Check against Delivery

Mr. Speaker, the 20th Legislative Assembly has made the safety of the residents and communities of the Northwest Territories one of its priorities. Many of us have witnessed and been affected by an increase in criminal activities, particularly the drug trade. Successful public safety efforts rely on trusting relationships between the RCMP and our residents.

Premier and Minister of Justice R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today regarding the recent RCMP drug seizure in Yellowknife:

Earlier this month, the RCMP carried out the largest drug and cash seizure in the history of the Northwest Territories—removing nearly five kilograms of cocaine, over $360,000 in cash, and a dangerous weapon from our streets. This was more than a bust—it was a major disruption to the criminal networks profiting off addiction and harming our communities.

The GNWT is modernizing the legal framework for construction liens.  In 2023, the Builders’ Lien Act was enacted to replace the Mechanics Lien Act. The new legislation was put in place to address modern construction practices. It sets out the legal processes, systems, rights, and remedies for parties involved in construction disputes. 

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has introduced a new tool to address the ongoing drug toxicity crisis and contaminated illicit drug supply. The Randox MultiSTAT Analyzer, now in use by Coroner Services, allows for rapid toxicology screening of substances involved in suspicious deaths, helping the Chief Coroner and Chief Public Health Officer take swift action to protect the public.

Minister of Justice, R.J. Simpson, announced today the appointment of the Honourable Judge Jeannie Scott to the position of Chief Judge of the Territorial Court of the Northwest Territories.

Under the Territorial Court Act, the Chief Judge is appointed to a term of five years. The term of the current Chief Judge, the Honourable Chief Judge Robert Gorin, will expire on October 2, 2024 at 5:00 pm at which point the Chief Judge Scott’s term will take effect.

Premier and Minister of Justice, R.J. Simpson, joins the RCMP in the Northwest Territories in welcoming its new Commanding Officer of “G” Division, Chief Superintendent Dyson Smith:

Minister R.J. Simpson announced today the appointment of Erin Wagner as the new Public Trustee of the Northwest Territories, effective June 17, 2024. Ms. Wagner succeeds Ms. Renée Fougère, who held the position since last year.

Today the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) announced that Renée Fougère will be appointed as the Public Trustee of the Northwest Territories, effective August 28, 2023.  Ms. Fougère takes over from Mr. Jeremy Walsh who served in the position for one year.

Media is invited to receive an update on the wildfire situation in the Northwest Territories, the ongoing response to the wildfires, and resulting evacuations.

Premier Caroline Cochrane, Minister Shane Thompson, Minister Julie Green, a representative from the City of Yellowknife and program experts from several GNWT departments will be available to answer questions.

DATE: Tuesday, August 15, 2023

TIME: 7 p.m. MST

LOCATION: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)

Please RSVP by 6 p.m. to receive the link to the meeting.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) with assistance from the City of Yellowknife Municipal Enforcement Division, conducted a roadside drug and alcohol survey from July 12 to 15, 2023 in Yellowknife.

The survey collected data on the use of alcohol and drugs by nighttime drivers in Yellowknife. The information collected will contribute to the national picture of the prevalence of impaired driving and inform GNWT public education and awareness efforts going forward.