Premier RJ Simpson has announced that John MacDonald is now secretary to cabinet and deputy minister of the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs.
The secretary to cabinet is the most senior official in the NWT’s public service. They are responsible for leading management of the public service, supporting the premier and six cabinet ministers in decision making, and coordinating development and implementation of government-wide direction.
A Tuesday press release stated MacDonald will focus on “modernizing GNWT program service and delivery while creating a person-centred approach that puts ease of access at the center of program design.”
“I am pleased to welcome Mr MacDonald as the new secretary to cabinet and deputy minister of executive and Indigenous affairs,” Premier Simpson was quoted as saying. “His efforts will be geared towards a vision of governance that emphasizes close collaboration with Indigenous governments and effective partnership with the federal government, as well as empowering the public service to better serve residents. I am confident that Mr MacDonald will provide adept leadership as we continuously strive to better serve the residents of the Northwest Territories.”
MacDonald replaces Martin Goldney, who is retiring, in the role of secretary to cabinet.
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MacDonald has previously served as deputy minister for the departments of education, culture and employment, and environment and climate change.
The NWT government said Sam Shannon will act as deputy minister to the education department until a successor is appointed.
Deputy ministers are the non-elected heads of departments within the territorial government. They are appointed by the commissioner in executive council on the advice of the premier and are accountable to the premier.
