Yellowknife, March 31, 2025 —  Premier R.J. Simpson is announcing changes to Ministerial portfolios and senior leadership within the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). These changes are intended to better align leadership across government to support the delivery of the Priorities of the 20th Legislative Assembly.

Minister Jay Macdonald will assume the roles of Minister of Justice and Government House Leader, while continuing as Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Minister Vince McKay will assume the role of Minister of Infrastructure, in addition to his current responsibilities as Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Minister Responsible for the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission, and Minister Responsible for the Public Utilities Board.

Responsibility for the NWT Homelessness Strategy will now fall under Housing NWT, led by Minister Lucy Kuptana in her capacity as Minister Responsible for Housing Northwest Territories. This change is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination and support around homelessness and housing needs. Minister Kuptana will also continue to serve as Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.

Minister Caroline Wawzonek will continue as Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, and Deputy Premier, and will also become the Minister Responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy and Supply Chains. This newly created role will provide focused political leadership for major, nation-building projects such as the Mackenzie Valley Highway, Slave Geological Province Corridor, and Taltson Hydroelectric Expansion. These initiatives are critical to advancing economic growth, energy security, climate resilience, and Arctic sovereignty.

To support this expanded mandate, Gaeleen MacPherson will be appointed Associate Deputy Minister, Strategic Infrastructure, Energy and Supply Chains, Department of Infrastructure, effective April 1, 2025. Gaeleen brings over 20 years of experience in the mining industry, including senior roles at Diavik Diamond Mine, Dominion Diamond Mines, and De Beers Canada. Her background in supply chain development, infrastructure delivery, and Indigenous partnerships will be essential to advancing these priority projects.

Cathy Maniego will be appointed Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, replacing Steve Loutitt, who is retiring following an accomplished career in public service. Cathy brings nearly 25 years of experience in Alberta’s public service, where she held senior leadership positions in Infrastructure, Municipal Affairs, Environment, and Transportation. She has led major work on flood mitigation infrastructure, procurement modernization, and strengthening municipal capacity to deliver services and respond to local challenges.

Steve Loutitt retires after almost five years as Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and more than 35 years of service with the GNWT. His storied career is defined by steady leadership and a legacy of contributions to transportation and infrastructure development across the territory.

Quote
“Now that we’re more than a year into this government’s mandate, it’s a good time to take stock and make adjustments to ensure we’re set up to deliver. Northerners expect a government that gets things done, and that’s what we’re focused on.
By making these changes, we’re improving how we work together, ensuring each file gets the attention it deserves, supporting strong leadership across departments, and making space to move key projects forward. I want to thank Steve Loutitt for his many years of dedicated service, and I’m pleased to welcome Cathy and Gaeleen into their new roles as we keep building momentum across government.
— R.J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories

Quick Facts

• The Ministerial portfolio and role changes are effective immediately.
• Responsibility for the NWT Homelessness Strategy has been transferred to Housing NWT.
• Minister Caitlin Cleveland and Minister Lesa Semmler will maintain their current portfolios.
• Deputy Ministers are appointed by the Commissioner in Executive Council on the advice of the Premier.
• Deputy Ministers serve at pleasure and are accountable to the Premier.
• The Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories outlines the government’s priorities for 2023–2027.

Related Links

• Public Service Act
• Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act
• Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories 2023–2027

For media requests, please contact:
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca