The NWT’s health minister, Lesa Semmler, is resigning. She is also stepping down as MLA for Inuvik Twin Lakes.
In a statement, she said the decision came “after considerable and careful reflection.”
Lucy Kuptana, the housing minister and Nunakput MLA, will assume temporary responsibility for the health and social services portfolio.
A by-election to fill the seat will now be held. The next territorial election is due in the fall of 2027.
“Serving the people of the Northwest Territories has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Semmler said in a Thursday afternoon statement. (She could not be reached by phone.)
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“After many years in public service, it is time for a new chapter. This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right one for me personally and professionally.”
Semmler was first elected as a regular MLA in 2019 before joining RJ Simpson’s cabinet in 2023. As a registered nurse, she was an obvious choice as his health minister.
Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart was among a small group criticizing the health minister for “poor performance” in recent months, though isolated calls for her resignation were not perceived by cabinet colleagues as a meaningful threat. Simpson had stated his full confidence in her.
In a lengthy statement responding to Semmler’s resignation, the premier said she had treated her ministerial role as “not just another portfolio.”
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“These are difficult jobs. They ask a great deal of the people who take them on, particularly when the work is deeply personal,” Simpson stated.
“She led one of the most difficult portfolios in government with humility, compassion, and a genuine drive to make life better for the people and families who rely on our health and social services system. She embraced hard work and did not shy away from difficult decisions.
“She was not afraid to challenge her colleagues, and our decisions were better off for it. Cabinet will miss her – we are grateful for everything she has contributed to our work together.”
Information about a by-election in the Inuvik Twin Lakes district will be released by Elections NWT in the near future, the Legislative Assembly stated.
The members of the legislature collectively decide who makes up cabinet, meaning MLAs will be called upon to select a replacement from among their number.
