Premier R.J. Simpson announced today that Denny Rodgers has been appointed Minister of Health and Social Services. Minister Lucy Kuptana, who has been responsible for Health and Social Services since September 17, will continue as Minister Responsible for Housing NWT and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. 

Minister Rodgers’ appointment takes effect immediately

“Minister Rodgers brings valuable experience to the Health and Social Services portfolio. I’m confident he will approach this work with a strong focus on the needs of residents and will see through the good work already underway. Minister Kuptana will continue as Minister responsible for Housing NWT and the Status of Women. I thank her for providing prudent oversight of the GNWT’s largest department while continuing to deliver results at Housing NWT.” 

“I am honoured by the trust placed in me by Premier Simpson and my colleagues at the Legislative Assembly and look forward to working with the Executive Council. Health and Social Services affects every Northerner, every family, and every community, and I take on this responsibility with humility and determination. I would like to acknowledge and thank my predecessor Lesa Semmler for her commitment to this portfolio and for her leadership in advancing so much important work across the health and social services system. I also recognize the dedication of the many people already working across the system, and I look forward to collaborating with residents, Indigenous governments and organizations, frontline staff, the three health authorities, and my Cabinet colleagues to build on that work. By listening, learning, and working together, I am committed to making steady, practical progress on the priorities that matter most to Northerners.”

Quick Facts

• Under the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, the Executive Council is composed of a Premier chosen by the Legislative Assembly and persons appointed by the Commissioner on the advice of the Legislative Assembly.
• The Commissioner, on the advice of the Premier, may appoint Ministers from among the Members of the Executive Council. The Commissioner may also revoke appointments as Minister on the advice of the Premier.
• The Executive Council is responsible for the overall management and direction of the executive government of the Northwest Territories, including matters of policy.