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Health Minister Lesa Semmler resigns from 20th Assembly
‘She was not afraid to challenge her colleagues, and our decisions were better off for it,’ says Premier R.J. Simpson
Embattled Health and Social Services Minister Lesa Semmler has resigned as Member of the Legislative Assembly for Inuvik Twin Lakes.
Semmler has issued the following statement:
“Today I resign as Minister of Health and Social Services and as Member of the Legislative Assembly for Inuvik Twin Lakes. Serving the people of the Northwest Territories has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.
“This decision comes after considerable and careful reflection. I sought this role because I believed I could make a positive difference in how health and social services are delivered in the North. The priorities this Assembly set are now in motion, and the work is underway for those who will carry it forward.
“There is never a perfect time to step away from public service, especially from a portfolio as important as health and social services. The work will always continue, and there will always be more to do and things to improve.
“After many years in public service, it is time for a new chapter. This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right one for me personally and professionally.
“It has been an honour to work alongside such a hard-working Premier and Cabinet.
“I leave with gratitude to the thousands of professionals who deliver care across the territory every day, to my colleagues, and to the residents of Inuvik Twin Lakes and all Northerners for the trust you placed in me.
“Quyanainni”
Semmler came under harsh criticism this year and faced repeated calls for her to resign from some Regular MLAs.
An official move to oust her was threatened during the last sitting of the Assembly.
Semmler was first elected to the 19th Legislative Assembly in 2019. During that Assembly, Semmler was the Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Special Committee on Reconciliation and Indigenous Affairs. Semmler also advocated for the monument to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls that was installed at the Assembly.
On being re-elected to the 20thLegislative Assembly in 2023, Semmler was elected to the Executive Council and was appointed Minister of Health and Social Services.
Semmler’s seat has been declared vacant effective today.
Information about a by-election in the Inuvik Twin Lakes constituency will be released by Elections NWT once that instruction has been issued.
As a light rain fell at an announcement in Yellowknife recently, Health and Social Services Minister Lesa Semmler, right, improvised some cover as she spoke with federal Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty and Lucy Kuptana, minister responsible for Housing Northwest Territories. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
After Semmler’s resignation was made public, Premier R.J. Simpson issued this statement:
“Today, Lesa Semmler announced her decision to step away from public office.
“I respect her decision and thank her for the years of service she has given to the people of the Northwest Territories.
“These are difficult jobs. They ask a great deal of the people who take them on, particularly when the work is deeply personal. For Lesa, health and social services was not just another portfolio. As an Indigenous woman and a health care professional, she has a deep understanding of the impacts our decisions have on the people we serve. Lesa brought a profound vision, dedication and a deep sense of responsibility to her work as an MLA and as Minister of Health and Social Services. She led one of the most difficult portfolios in government with humility, compassion, and a genuine drive to make life better for the people and families who rely on our health and social services system. She embraced hard work and did not shy away from difficult decisions.
“As a Minister, her contributions extend beyond the world of health and social services. She brought a unique and valuable perspective to the Cabinet table, informed by her lived experiences and the cultures, values, land and people of her region. She was not afraid to challenge her colleagues, and our decisions were better off for it. Cabinet will miss her – we are grateful for everything she has contributed to our work together.
“Public service asks a great deal not only of those who serve, but of their families as well. I am grateful to Lesa for the time and energy she has given to the Northwest Territories, and I wish her and her family nothing but the best in their next chapter.
“Now, our responsibility is to ensure continuity in the important work underway.
“Minister Lucy Kuptana will assume responsibility for Health and Social Services while the Legislative Assembly determines the next steps for filling the vacancy on Executive Council.
“The work underway to improve access to health care, address the effects of trauma, strengthen services for children and families, support our health and social services workforce, and improve outcomes for residents will continue.
“Lesa set the vision and foundation for this work, and under Minister Kuptana’s leadership we will continue to advance that vision and build on that solid foundation
“On behalf of Cabinet and the Government of the Northwest Territories, I extend my deepest gratitude to Lesa for her leadership and for her contributions to this government and to the people of the Northwest Territories. Serving alongside her has truly been an honour.
“I wish the very best for her and her family in this next chapter.”
