Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today in response to recent discussion about the state of the Northwest Territories’ mining industry:
“Mining has been central to the Northwest Territories’ economy for generations, and our government shares the concern about the challenges the industry is facing.
Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statement today on the restoration of the Northwest Territories’ 2025 nominee allocation:
“I am very pleased to share that the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received confirmation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that our full 2025 nominee allocation has been restored. This brings our total back to 300 nominations, a full return to pre-2025 levels.
Jay Macdonald, Minister of Justice, issued the following statement in response to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent announcement on building safer communities.
“The Government of the Northwest Territories welcomes Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement that the federal government will table amendments to the Criminal Code next week to strengthen bail and sentencing provisions for violent and repeat offenders. These proposed reforms respond to concerns that Northerners have been voicing for some time about the impact of crime and safety in communities.
Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today on the election of the Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief:
“On behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, I extend my sincere congratulations to Jackson Lafferty on his reelection as Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief.
Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
“On September 30, we honour the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children who were forced to attend residential schools, we remember the children who never made it home, and we recognize the strength of Survivors, their families, and their communities.
Premier R.J. Simpson extends his deepest condolences on the passing of Sam Gargan, a respected Elder, leader, and former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly whose lifelong service to the people of the Dehcho and the Northwest Territories leaves an enduring legacy.
“Sam Gargan was a dedicated leader who gave decades of service to the Northwest Territories. Over four terms as the Member for Deh Cho, including his final term as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, he helped guide the consensus system with fairness and respect, strengthening the foundation of our legislature.
Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today to mark the 20th anniversary of the Tłı̨chǫ Government:
“Twenty years ago, the Tłı̨chǫ Government was formally established — the first in the Northwest Territories to combine a comprehensive land claim and a self-government agreement. It was a landmark achievement that reflected decades of vision, unity, and determination, and enshrined the Tłı̨chǫ Nation’s right to make decisions for their own people, in their own way.
Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today following his participation in the community celebration of the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę Government Final Self-Government Agreement in Norman Wells:
“This weekend, I had the honour of joining President Sherry Hodgson and the community of Norman Wells to celebrate a moment generations in the making. The ratification of the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę Government Final Self-Government Agreement marks a major step forward in the Tłegǫ́hłı̨ Got’įnę journey to reclaim and renew their system of governance.
Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statement today following the public release of the third-party investigation into elevated lead levels in school drinking water systems:
“As a parent, a lifelong resident of Yellowknife, and the Minister of Education, I want to begin by acknowledging how difficult and distressing this situation has been for families, students, and staff. I understand the frustration and concern that many are feeling.
Hay River (July 9, 2025) - Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today on Premier P.J. Akeeagok’s announcement that he will not seek re-election this fall:
"I want to extend my sincere thanks to Premier Akeeagok for his leadership, his friendship, and his unwavering commitment to the people of Nunavut and to the North as a whole.
