Premier, cabinet, and committees

Premier and Cabinet of the 20th Legislative Assembly

Premier R.J. Simpson

Premier and Minister of Executive and Indigenous Affairs.

Caitlin Cleveland

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Lucy Kuptana

Minister Responsible for Housing NWT and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.

Jay MacDonald

Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister of Justice.

Vince McKay

Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Minister of Infrastructure, Minister Responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission and Minister Responsible for the Public Utilities Board.

Lesa Semmler

Minister of Health and Social Services.

Caroline Wawzonek

Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance, Minister Responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy and Supply Chains and Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation.

Cabinet Committees

Committees of Cabinet consider issues in broad sectoral areas that often involve the mandates of multiple Ministers and departments.

Media contacts

Contact people for media inquiries to Cabinet, departments, and agencies.

Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories 2023-2027

All 19 Members of the Legislative Assembly agreed to four shared Priorities for the 20th Assembly. These Priorities, as well as engagements with Indigenous governments, were used by Cabinet to develop the Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories 2023-2027. Our Mandate explains how we plan to achieve these shared Priorities. 

Introduction to the Mandate

This work will require the courage and compassion to embrace risk, the humility to trust and to learn, and the willingness to work together in true partnership.

Good, collaborative governance

Collaborative governance is the future of the NWT, and collaboration will be a cornerstone of the GNWT’s approach to advancing the Priorities.

Housing

Everyone needs a place to live. Suitable, accessible, and affordable housing is essential to building safe, vibrant communities, and enhancing economic growth and business development.

Economy

Strong and stable economies and their associated employment opportunities are an important part of community wellness and vibrancy.

Access to health care

The GNWT is committed to providing culturally respectful, trauma-informed and recovery-oriented services within the health and social services system.

Address the effects of trauma

Individual, collective, and intergenerational trauma is behind too many of the health and social challenges impacting NWT families and communities.

Emergency management

The NWT is on the front lines of climate change and must be prepared to mitigate and respond to continuing climate-driven events such as floods and fires.

Public Safety

NWT residents want to feel safe in their communities.

Business Plans

See the 2025-26 Business Plan Update.

Ministerial Mandate Letters

Ministerial mandate letters provide more specific direction to each Minister on their individual responsibilities.
Updated: Sep 02, 2026