Premier Simpson introduces Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories

Press Release

May 23, 2024

Today Premier R.J. Simpson tabled the Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). Informed by the priorities of the 20th Legislative Assembly, the Mandate will guide government decisions, programs and policies over the next four years.

The 20th Legislative Assembly shares the vision of a safe and prosperous Northwest Territories (NWT), where residents have the tools they need to realize their full potential, capitalize on new opportunities, and achieve self-sufficiency.

The Mandate will help the GNWT realize this vision. It contains high-level commitments organized into six areas that support the Priorities: Housing, Economy, Access to Health Care, Addressing the Effects of Trauma, Emergency Management and Public Safety.

The Mandate commitments are focused to ensure government efforts are concentrated on the Priorities, but broad enough to ensure there is space to incorporate guidance from and be responsive to Members of the Legislative Assembly, the public, Indigenous governments, communities, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations on how to address the Priorities.

Specificactions, targets, and measures will be written into departmental Business Plans to keep the GNWT accountable to its Mandate. Each department will identify the specific action items it will be taking to achieve the proposed mandate commitments. Members of the Legislative Assembly will have the opportunity to discuss and question those action items during the business plan review.

Regular reporting, ongoing communication, and annual updates to Business Plans will show progress on the GNWT Mandate, keeping the public informed and the government accountable.

Quote

“Collaboration will be a cornerstone of the GNWT’s approach to advancing the Mandate. By working with Indigenous governments, fellow Members of the Legislative Assembly, community leadership, and public servants across the territory, we can propel the NWT towards a brighter, better future where residents, communities and economies prosper. By taking the opportunity to align our efforts, we will accomplish more for the territory, and demonstrate to Canada what true collaborative governance can achieve.

– R.J. Simpson, Premier of the Government of the Northwest Territories

Quick Facts

• In mid-February, the 19 Members of the Legislative Assembly gathered at the Tree of Peace and developed a list of four priorities for the 20th Assembly. These priorities, along with engagements with Indigenous governments, were then used by Cabinet to guide the development of the mandate.
• The Priorities of the 20th Legislative Assembly are:
  – suitability, accessibility and affordability of housing;
  – A strong economic foundation;
  – Access to health care and addressing the effects of trauma; and
  – Safe residents and communities.

Related Links

• Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories
• Priorities of the 20th Legislative Assembly
• R.J. Simpson: Mandate of the 20th Legislative Assembly

Media Contact
Press Secretary
Cabinet Communications
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca

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