Due to fire danger in the region, a fire ban has been put into effect for Hay River Territorial Park prohibiting open fires. The ban, which is in addition to any regional fire bans in place by NWT Fire, is effective immediately and will remain in place until June 7, 2024.

Today Premier R.J. Simpson tabled the Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). Informed by the priorities of the 20th Legislative Assembly, the Mandate will guide government decisions, programs and policies over the next four years.  

The 20th Legislative Assembly shares the vision of a safe and prosperous Northwest Territories (NWT), where residents have the tools they need to realize their full potential, capitalize on new opportunities, and achieve self-sufficiency.

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Mr. Speaker, later today I will table the Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories 2023 to 2027. This Mandate will be our guide as we work to advance the Priorities of the 20th Legislative Assembly.

Premier R.J. Simpson today issued the following statement:

“Yesterday, the Government of Canada unveiled the 2024 Federal Budget, and my response is one of commitment – commitment to partnership, collaboration, and the residents of the Northwest Territories (NWT). 

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Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House that the Honourable Member for Thebacha, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will be absent from the House today to meet with Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Indigenous leaders on the Project Finance for Permanence in Ottawa, Ontario.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Premier R.J. Simpson has announced the following portfolio assignments for Members of the 20th Legislative Assembly’s Executive Council:

Premier R.J. Simpson has announced that Dr. Joe Dragon has been appointed Principal Secretary, effective December 11, 2023.

Born in Fort Smith and a Smith’s Landing First Nation member, Dr. Dragon joins the Premier’s Office after a distinguished 28-year career in territorial and federal public service. In addition to several senior leadership roles with the federal government, Dr. Dragon has served as the Deputy Minister of the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources and Infrastructure.

R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today after being elected Premier of the Northwest Territories (NWT):

“I am honoured that members of the 20th Legislative Assembly have placed their trust in me to be the next Premier of the Northwest Territories. Excited to lead our territory at such a critical time, I look toward the next four years with hope, confidence, and urgency to get things done.

Premier Caroline Cochrane and Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs and Environment and Climate Change Shane Thompson issued the following statement today regarding the evacuations of Hay River and the Kátł’odeeche First Nation due to an ongoing wildfire in the area:

“This weekend, an aggressive wildfire forced residents of Hay River and the Kátł’odeeche First Nation to evacuate their homes. The situation is evolving rapidly, and it is critical that residents not return to their communities at this time.