{"id":541496,"date":"2026-03-17T03:39:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T03:39:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/541496\/"},"modified":"2026-03-17T03:39:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T03:39:14","slug":"nwt-premier-creates-new-senior-role-focused-on-economic-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/541496\/","title":{"rendered":"NWT premier creates new senior role focused on economic strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"

NWT Premier RJ Simpson says he has created a new associate deputy minister position within the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment focused on economic strategy and policy. <\/p>\n

In a Monday press release, the premier announced he appointed Melissa Cyr to serve as the department\u2019s new associate minister of economic strategy and policy.<\/p>\n

In the role, Simpson said Cyr will be responsible for coordinating economic policy across GNWT departments and leading the development of a five to 10 year territorial economic strategy.<\/p>\n

Monday\u2019s release states the new role \u201ccomes at a pivotal time\u201d for the territory, citing changes in the diamond sector, Imperial Oil\u2019s plan to end operations in Norman Wells<\/a> and promised federal investments<\/a> in Arctic defence and infrastructure. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Northwest Territories is facing real economic challenges today, and those pressures have been building for some time. At the same time, we are entering a period of significant opportunity,\u201d Premier Simpson stated.<\/p>\n

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He said the GNWT is focused on ensuring growing interest in Canada\u2019s North translates into opportunities for northerners. <\/p>\n

\u201cThat means supporting businesses, preparing our workforce, and making sure the right infrastructure and policies are in place to attract investment and grow our economy,\u201d Simpson continued. <\/p>\n

\u201cThis new role will help ensure our public service is aligned, focused, and ready to do that work.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to Monday\u2019s release, Cyr has served as the NWT\u2019s assistant deputy minister of economic development since 2023 and has previously held other senior positions within the GNWT. <\/p>\n

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