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. Minister.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. So this is the section where there's community counsellors to deal with mental health and wellness. I've said many times in this House that, not just the Northwest Territories, but Canada, doesn't treat this area of health with the respect it deserves. I think that, if you put resources into this, you reduce costs elsewhere; in income assistance, in sick days, in addictions, in youth pregnancies, and in all of these other areas. The way it stands right now, it's difficult if someone has mental health issues to go and get an appointment just to see a counsellor. It can...

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

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

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

Thank you, Minister. I just remind you to let us know when you're done talking so the sound technicians can switch the mics. Ms. Green.

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

Thank you. Nothing further from Mr. Thompson. Next I have Mr. O'Reilly.

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

Thank you, Minister. I understand you have witnesses you wish to bring into the Chamber. Sergeant-at-Arms, would you please escort those witnesses into the House. Minister, please introduce your witnesses for the record.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I hope that Yellowknifers' desire to flee to Hay River isn't holding up this process of bringing up the Hay River Authority into the territorial authority. That would be a shame. Nothing further. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

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

Thank you. Minister.

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

Thank you. Minister.

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

Thank you. Minister.