The NWT government has announced a new chairperson for Prosper NWT’s board of directors.
Prosper NWT, formerly known as the NWT Business Development and Investment Corporation, is an agency of the territorial government mandated to provide financial assistance, information and support to businesses.
In a Thursday press release, industry minister Caitlin Cleveland said she had appointed Marie-Soleil Lacoursiere to take over from Kenny Ruptash.
“Marie-Soleil takes on this role at a crucial time for the organization as it launches its new four-year strategic plan and brings the updated legislation and regulations to life,” Cleveland stated.
“With her leadership, I am confident that Marie-Soleil will bring valuable insights to the board and leave a lasting, positive impact on the territory’s business landscape.”
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The organization is governed by a board of directors and is responsible to the minister. There are currently nine members on the board: Lacoursiere, Misty Ireland, Lloyd H Jones, Brad Mapes, Rosalind Mercredi, Gregory Marrithew, Patrick Scott, Soham Srimani and Garth Wallbridge.
According to Thursday’s press release, Lacoursiere is a businessperson with experience in mining, technology, mergers, acquisitions and governance, with a specialty in northern and Indigenous entrepreneurship. She has served as a director on Prosper NWT’s board since August 2021 and as vice-chairperson since 2024.
Ruptash is the president of Nahanni Construction and president of the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines. He had served on Prosper NWT’s board since July 2020 and as chairperson since February 2024.
