Minister of Health and Social Services, Lesa Semmler, issued the following statement today supporting the court-filed proposed plan for tobacco compensation:

“I am announcing a key step in our effort to recover money for our healthcare system from the cigarette companies that we claim misled Canadians for decades and caused increased healthcare costs. This legal process has already been long and complex, and we are pleased it may be moving toward a conclusion. 

Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

“Today marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour the Dene, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as the survivors, their families, and communities. Today is a reminder of a painful chapter in our history—one we must never forget and from which we must continue to learn.

Premier Simpson issued the following statement today on the passing of Tony Whitford:

Yesterday, the whole of the Northwest Territories lost a staunch supporter, a dedicated servant of the people and a friend, Mr. Anthony (Tony) Whitford. 

My deepest condolences to his family, friends and all those who knew and respected him.

Premier and Minister of Justice, R.J. Simpson, joins the RCMP in the Northwest Territories in welcoming its new Commanding Officer of “G” Division, Chief Superintendent Dyson Smith:

Today, Minister Jay Macdonald expressed his condolences following last week’s helicopter crash near Fort Good Hope:

“On June 28, 2024, the Northwest Territories experienced the tragic death of a helicopter pilot while in the line of duty for the Fort Good Hope wildfire. There are no words to express how deeply saddened I am by the loss of a member of the wildfire family.

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Mr. Speaker, it is my honour to stand before you to commemorate a significant milestone for Inuvialuit and all residents of the Northwest Territories. This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement, a landmark event that we celebrate each year on June 5th as Inuvialuit Day.

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Mr. Speaker, today I would like to highlight a successful initiative that the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is supporting to remove hazardous waste from solid waste sites in communities across the Northwest Territories.

Premier Simpson issued the following statement on yesterday’s swearing-in of Northwest Territories Commissioner Gerry Kisoun in Inuvik:

I am pleased to extend my congratulations to Gerry Kisoun on being named Commissioner of the Northwest Territories (NWT).

Born on the trapline in 1953, Commissioner Kisoun brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He served as Deputy Commissioner from 2011 to 2017 and briefly as acting Commissioner upon the retirement of former Commissioner George Tuccaro.

Minister of Health and Social Services Lesa Semmler extends heartfelt appreciation to nurses in the following statement for National Nursing Week:

“As we conclude National Nursing Week, I am profoundly honoured to celebrate the tireless efforts of northern nurses. As Minister of Health and Social Services – and a former front-line nurse in our system, I am deeply grateful to nurses for their unwavering commitment to the people and communities of the Northwest Territories.

Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, provided the following statement for Red Dress Day:

“Today, my heart and thoughts are with the survivors and families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. Red Dress Day is not just a day of remembrance; it is a day of action and reflection on the ongoing impact of systemic injustices.