Premier R.J. Simpson is continuing efforts to ensure the Northwest Territories (NWT) remains top of mind for federal decision-makers during the 2025 election by publishing an open letter in The Hub—a national, not-for-profit digital news outlet—and writing directly to all federal party leaders and local candidates.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is reaching out to any Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) who are currently residents in the NWT but not licensed to work in their trained profession as a Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse.

Minister of Infrastructure Vince McKay issued the following statement on the successful completion of the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) 2025 winter fuel resupply program:

“This year’s winter fuel resupply was one of the most complex operations we’ve undertaken in recent memory—and I’m proud to say it was a success.

The illicit drug landscape is changing rapidly—here in the Northwest Territories and around the world. During initial surge response to opioid overdoses in the NWT, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer engaged with many community and Indigenous leaders regarding the information needed to support community response. One gap identified was general knowledge around the newer types of drugs that are entering the NWT.

“Today, we join people around the world in celebrating Earth Day under the theme ‘Our Power, Our Planet.’ This year’s theme is a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the environment, build resilience, and move toward a cleaner energy future.

In the Northwest Territories, the effects of climate change are intensifying. The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the rest of the planet. In recent years, extreme weather—floods, wildfires, and drought—has tested the resilience of our communities and underscored the urgent need for action.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is implementing targeted relief measures to support the diamond mining sector—the NWT’s largest industry and biggest contributor to the economy—in response to growing financial pressures and industry-wide uncertainty. These actions are designed to maintain economic stability, support local employment and businesses, and sustain decades of Indigenous economic partnership and regional development.

The attached is being distributed on behalf of the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released a What We Heard Report summarizing feedback from public engagement on the replacement of the Dehk’è Frank Channel Bridge. Additionally, in-person information sessions are scheduled on April 23 and 24 in Behchokǫ̀ to further share the findings with community members.

New direction issued to the Public Utilities Board (PUB) will modernize how electricity is regulated and delivered in the Northwest Territories. The changes are designed to support the growing pressure to transition to a lower-carbon economy, while maintaining an electricity system that is safe, secure, affordable, and reliable.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is seeking public input on the development of an Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP).

The GNWT is committed to increasing Indigenous participation in government contracts. The Indigenous Procurement Policy will help achieve this by creating more opportunities for Indigenous businesses.

The policy will support local economic growth, job creation, and skills development—contributing to stronger, more resilient communities and advancing reconciliation across the territory.