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

Committee Motion 91-18(2): Committee Report 7-18(2), Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures Report on the Review of the Members’ Conduct Guidelines – Five-Year Limit on Eligibility for Candidacy, Continuation
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 67)

Thank you. To the motion. Mr. Nakimayak.

Question 728-18(2): A New Day Program Request for Proposals
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 67)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As far as the Department of Justice is concerned, the only benefit from the A New Day program has been to the 12 men who have completed the program start to finish. The department gives no weight to the benefits to the men who didn't graduate but who will attest that they can better control their anger and that they've slowed their drinking and that their lives are just generally better after participating in the program. It doesn't consider the fact that A New Day is the only program available in remand. So what the department has done is structure the RFP to eliminate...

Committee Motion 92-18(2): Committee Report 7-18(2), Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures Report on the Review of the Members’ Conduct Guidelines – Motion to Refer Committee Motion 91-18(2) and Amendment Thereto to the Standing Committee on
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 67)

Thank you, Ms. Green. The motion is in order. To the motion. Ms. Green.

Committee Motion 93-18(2): Committee Report 7-18(2), Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures Report on the Review of the Members’ Conduct Guidelines – Revision of Legislative Assembly Oath of Office, Carried
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 67)

Thank you. To the motion. Over to Mr. O'Reilly to conclude debate.

Recorded Vote
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 67)

All those opposed, please stand. All those abstaining, please stand. Results are 16 in favour; zero opposed; zero abstentions. The motion is carried.

---Carried

Committee Motion 91-18(2): Committee Report 7-18(2), Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures Report on the Review of the Members’ Conduct Guidelines – Five-Year Limit on Eligibility for Candidacy, Continuation
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 67)

Thank you. To the motion. Mr. Vanthuyne.

Member’s Statement on A New Day Program Request for Proposals
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 67)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, two days ago, the Department of Justice released a request for proposal for a revamped A New Day program. At least, that is what the title says. However, those familiar with the current A New Day program might only recognize it as a gutted and sterilized approximation of the program they know.

A New Day is the NWT’s only healing program for men who use violence in their relationships. It was developed after two years of research and investigation led by the Department of Justice, and included staff and leaders from Health and Social Services, the John Howard...

Motion to Amend Committee Motion 91-18(2), Defeated
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 67)

We are going to take a brief recess.

---SHORT RECESS

Committee Motion 93-18(2): Committee Report 7-18(2), Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures Report on the Review of the Members’ Conduct Guidelines – Revision of Legislative Assembly Oath of Office, Carried
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 67)

Thank you. Premier.

Committee Motion 90-18(2): Committee Report 7-18(2), Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures Report on the Review of the Members’ Conduct Guidelines – Amendment of Elections and Plebiscites Act to Provide Compliance with Code of Conduct, Carr
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 67)

Thank you, Mr. O'Reilly. To the motion? The question has been called. Mr. O'Reilly, would you conclude debate of the motion?