Northwest Territories elects new premier and cabinet

IQALUIT — The NWT Legislative assembly has elected Stephen Kakfwi, MLA for the Sahtu region as its new premier. The former Dene Nation president beat out Inuvik Boot Lake MLA Floyd Roland in a secret ballot vote Jan. 17.

The assembly also elected six new cabinet ministers. Hay River MLA Jane Groenewegen, Inuvik Twin Lakes MLA Roger Allen, Nahendeh MLA Jim Antoine, Nunakput MLA Vince Steen, Weledeh MLA Joe Handley and Yellowknife Centre MLA Jake Ootes were elected to cabinet.

All 19 of the NWT MLAs agreed to elect two minister from constituencies north of Slave River, two from south of Slave River and Two from the Yellowknife region.
A formal motion from the house is required for the MLAs to officially become ministers. Cabinet portfolios will be assigned by Kakfwi at a later date.