Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today following the resignation of Lesa Semmler as Minister of Health and Social Services and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Inuvik Twin Lakes:

“Today, Lesa Semmler announced her decision to step away from public office.

I respect her decision and thank her for the years of service she has given to the people of the Northwest Territories.

These are difficult jobs. They ask a great deal of the people who take them on, particularly when the work is deeply personal. For Lesa, health and social services was not just another portfolio. As an Indigenous woman and a health care professional, she has a deep understanding of the impacts our decisions have on the people we serve. Lesa brought a profound vision, dedication and a deep sense of responsibility to her work as an MLA and as Minister of Health and Social Services. She led one of the most difficult portfolios in government with humility, compassion, and a genuine drive to make life better for the people and families who rely on our health and social services system. She embraced hard work and did not shy away from difficult decisions.

As a Minister, her contributions extend beyond the world of health and social services. She brought a unique and valuable perspective to the Cabinet table, informed by her lived experiences and the cultures, values, land and people of her region. She was not afraid to challenge her colleagues, and our decisions were better off for it. Cabinet will miss her – we are grateful for everything she has contributed to our work together.

Public service asks a great deal not only of those who serve, but of their families as well. I am grateful to Lesa for the time and energy she has given to the Northwest Territories, and I wish her and her family nothing but the best in their next chapter.

Now, our responsibility is to ensure continuity in the important work underway.

Minister Lucy Kuptana will assume responsibility for Health and Social Services while the Legislative Assembly determines the next steps for filling the vacancy on Executive Council.

The work underway to improve access to health care, address the effects of trauma, strengthen services for children and families, support our health and social services workforce, and improve outcomes for residents will continue.

Lesa set the vision and foundation for this work, and under Minister Kuptana’s leadership we will continue to advance that vision and build on that solid foundation

On behalf of Cabinet and the Government of the Northwest Territories, I extend my deepest gratitude to Lesa for her leadership and for her contributions to this government and to the people of the Northwest Territories. Serving alongside her has truly been an honour.

I wish the very best for her and her family in this next chapter.”

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Government of the Northwest Territories
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