The attached is being distributed on behalf of the Northwest Territory Métis Nation and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today on the results of the 2025 Federal Election:

"I extend my sincere congratulations to Mark Carney on his election as Prime Minister of Canada. Born in Fort Smith, he shares a connection to the Northwest Territories — a territory whose leadership and potential have never been more important to Canada’s future. I look forward to building a strong and productive partnership focused on unlocking the full potential of the North for the benefit of all Canadians.

Premier R.J. Simpson extends his deepest condolences to all those affected by the tragic events at the Lapu Lapu Day Filipino street festival in Vancouver.

“The heartbreaking news from Vancouver has left many of us in the Northwest Territories shaken and grieving. Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, those who were injured, and all those whose lives have been forever changed by this senseless act.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is beginning the process of transitioning Marine Transportation Services (MTS) to a Crown Corporation, with a target date of April 1, 2027.

Premier Simpson issued the following statement today regarding the U.S. tariffs on Canada:

The Government of the Northwest Territories has committed $445,000 annually to a new partnership in Hay River that delivers life-changing support to vulnerable residents. Since October 1, 2024, the Hay River & Area Métis Local #51 has successfully taken over operations of the Hay River Homeless Shelter. With funding and training support provided by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), the shelter continues to provide essential emergency services to people in need.

NT Energy and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) are pleased to announce the launch of Hay River’s first Level 3 Electric Vehicle (EV) Fast Charger. This 100kW charger, installed as part of the GNWT’s 2030 Energy Strategy and 2022-2025 Energy Action Plan, marks a significant milestone in reducing transportation emissions and brings the NWT closer to establishing a zero-emission vehicle corridor. There will be two Level 3 charging stations along with two Level 2 charging stations installed at the Hay River location, allowing several vehicles to charge at the same time.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) announced the completion of the construction phase of the Hay River Fish Plant. The event concluded the GNWT’s commitment towards the official opening and operation of the plant as part of the Strategy for Revitalizing the Great Slave Lake Commercial Fishery.

Due to historically low water levels on the Mackenzie River, all Marine Transportation Services (MTS) barges to Norman Wells and Tulita are cancelled for the 2024 sailing season.

This difficult but necessary decision was made as the Mackenzie River near Fort Providence is not navigable and includes obstacles such as large boulders and gravel bars at key maneuvering areas. Current conditions are unsafe for marine crews and would risk the integrity of vessels, cargo and fuel. We understand that these changes have negative impacts on customers, but safety remains our top priority.

Essential restoration work will continue in the Hay River Harbour this summer to ensure safe navigation for all users, and to support vital marine resupply activities.

Dredging operations are scheduled to occur between June 3 and September 14, 2024, primarily in the three fingers area of the East Channel and the outfall into Great Slave Lake. On-water work hours will be from 7am to 9pm daily.