a media blackout period that will run until December 8, 2023, spanning the time between the dissolution of the 19th Legislative Assembly and the appointment of members of the Executive Council for the next Assembly.

During this time, there are constraints on communication activities and media interviews. As there are no Regular Members of the Assembly to hold the Executive to account, Ministers’ decisions are restricted to matters that are routine, necessary, emergent, and non-controversial.

Indigenous governments, community governments and non-government organizations are invited to apply for up to $125,000 for Gender-Based Violence Community Initiatives Funding to undertake community-based initiatives across the Northwest Territories that support the implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender Based Violence.

Community-based and special projects eligible for funding must address one or more of the following objectives to:

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome my colleagues back to the house for the final session of the 19^th Legislative Assembly. Many of us have been through at least one evacuation since we last met in person, and I am grateful you are all safe.

For many NWT residents, you have recently returned home from a very long evacuation. Some residents have lost homes and businesses.  For students, this is yet another disruption to their school year.