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.

Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today following last week’s federal engagement meetings in Ottawa:

“Last week, I travelled to Ottawa alongside Ministers Caroline Wawzonek, Lesa Semmler, and Caitlin Cleveland, and senior GNWT officials, including our Senior Envoy to the Government of Canada. Together, we brought a clear and united message: the North is ready to deliver for Canada, and we’re ready to work in partnership to make it happen.

Today, Premier Simpson issued a statement on National Indigenous History Month:

"Today, on Inuvialuit Day, we recognize the signing of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement in 1984 — the first comprehensive land claim in the Northwest Territories. It was a landmark moment that has shaped the political and legal landscape of the North. The vision, determination, and leadership of the Inuvialuit helped set the stage for other land claims and self-government agreements that have followed.

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Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to share that the Government of the Northwest Territories has launched this year’s United Way Workplace Giving Campaign.

This annual campaign gives GNWT employees a simple and meaningful way to support programs that make a real difference in communities across the territory.

Through payroll deductions, employees can choose to direct donations to United Way NWT, helping fund local organizations that tackle poverty, support youth, and improve community health and well-being.

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Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House that the Honourable Member for Kam Lake, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, will be absent from the House for a portion of today’s proceedings today to meet with the Forum of Labour Market Ministers.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update Members on the formal intergovernmental meetings I have taken part in this spring and those still to come. These are valuable opportunities to advance our priorities and strengthen partnerships with Indigenous governments and with federal, provincial, and territorial colleagues. They are helpful in educating other jurisdictions about the Northwest Territories and our government mandate, and to ensure that northern perspectives are reflected in discussions of national importance.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise the House that the Honourable Member for Hay River North, the Premier will be absent from the House for today to host the Western Premier’s Conference here in Yellowknife.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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Mr. Speaker, the 20th Legislative Assembly is nearing its midpoint a natural time to reflect, recalibrate, and refocus.

Over the past year and a half, we have worked hard to build the foundation for what lies ahead. We have established strong working relationships across the House, set shared priorities, and begun the important and essential work of implementing the commitments in our mandate. These early steps were about alignment ensuring that the work of government reflects the realities, needs, and aspirations of Northerners.