Minister R.J. Simpson today announced that Dr. Glenda Vardy Dell will be appointed president of Aurora College, effective April 4, 2022. 

Dr. Vardy Dell has been with Aurora College since 2019 and has served in the roles of senior advisor to the president/interim director of the Center for Teaching and Learning as well as vice president of Education and Training.  Dr. Vardy Dell brings a wealth of experience in the fields of health sciences and post secondary leadership to her new role.

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Mr. Speaker, the current invasion of Ukraine by Russia is a stark reminder of the importance of Arctic Sovereignty. We share a unique border with Russia, the Arctic Ocean. As the Arctic takes a more predominant role on the international stage, we want to ensure that the needs of Northerners remain a priority for Canada. It also means that the aspirations of Northerners be given appropriate attention and that we eliminate the gaps between northern and southern Canadians.

Canada’s Premiers are pleased to announce the Council of the Federation (COF) Award for Innovation in Mental Health and Addictions Care.

Presented in each province and territory for an initiative that positively impacts mental health and addictions care, this new Award will recognize and support one individual or organization from each jurisdiction that excels in the field.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is making changes to current Public Health Orders that will ease restrictions in the Northwest Territories. 

As of March 1, 2022, travel requirements for self-isolation will be reduced,  gathering restrictions will end, as well as the Proof of Vaccine (PVC) Program for businesses.

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Mr. Speaker, yesterday the world was thrust into uncertainty and turmoil as Russia launched an attack and subsequent invasion of Ukraine.

The Northwest Territories stands with Ukraine. The images coming out of the eastern European nation are horrifying. My heart goes out to those who are forced to flee their homes to find safety, and to those who have lost their lives in a senseless act of aggression by Russia.

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Mr. Speaker, as we pass the mid-point for the 19^th Legislative Assembly, it is important to take stock of where we are as a government, and the progress we are making in fulfilling the commitments we made in our mandate.

At the beginning of this Legislative Assembly, our government tabled the Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories 2019-2023 , which established the actions we planned to take to advance the 22 shared priorities set by this Legislative Assembly.

Today, the Premier’s Awards for Excellence winners were announced. Due to COVID-19 public health restrictions, no award ceremony was held this year. Instead, the recipients were notified by email and the physical awards are being mailed out.

The annual Premier’s Award for Excellence program recognizes the outstanding achievement of Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) employees or teams who continue to strive for excellence.

This year, honours were presented in two separate categories.

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Mr. Speaker, I want to welcome all Members back to the House for this sitting of the 19th Legislative Assembly. There is important work to be done over the next six weeks, and I look forward to working with each of you as we advance the priorities of this government.

Premier Caroline Cochrane issued the following statement on resource development in the Northwest Territories:

Premier Caroline Cochrane will be in Ottawa this week to meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and members of the federal Cabinet to discuss Northwest Territories (NWT) priorities and advance Northern interests.

The social and economic challenges that existed before the COVID-19 have only been accelerated as a result of the pandemic. Premier Cochrane will be discussing these economic and social challenges that impact our territory, such as infrastructure, roads, broadband, cleaner sources of energy, and affordable housing.