With the results of the election of the Chair of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation now confirmed, Minister Lucy Kuptana has resumed her role on the Executive Council of the Government of the Northwest Territories. The Housing and Status of Women portfolios, which she previously held, have been reassigned to her.

Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today on the election of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation Chair:

“On behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, I congratulate Erwin Elias on his election as Chair of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

Mr. Elias has proven leadership experience and a strong connection to his community, and I wish him every success as he takes on this role. I have had a positive working relationship with Mr. Elias in the past and look forward to continuing to work with him in his new capacity as Chair.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the NWT Council of Leaders are hosting a three-day summit in Yellowknife from January 20 to 22, 2026. The event, Following the North Star: Primary Health Care Reimagined Together, will bring together Indigenous governments, health system leaders, and national experts to share lessons and explore promising models of care.

Residents across the Northwest Territories are invited to share their perspectives on mental wellness and addictions recovery services. Your feedback will help improve access, equity, and culturally safe supports for people and families across the NWT.

The survey runs until April 24, 2026 and is open to everyone, regardless of whether you’ve accessed these services directly. Residents can respond as a direct user of these services, or on behalf of a child, dependent, or someone they support as a service provider.

Discover a new video series that celebrates Indigenous systems of care and the important role they serve in supporting children, youth, and families across the NWT.  

This series features powerful stories from Indigenous caregivers, Elders and community members, highlighting traditions such as Custom Adoption, shared caregiving and community-led support. These practices are rooted in culture and belonging which are essential to the wellbeing of children and families

The video series is intended to:

Health and Social Services providers in select primary care and community health settings across the Northwest Territories are beginning to use Mika AI Scribe, a new tool that creates draft clinical notes during patient visits. This one-year pilot, in partnership with all three Health and Social Services Authorities, is designed to help providers spend more time on patient care and less on paperwork, while maintaining strong privacy and consent protections.

Premier RJ Simpson, and Ministers Caitlin Cleveland and Vince McKay travelled to Colville Lake on Thursday last week to tour the community and meet with Behdzi Ahda' First Nation Chief and Council.

Upon arrival, they were joined by Member for Sahtu Danny McNeely and sat down for a meal together with Behdzi Ahda' First Nation Chief and Council. Leaders were given a community tour, visited Colville Lake School, and then gathered again to meet with Chief and Council to discuss key topics and issues.

Residents and retailers in the NWT can now access CannSell Online Training — a free, territory-specific course designed to support safe and responsible cannabis sales.

The CannSell course provides guidance to cannabis retailers and their employees on topics such as:

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is extending targeted property tax relief for diamond mines into the 2026–27 fiscal year to support near-term economic stability for workers, businesses, and northern communities during a period of continued global market and trade uncertainty.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Princess Alexandra School, Diamond Jenness Secondary School, and the Diamond Jenness Trades Centre in Hay River.

Princess Alexandra School

Testing has confirmed that some water fixtures show lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for the school.