Realizing the territory's potential will take more than public investment; it requires an efficient regulatory system
By R.J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories
Note: this is a reprint of an opinion piece published by The Financial Post on April 17, 2026. The original article can be found here.
Premier Simpson issued the following statement today in response to Alberta’s ending of seasonal time changes:
“I am pleased to announce that the Northwest Territories will move to end seasonal time changes and adopt a year-round time standard, following similar actions we expect to be legislated by the Government of Alberta later this week.
Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today in response to recent public comments and reporting regarding the events at Timber Bay:
“Recent public comments and reporting on the events at Timber Bay have brought renewed attention to this issue.
“I want to speak directly to the people of Łutsël K’é, to the Elders, families, and young people who were at Timber Bay.
Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today on Trans Day of Visibility:
“Today, on Trans Day of Visibility, we recognize and celebrate trans and gender-diverse people across the Northwest Territories.
“This day is about visibility, but it is also about respect. Everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported for who they are, in their communities, in their workplaces, and in their daily lives.
As Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mine marks its final production this week, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is recognizing its lasting impact while looking to the future of the territory’s economy and workforce.
Premier R.J. Simpson today announced the creation of a new Associate Deputy Minister position within the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) to strengthen the Government of the Northwest Territories’ economic strategy and help Northerners capture emerging economic opportunities.
Melissa Cyr will serve as Associate Deputy Minister, Economic Strategy and Policy, a role focused on coordinating economic policy across government, advancing a strategy to encourage growth and investment in the Northwest Territories, and supporting workforce transition.
Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today in response to Canada’s announcement of new investment in the North:
“Prime Minister Carney’s announcement today marks an important step forward for the Northwest Territories and for Canada’s Arctic.
“The Government of the Northwest Territories welcomes the federal government’s commitment to investing in critical infrastructure that will strengthen our communities, support economic development, and reinforce Canada’s presence in the North.
Check against delivery.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House that the Honourable Member for Kam Lake, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment will be absent from the House today to attend the Prospectors and Developers Conference in Toronto, Ontario.
Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today in response to Canada’s recognition of the section 35 rights of the North Slave Métis Alliance:
“The Government of the Northwest Territories welcomes Canada’s recognition of the section 35 rights of the North Slave Métis Alliance.
“Métis people have a long and important history in the North Slave region and across the Northwest Territories. This recognition reflects that history, and the voices of those who have worked for many years to be heard, including North Slave Métis Alliance members.
Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today, following the Government of Canada’s announcement of the launch of a new Defence Industrial Strategy:
“On behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, I welcome Prime Minister Carney’s launch of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy. The Strategy’s strong focus on research, innovation, and dual-use technologies is particularly relevant to the North.
