Premier R.J. Simpson today announced the appointment of Brad Patzer as Deputy Minister of Justice for the Government of the Northwest Territories, effective November 2, 2026.

Premier R.J. Simpson today announced the appointment of Ms. Shannon Barnett-Aikman as the Deputy Minister of Education, Culture and Employment for the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), effective October 1, 2026.

Ms. Barnett-Aikman brings to the role more than two decades of experience in education, public service and organizational leadership in the Northwest Territories and internationally. She most recently served as Assistant Deputy Minister with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. 

The Northwest Territories (NWT) has officially ended seasonal time change.

The NWT’s new permanent time standard, known as Northwest Territories Time (UTC-06:00), will be observed year-round. On November 1, 2026, when clocks would normally be turned back by one hour, no time change will occur in the NWT. We now share a common time with both Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today following the resignation of Lesa Semmler as Minister of Health and Social Services and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Inuvik Twin Lakes:

“Today, Lesa Semmler announced her decision to step away from public office.

I respect her decision and thank her for the years of service she has given to the people of the Northwest Territories.

The governments of Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Northwest Territories have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on nuclear energy with the goal of strengthening grid reliability and enhancing regional electricity transmission infrastructure.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is moving to expand the scope of the ongoing environmental assessment for the Mackenzie Valley Highway to include the corridor from Norman Wells to a connection with the Dempster Highway. This expansion allows the full Wrigley-to-Inuvik transportation corridor to be considered through one coordinated assessment.

Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson has officially assumed the Chair of the Council of the Federation, taking over the role from Prince Edward Island Premier Robert Lantz.

The Council of the Federation brings together Canada's 13 provincial and territorial Premiers to advance shared priorities, strengthen interprovincial and territorial collaboration, and work with the federal government on issues of national importance. The Chair rotates annually among Premiers, with Newfoundland and Labrador set to follow the Northwest Territories.

The governments of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut are committed to strengthening internal trade and reducing unnecessary barriers that make it harder for Canadians to do business across the country. We recognize the important work being done through the Committee on Internal Trade and are proud to be active partners in those efforts.

Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today ahead of meetings of Canada’s Premiers and First Ministers in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island:

“No matter where they live, Canadians are facing many of the same challenges. The high cost of living, access to health care, housing, public safety, economic uncertainty, and the growing impact of emergencies and natural disasters are issues that require governments to work together.

Premier R.J. Simpson and Minister Caroline Wawzonek issued the following statements today in response to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, the Gwich’in Tribal Council, and Pehdzéh Kı̨ First Nation regarding the proposed Mackenzie Valley Highway.

Premier R. J. Simpson

“The signing by Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, the Gwich’in Tribal Council, and Pehdzéh Kı̨ First Nation is an important moment for the Mackenzie Valley Highway and for the future of the Northwest Territories.