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Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise Members that the Honourable Member for Kam Lake, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, will be absent from the House today as she is travelling back from the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration in Toronto, Ontario.

The Honourable Member for Thebacha, Minister of Justice, will be absent for today and tomorrow to virtually attend the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for Justice and Public Safety meeting.

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Mr. Speaker, as we come together for this fall sitting of the 20th Legislative Assembly, I want to begin by welcoming all Members back to the House and by thanking the people of the Northwest Territories for their strength, generosity, and optimism about the future of our territory, even in the face of challenges.

Premier R.J. Simpson was presented with a beaded carry belt, made in 1967 as part of the Northwest Territories’ centennial celebrations, by Métis leader Tony Belcourt in Ottawa this week—marking the return of a significant piece of memorabilia and the closing of a story that showcases the resilience and unique political history of the Northwest Territories.

Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today on the election of the Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief:

“On behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, I extend my sincere congratulations to Jackson Lafferty on his reelection as Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief.

Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

“On September 30, we honour the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children who were forced to attend residential schools, we remember the children who never made it home, and we recognize the strength of Survivors, their families, and their communities.

Premier R.J. Simpson and Minister Caroline Wawzonek were in Ottawa this week for a series of meetings and events aimed at advancing the Northwest Territories’ (NWT) top priorities with federal leaders and keeping Northern issues at the forefront of the national conversation.

Hay River  (July 9, 2025) - Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today on Premier P.J. Akeeagok’s announcement that he will not seek re-election this fall:

"I want to extend my sincere thanks to Premier Akeeagok for his leadership, his friendship, and his unwavering commitment to the people of Nunavut and to the North as a whole.

Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy, and Supply Chains Caroline Wawzonek and Premier R.J. Simpson, represented by MLA Denny Rodgers, delivered keynote remarks last week at the 2025 Arctic Development Expo in Inuvik. Both speeches emphasized a shared message: Arctic security begins with strong, sustainable Northern communities—and securing the Arctic requires urgent, coordinated investment from the Government of Canada.

Good morning everyone,

Thank you for the opportunity to be here with you in Inuvik for the Arctic Development Expo. It’s always good to be back in the Beaufort Delta, and especially meaningful to speak on a subject as important—and as personal to Northerners—as Arctic sovereignty and security.

Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today in response to the Government of Canada’s announcement on increased defence spending:

“I welcome today’s announcement by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Defence Minister David McGuinty outlining Canada’s plan to meet NATO’s 2% defence spending target this year. This is a meaningful step toward strengthening national security and reaffirming Canada’s commitment to Arctic sovereignty.