Member Hay River North

Premier
Minister of Executive and Indigenous Affairs

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

R.J. Simpson
Hay River North
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320
Constituency Office

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

Minister
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 2)

Thank you, Mr. O'Reilly. Supplementary Estimates, (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 3. Oh, I have Mr. Testart. Mr. Testart.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 2)

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 2)

Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 3, 2017-2018, Infrastructure, capital investment expenditures and total department not previously authorized, negative $7,178,000. Does committee agree?

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 2)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I recommend that everyone look into Guthrie House. I think it offers a lot of possibilities for our territory. The Minister mentioned that there has been a committee struck. How far along is the committee in its work? When can we expect some more solid answers from the Minister?

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 2)

Thank you. Mr. Stewart.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 2)

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 2)

Thank you, Mr. Thompson. I apologize to committee for letting this conversation get off the rails. We're not discussing barges here, but seeing as how we didn't have general comments on the supps I've allowed it, so I'll allow the Minister to respond. Minister.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 2)

I will add that it is not a jail where people go and do programs. The whole system is a program. It builds up people's confidence and helps them deal with the issues that led them there. It is more of a way of life than a simple program. What prompted the Minister's visit to Guthrie House?

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 2)

Thank you. Mr. Stewart.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 2)

Thank you. Mr. O'Reilly.