Premier R.J. Simpson is announcing changes to the senior management team of the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT).

Eleanor Young, President of Housing NWT, will be retiring after a distinguished career in public service. Ms. Young has been a driving force in housing policy and program delivery across the territory, with a strong focus on building community capacity. Throughout her career, she prioritized establishing positive relationships with Indigenous and community governments to better support residents across the Northwest Territories.

Dr. Erin Kelly will become the new President of Housing NWT. Throughout her career, Dr. Kelly has fostered strong partnerships with Indigenous governments, communities, and stakeholders across the Northwest Territories. She has led collaborative environmental management initiatives, including the Climate Change Strategic Framework, and played a key role in negotiating agreements on transboundary water, conservation, and caribou management.

Dr. Kelly successfully guided the amalgamation of the Departments of Lands and Environment and Natural Resources into the Department of Environment and Climate Change, creating a more efficient and effective structure. During the unprecedented wildfire seasons of 2023 and 2024, she led the GNWT’s prevention, mitigation, and response efforts, including oversight of the Wildfire After Action Review, and worked with communities and Indigenous governments to improve preparedness and resilience in the face of a changing wildfire environment. Most recently, she oversaw the GNWT’s role in the multi-year Our Land for Future Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) initiative, a landmark collaboration with Indigenous partners that culminated in a historic agreement signed in Behchokǫ̀ on November 14, 2024.

Her leadership and expertise will be instrumental in advancing Housing NWT’s work, with housing remaining a top priority for the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Robert Jenkins, B.Sc., M.A.Sc., has been appointed Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Mr. Jenkins has a long history with the GNWT, having served as Assistant Deputy Minister of Energy and Strategic Initiatives in the Department of Infrastructure since 2020. Previously, he spent five years with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR), including four years as Director of the newly formed Water Resources Division, and just over a year as ADM, Environment and Climate Change, where he led the establishment of a new Protected Areas Act and oversaw the development of an Action Plan under the Climate Change Strategic Framework.

Prior to joining the GNWT, Robert worked for the Government of Canada with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC), where he served as Manager and Director of Renewable Resources and Environment. During this time, he played a key role in the transfer of authorities to the GNWT under the Devolution Final Agreement. His extensive background in environmental science, strategic infrastructure initiatives, and intergovernmental relations will be vital as the GNWT addresses the significant environmental and climate change challenges facing the North.

These appointments take effect on November 25, 2024.

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“These appointments reflect our commitment to strong leadership and strategic focus as we address the challenges and opportunities facing the Northwest Territories. I want to thank Eleanor for her remarkable contributions to housing policy and program delivery, and I wish her well in her retirement. I am confident that Erin and Robert will continue to drive our work forward with expertise and dedication.

• R.J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories

Quick Facts

• The Commissioner in Executive Council appoints Deputy Ministers on the advice of the Premier.
• Deputy Ministers serve at pleasure and are accountable to the Premier for the performance of their duties.

Related Links

• Public Service Act
• Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories 2023-2027
• R.J. Simpson on the Mandate of the 20th Legislative Assembly

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