Denny Rodgers is taking over health and social services, Premier RJ Simpson announced on Wednesday after the Inuvik Boot Lake MLA was elevated into cabinet.
Health was Lesa Semmler’s portfolio until she resigned from cabinet and stepped down as Inuvik Twin Lakes MLA last month.
Inuvik Boot Lake MLA Rodgers was acclaimed into cabinet as her replacement this week.
It was not guaranteed that Rodgers would replace Semmler at the Department of Health and Social Services. Simpson has it in his power to assign any portfolio to any minister.
In a statement, the premier said Rodgers “brings valuable experience” to the role.
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“I’m confident he will approach this work with a strong focus on the needs of residents and will see through the good work already under way,” Simpson was quoted as saying.
Rodgers is a former Inuvik mayor who has worked at the Inuvialuit Development Corporation and Inuvik Housing Authority. He has also served as the public administrator for Aurora College.
He replaces Semmler, a nurse by training, who had declared it was “time for a new chapter” as she resigned in mid-September.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank my predecessor Lesa Semmler for her commitment to this portfolio and for her leadership in advancing so much important work across the health and social services system,” Rodgers was quoted as saying.
“By listening, learning, and working together, I am committed to making steady, practical progress on the priorities that matter most to northerners.”
