Yellowknife — June 15, 2022
Premier Caroline Cochrane today announced the appointment of Ms. Jo-Anne Cecchetto as the Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services (HSS) for the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) effective July 27, 2022.
Ms. Cecchetto has worked in the health and social services system in the Northwest Territories since 1988 in a variety of roles, including the Director of Primary Health Care, the Director of Territorial Health Services and since 2017 has served as the Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) – Programs. In addition to her role as ADM, Ms. Cecchetto is a Nurse Practitioner who continues an ongoing clinical presence at Yellowknife’s Primary Care Clinic and has served as the NWT’s Chief Nursing Officer since 2017.
Ms. Cecchetto will be replacing Mr. Bruce Cooper who will be retiring from the territorial public service after over a 30 year career in the public service. Mr. Cooper has served as the Deputy Minister of HSS with the GNWT since 2017.
Quote(s)
“I am pleased to welcome Ms. Cecchetto to her new position. She is a committed public servant and health professional who will bring a wealth of northern experience and expertise to her new role. I would also like to wish Bruce all the best in his retirement. Bruce was a strong and effective leader for the Department of Health and Social Services and his hard work helped the GNWT navigate two very difficult years of a public health emergency. His dedication, compassion and professionalism in his role will be missed.”
- Caroline Cochrane, Premier of the Northwest Territories
Quick facts
- Deputy Ministers are the non-elected head of a GNWT Department.
- The Commissioner in Executive Council appoints Deputy Ministers on the advice of the Premier.
- Deputy Ministers serve at the pleasure of, and are accountable to, the Premier for the performance of their duties.
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Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories