“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.”
— Premier R.J. Simpson
NWT Premier R.J. Simpson has cleared his desk of several portfolios, distributing them among some of his cabinet ministers.
The two biggest changes come for Environment and Climate Change Minister Jay Macdonald, who will add the roles of Minister of Justice and Government House Leader; and Municipal and Community Affairs Minister Vince McKay, who will incorporate the role of Minister of Infrastructure into his workload.
Minister of Environment and Climate Change Jay Macdonald in the NWT Assembly on February 12th. At right is Deputy Premier Caroline Wawzonek. (Photo courtesy of Assembly Livestream)
McKay also retains responsibility for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission and 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 NWT. She will also continue to serve as Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.
Deputy Premier Caroline Wawzonek will continue as Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, and will also become the Minister Responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy and Supply Chains.
The latter is a newly created role to provide political leadership for major projects such as the Mackenzie Valley Highway, Slave Geological Province Corridor, and Taltson Hydroelectric Expansion.
Education Minister Caitlin Cleveland and Health Minister Lesa Semmler will maintain their current portfolios.
Premier Simpson had been in charge of Justice, the Homelessness Strategy, and Government House Leader. He retains the Executive and Indigenous Affairs portfolios.
