Premier Simpson Highlights Northern Priorities in Open Letter and Direct Outreach to Federal Leaders

Press Release

April 25, 2025

Premier R.J. Simpson is continuing efforts to ensure the Northwest Territories (NWT) remains top of mind for federal decision-makers during the 2025 election by publishing an open letter in The Hub—a national, not-for-profit digital news outlet—and writing directly to all federal party leaders and local candidates.

The open letter—published as an op-ed titled “The North Is Key to Canada’s Future—Let’s Unlock Its Full Potential Together”—positions the Northwest Territories as essential to Canada’s long-term prosperity. It makes the case that Arctic and Northern development must be treated as a national priority, not a regional concern.

In addition to the op-ed, Premier Simpson has sent identical letters to each of the federal party leaders—both to advocate for the priorities of the Northwest Territories and to better understand how each party plans to support the territory’s unique needs. The letters highlight key issues such as infrastructure, housing, energy security, and climate resilience, while also helping to inform federal leaders about the NWT’s unique context and governance. Two responses have been received to date and will be posted online, with additional responses shared as they come in.

As a member of the Northwest Territories Council of Leaders, Premier Simpson also joined Indigenous leaders in sending a letter to federal candidates. That letter outlines shared priorities and reaffirms a commitment to collaborative governance—a core principle of the GNWT’s 2023–2027 Mandate. The GNWT is committed to working in partnership with Indigenous governments to strengthen intergovernmental relationships and improve outcomes for all residents of the territory.

Quote

“This election is a key moment to assert Northern priorities, push for long-term federal investment, and demonstrate what true partnership between Indigenous and public governments looks like.

We’re asking federal leaders and candidates to be clear with Northerners about how they plan to support our territory—because the future of the North is the future of Canada.”

— R.J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories

Quick Facts

• Premier Simpson’s open letter was published by The Hub on April 22, 2025.
• The letter highlights Arctic sovereignty, economic development, infrastructure, and reconciliation.
• Separate letters from Premier Simpson were sent to all federal party leaders, and a joint letter from the Council of Leaders—including the Premier—was sent to all local candidates.
• Candidate responses will be posted on the GNWT website as they are received.
• The Northwest Territories Council of Leaders includes representatives from Indigenous governments and the GNWT Executive Council, working together on shared priorities.
• Member governments of the NWT Council of Leaders include: Acho Dene Koe First Nation, Akaitcho Dene First Nations, Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government, Gwich’in Tribal Council, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Kátł’odeeche First Nation, Nahanni Butte Dene Band, North Slave Métis Alliance, Northwest Territory Métis Nation, Salt River First Nation, Sahtu Secretariat Inc., Tłı̨chǫ Government, and the Government of the Northwest Territories.
• The GNWT’s 2023–2027 Mandate commits to strengthening government-to-government relationships and championing collaborative governance.

Related Links

• Read the Premier’s Open Letter in The Hub
• Premier Simpson Commends Canada’s Commitment to Arctic Security, Calls for Continued Investment in the North
• Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories 2023–2027

For media requests, please contact:
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca

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