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
Extension
11120
Constituency Office

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

Phone
Minister
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, 3rd Session (day 18)

Thank you, Ms. Green. Minister.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

Thank you. Minister.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I understand that there are legal constraints the corporation is bound by. I know this isn't an easy issue, and I know there are issues related to children in these houses, too. If there is a mother and father looking after children and they are dealing drugs, what do you do? Do you just kick them all out? The children are victims in that situation, as well. I know this isn't an easy issue, and I know the Minister has said they are looking at all the policies. Can she give us some insight into what they are looking at as solutions to this issue? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

Thank you, Minister Abernethy. Mr. O'Reilly.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

Thank you. Minister, would you like to respond?

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

Thank you, Minister. Ms. Green.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

Thank you, Ms. Green. Minister.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

Thank you. Minister.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 18)

Thank you. I agree there is value in accessing third parties, especially when it comes to issues like this where the rigid approach of government often doesn't work. My concern is more the wages that are paid currently don't match government wages. I know, at least in Hay River, there are issues with that, with getting qualified personnel. I am not advocating the government take this over; I was just wondering if those discussions had been had at all. Nothing further on this right now. Thank you, Mr. Chair.