R.J. Simpson

Member Hay River North

Premier
Minister of Executive and Indigenous Affairs
Minister of Justice
Government House Leader

R.J. Simpson was elected to the 20th Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly, representing the constituency of Hay River North. On December 7th, 2023, Mr. Simpson was elected Premier of the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Simpson was formerly acclaimed to the 19th Legislative Assembly and first elected into the 18th Assembly in 2015.

Mr. Simpson was Deputy Speaker of the 18th Assembly, Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on Government Operations, and the Chair of the Special Committee on Transition Matters. Mr. Simpson was also a member of the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning and the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment.

Mr. Simpson is a lifelong resident of Hay River After graduating from Diamond Jenness Secondary School in 1998 Mr. Simpson went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts from MacEwan University and a law degree from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Law.

Mr. Simpson has previously worked with the Government of Canada, Northern Transportation Company Ltd, Métis Nation Local 51, and Maskwa Engineering.

While at law school, Mr. Simpson was the President of the Aboriginal Law Students’ Association. He has also served on the board of the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre in Hay River and volunteered with the Canada-Ghana Education Project.

Hay River North Electoral District

Committees

Hay River North
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320
Email
Email
Phone
867-767-9141
Extension
11120
Constituency Office

62, promenade Woodland, bureau 104
Hay River Nord NT X0E 1G1
Canada

Phone
867-874-6301
Minister
Email
Email
Premier of the Northwest Territories, Minister of Executive and Indigenous Affairs, Minister of Justice, Government House Leader

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 33)

We will continue with the consideration of the document after a brief recess.

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Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 33)

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Mr. Thompson.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 33)

I'll now call Committee of the Whole to order. What is the wish of committee? Mr. Beaulieu.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 33)

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Mr. Thompson.

Question 361-18(2): Engagement with Northland Utilities Ltd.
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 33)

Nine months ago there was no arbitration going on in Hay River and that's the first phone call that the Minister is referring to. Doesn't the Minister see the value in having a corporation that's been here for over 60 years supplying power to the two largest communities in the territory; isn’t there value in maybe a greater engagement? Maybe reaching out a little more, being a little more proactive. I'm not saying giving them favour but recognizing the fact that they have a lot more skin in the game; they have a lot more knowledge than pretty much every other stakeholder in the territory.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 33)

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Mr. Thompson.

Member’s Statement on Northland Utilities
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 33)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Northland Utilities has been maintaining a high profile lately to combat what they claim is an expropriation of their assets by the GNWT. That language is a little strong for my liking; however, I understand where they’re coming from. After seeing what happened in Hay River, with the town accepting a proposal from the NWT Power Corporation over Northland Utilities, it’s no wonder they would think that the Yellowknife franchise might be next on NTPC's list. If it goes the same way as Hay River that's essentially game over for Northland Utilities in the...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 33)

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Mr. Thompson.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 33)

Thank you, Ms. Green. Mr. Thompson.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 33)

Thank you, Ms. Green. Mr. Minister.