Premier R.J. Simpson announced two significant appointments to the senior management of the territorial public service today.
Mr. Terence Courtoreille has been named Associate Deputy Minister of Healthcare System Sustainability. Mr. Courtoreille most recently served as Deputy Secretary to the Financial Management Board for the Department of Finance and has over 20 years of progressive senior management experience with the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). He has held various roles, including Director of the Management Board Secretariat and Director of Finance in the Department of Finance. Before joining the GNWT, Mr. Courtoreille worked for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation for 18 years. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.
In his new role, Mr. Courtoreille will ensure that the NWT Health and Social Services system operates in a fiscally sustainable manner, preserving the GNWT's ability to offer core Health and Social Services for residents into the future. He will lead an evaluation of all Health and Social Services programs and services to determine sustainable service levels and explore opportunities for greater efficiency. This position supports the government's priority to improve healthcare access by ensuring fiscal sustainability and efficiency in the health system.
Mr. Michael Saturnino has been appointed Associate Deputy Minister of Housing, Sustainability, and Partnerships. Mr. Saturnino most recently served as Assistant Deputy Minister of Labour and Income Security with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), bringing over 13 years of senior management experience with the GNWT. He has held positions such as Director of Labour Development and Standards and ECE Regional Superintendent for the North Slave Region. Mr. Saturnino has overseen the redesign of labour market programs and introduced a legislative framework for the post-secondary education system. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with specializations in Human Resources and Accounting and is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources.
In his new role, Mr. Saturnino will focus on maximizing federal funding opportunities to meet the full spectrum of housing needs in the territory. He will lead partnerships with Indigenous governments and collaborate with other GNWT departments to expand the northern housing continuum. His work will support the development and operation of housing facilities and secure sustainable funding for housing, aligning with the government’s priority to improve the suitability, accessibility, and affordability of housing options in the NWT.
These appointments take effect on July 15, 2024.
Quote(s)
“I am pleased to announce the appointments of Mr. Courtoreille and Mr. Saturnino to these critical roles. Their extensive experience and dedication to public service will be invaluable as we address key challenges in healthcare sustainability and housing. Their leadership will help us create a more resilient healthcare system and expand housing options to meet the needs of our residents. These appointments reflect our commitment to enhancing the well-being and quality of life for all Northerners.”
-R.J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories
Quick Facts
- The Commissioner in Executive Council appoints Associate Deputy Ministers on the advice of the Premier.
- Associate Deputy Ministers serve at pleasure and are accountable to the Premier for the performance of their duties.
- The GNWT is focused on improving healthcare access and housing affordability, as outlined in its mandate and priorities.
Related Links
- Terence Courtoreille Biography
- Michael Saturnino Biography
- 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

