Minister of Health and Social Services Lesa Semmler has completed a successful visit to the Sahtu Region, where she was joined by Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) Public Administrator Dan Florizone along with MLA McNeely. The visit included stops in the communities of Tulita, Fort Good Hope and Norman Wells.
Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statement today on federal immigration policy and the urgent need to restore the Northwest Territories’ nominee allocations:
“Earlier this month in Ottawa, I raised a clear and urgent concern with the federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship: the Northwest Territories needs its full nominee program allocation restored—and we need a more flexible, Northern-focused approach moving forward.
Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy, and Supply Chains Caroline Wawzonek and Premier R.J. Simpson, represented by MLA Denny Rodgers, delivered keynote remarks last week at the 2025 Arctic Development Expo in Inuvik. Both speeches emphasized a shared message: Arctic security begins with strong, sustainable Northern communities—and securing the Arctic requires urgent, coordinated investment from the Government of Canada.
Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statement today in response to concerns raised about the education system in the Dehcho region:
“Over the past several months, the Government of the Northwest Territories has heard serious concerns from parents, educators, community members, and education partners in the Dehcho.
Yellowknife (June 16, 2025) - Minister of Finance Caroline Wawzonek today recognized the invaluable contributions of public servants across the Northwest Territories in honour of National Public Service Week, June 16 to 20, 2025.
“National Public Service Week is a special time to celebrate the dedication, professionalism, and hard work of public servants who serve Northerners every day,” said Minister Wawzonek. “Their commitment helps build stronger, healthier communities and supports the wellbeing of all residents across the Northwest Territories.”
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.
