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.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Shane Thompson issued the following statement today following the tragic death of a Fort Liard firefighter near the community on July 15, 2023:

“I am deeply saddened by the news that a Fort Liard firefighter has passed away from an injury sustained while fighting a wildfire near their community on Saturday afternoon.

“My thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues during this unimaginable tragedy.

The attached is being distributed on behalf of the Northern Premiers Forum.

Today, Premier Cochrane issued the following statement for Pride Month:

“As Pride Month draws to a close, I am pledging my commitment to stand with and support the two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual and additional sexually and gender diverse (2SLGBTQQIA+) community year-round.

“Fifty-four years ago today, the Stonewall riots began following a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. These gay liberation riots are widely considered to be the catalyst and inspiration for Pride marches and Pride Month.

Today, Minister Caroline Wawzonek issued the following statement for Pride Month:

“As we mark Pride Month in the Northwest Territories, I join residents to celebrate the incredible diversity, resilience, and contributions of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community in the Northwest Territories.

“The GNWT is committed to a Northwest Territories where all people are genuinely included, celebrated, and supported to meet their full potential. We stand firmly against all forms of discrimination, prejudice, and marginalization towards the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.

Premier Caroline Cochrane and Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs and Environment and Climate Change Shane Thompson issued the following statement today regarding out-of-territory support for the 2023 NWT wildfire season:

“It has been truly humbling to see our neighbours from across the country step up to assist NWT residents who have been impacted by wildfires over the past month.