Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland and Minister of Health and Social Services Lesa Semmler issued the following joint statement today on recent changes to Jordan’s Principle:

“Across the Northwest Territories, children and families are being impacted by recent administrative changes to Jordan’s Principle. As territorial Ministers—and as Northerners—we are deeply concerned about the unintended consequences of these changes, and we are urging swift federal action to protect the progress that’s been made.

Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today in response to the Government of Canada’s announcement on increased defence spending:

“I welcome today’s announcement by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Defence Minister David McGuinty outlining Canada’s plan to meet NATO’s 2% defence spending target this year. This is a meaningful step toward strengthening national security and reaffirming Canada’s commitment to Arctic sovereignty.

Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today following last week’s federal engagement meetings in Ottawa:

“Last week, I travelled to Ottawa alongside Ministers Caroline Wawzonek, Lesa Semmler, and Caitlin Cleveland, and senior GNWT officials, including our Senior Envoy to the Government of Canada. Together, we brought a clear and united message: the North is ready to deliver for Canada, and we’re ready to work in partnership to make it happen.

Today, Premier Simpson issued a statement on National Indigenous History Month:

"Today, on Inuvialuit Day, we recognize the signing of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement in 1984 — the first comprehensive land claim in the Northwest Territories. It was a landmark moment that has shaped the political and legal landscape of the North. The vision, determination, and leadership of the Inuvialuit helped set the stage for other land claims and self-government agreements that have followed.

Minister Jay Macdonald issued the following statement for World Environment Day.

“Today, on World Environment Day, we are reminded of the profound connection between the land, water, and people of the Northwest Territories. It is a day to reaffirm our commitment to conservation, climate resilience, and Indigenous-led stewardship, positioning the North as a global leader in environmental protection. 

Today, Minister Lucy Kuptana, issued the following statement for Pride Month:

“As the Minister responsible for the Gender Equity Division in the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs, I stand with our vibrant 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities in honouring Pride Month. This is a time to celebrate the diversity, resilience, and lived experiences of Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual people, plus diverse identities and expressions across our territory. 

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statement today in response to the discovery of elevated lead levels in drinking water at two Yellowknife schools:

“As a parent, a resident of Yellowknife, and the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, I am deeply concerned by the recent test results indicating elevated lead levels in the drinking water at École William McDonald Middle School and Range Lake North School.

In response to ongoing public discussion and growing interest in the modernization of the Public Service Act (PSA), we wish to jointly affirm our shared commitment to continuing our conversations on the remaining provisions of the PSA, in particular Section 41, which pertains to the structure of bargaining units.

Premier R.J. Simpson and Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs Vince McKay issued the following statement in response to receiving the final After-Action Review (AAR) of the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) emergency response to the 2023 wildfire season—one of the most significant public safety events in the territory’s history.

Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today in response to the swearing-in of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Cabinet: