Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) Minister Vince McKay issued the following statement today after the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) announced updates to the Northwest Territories (NWT) Emergency Plan:

“The GNWT and emergency management partners have learned from past experiences, including last year’s historic wildfire season, and have updated and improved emergency management practices accordingly ahead of the 2024 high-risk season.

Premier R.J. Simpson today issued the following statement:

“Yesterday, the Government of Canada unveiled the 2024 Federal Budget, and my response is one of commitment – commitment to partnership, collaboration, and the residents of the Northwest Territories (NWT). 

Today, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statement for Pink Shirt Day:

“As we mark Pink Shirt Day in the Northwest Territories, nationally and internationally, I ask all residents to promote safe environments for everyone – today and every day.

The attached is being distributed on behalf of the Office of the Chief Coroner.

Premier R.J. Simpson joins Northerners across the territory in expressing his condolences to the families and friends of those lost in today’s plane crash:

“It is with a heavy heart that I express my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who were aboard the Northwestern Air flight that crashed outside of Fort Smith today.

Today, Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement to congratulate the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc, and all Nunavummiut on the signing of the final devolution agreement:

“On behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories (NWT) I offer my sincere and heartfelt congratulations to the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc, and all Nunavummiut on the signing of the final devolution agreement transferring responsibilities for Crown land and natural resources from the federal government.

R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today after being elected Premier of the Northwest Territories (NWT):

“I am honoured that members of the 20th Legislative Assembly have placed their trust in me to be the next Premier of the Northwest Territories. Excited to lead our territory at such a critical time, I look toward the next four years with hope, confidence, and urgency to get things done.

Premier Cochrane issued the following statement today on the passing of Chief Edward Sangris:

“I, along with residents of N’dilo, Dettah, Yellowknife and the Northwest Territories, am saddened to hear of the passing of Chief Edward (Eddie) Sangris.

Today, Premier Caroline Cochrane issued the following statement to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

“On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we must stand together as a territory to reflect upon the painful legacy of residential schools and to honour the countless children who never returned home, the survivors, their families, and their communities.

Municipal and Community Affairs Minister Shane Thompson issued the following statement today:

“The City of Yellowknife and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation have announced a tentative date and time of 12:00 PM Wednesday, September 6, 2023 for residents to begin returning to Dettah, N’Dilo and Yellowknife.  The GNWT is looking forward to welcoming residents home and is working to ensure that a basic level of service and support is available for residents when they arrive.