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.
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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.
Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement regarding the shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia:
“The heartbreaking news from Tumbler Ridge has left many of us in the Northwest Territories deeply saddened. On behalf of Northerners, I extend our deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, to those who were injured, and to the students, educators, and first responders facing the aftermath of this horrific act.
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Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House that the Honourable Member for Nunakput, Minister Responsible for Status of Women, will be absent for a portion of the House proceedings today to virtually attend the Federal Provincial Territorial Ministers on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ Peoples meeting.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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Mr. Speaker, we gather today at a significant moment for our territory and for our country. It is a moment of change and uncertainty, but for the Northwest Territories, it is also a moment of opportunity.
