Richard Edjericon

Member Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh

Richard Edjericon was first elected to represent the district of Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh in by election during the 19th Assembly in 2022 and was re-elected to the 20th Assembly later the next year.

A descendant of Treaty 8 Chipewyan signator Chief Oliver Edjericon, Richard Edjericon was born and raised in Little Buffalo River near Fort Resolution. He attended Diamond Jenness Secondary High School in Hay River and Akaitcho Hall in Yellowknife.

Obtaining his journeyman carpenter’s certification from Thebacha College in Fort Smith, Mr. Edjericon has nearly four decades of experience as a journeyman certified carpenter working through out the Northwest Territories and Nunavut in residential and commercial construction.

Eventually his work in construction brought him to the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation as the North Slave Maintenance Coordinator. He would also become the General Manager for the Yellowknives Dene First Nation Housing Division.

Mr. Edjericon’s dedication to his community led him to seek the position of Elected Head Chief for Dettah and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, holding that office from 1999 to 2003. He also became the Acting Grand Chief Spokeperson on behalf of the Akaitcho Chiefs for the Akaitcho Territory Government. He later joined the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board in 2007 and soon became chair, reappointed to this position in 2011.

Mr. Edjericon’s proudest moments include settling boundary disputes, signing political accords, creating fairer nation to nation relationships, and fostering economic development. As MLA he brings with him a passion for a fairer, more prosperous North, and a great depth of knowledge in housing, economics, and politics. He lives in Ndilo with his wife, Aleida.”

Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh Electoral District

Committees

Accountability and Oversight
Board of Management
Government Operations
Tu Nedhé - Wiilideh
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320
Email
Email
Phone
867-767-9143
Extension
12185
Mobile
867-446-1335
Constituency Office
Email
Email
Phone
867-446-2564

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 115)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you for your comments and your ruling. At this point, Mr. Speaker, I represent my community, and I've listened to a lot of people speak and the issue that's in front of us that we're talking about is near and dear to a lot of people in my constituency and at this point, Mr. Speaker I could talk a little bit more about the issue but at this point I am not able to apologize. Thank you.

Member’s Statement 1109-19(2): Responsibility for the Northwest Territories Healthcare System
Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 114)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Health care in small communities. On May 16th, 2022, Northern News Services published a leaked email exchange between myself and the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Services. It is regrettable sorry, regretful that this private communication was revealed without the benefit of context. And for that, I am sorry.

It is important that consensus politicians, we uphold ourselves to the highest standard and conduct that ensure the greatest amount of respect for our colleagues, especially so when we do disagree on issues.

Mr. Speaker, all that being said, I must now...

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 114)

In favour.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 114)

(audio) Mr. Speaker. Just so I'm (audio).

Oral Question 1109-19(2): Healthcare in Small Communities
Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 114)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Medical travel has been found to be lacking in supporting the needs of Indigenous people in the Northwest Territories. The Minister and her department has spoken about the need for noninsured health benefits for the First Nations and Inuit, a reform to improve outcomes. I agree with the Minister but that this is an area of federal jurisdiction.

Will the Minister commit to additional resources to the medical travel assistance to cover off any shortfalls in NIHB benefits until permanent changes are made by Ottawa? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Oral Question 1109-19(2): Healthcare in Small Communities
Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 114)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member's statement I made earlier today, my constituents, and most people in the NWT, know that our health system is in a crisis. Yet our leadership appears more interested in doing some damage control in the media than looking inwards to make policy changes to improve patient outcomes.

Mr. Speaker, my first question is health care in small communities require policies to take into account the unique circumstances for primary Indigenous population that have needs defined by race, geographically, and culture.

Will the Minister of Health and Social Services commit...

Member’s Statement 1109-19(2): Responsibility for the Northwest Territories Healthcare System
Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 114)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had trouble with my headset here. So if the Minister could repeat her question. Thank you.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 114)

(audio) Thank you.

Oral Question 1109-19(2): Healthcare in Small Communities
Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 114)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Licensed practitional nurse or LPNS requires far less training and resourcing to effectively deploy in small communities than registered nursed or nurses practitioners. These positions can effectively enhance home care services and restoring services expectation in Fort Resolution and other communities.

Will the Minister expand licensed practitional nurse positions at community health centres to ensure home care services are available in our communities? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Oral Question 1109-19(2): Healthcare in Small Communities
Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 114)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is she willing to make a commitment to a full policy review and report back to the House in 120 days? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.