Hay River is well-represented when it comes to cabinet with both of the town’s MLAs being elected by their colleagues to serve on cabinet.
And that’s great news, according to Mayor Kandis Jameson.
She said she’s already congratulated both of them on their selection to cabinet.
“R.J. will be an excellent representative of the NWT through the premier’s seat,” she told the Hay River Hub. “He brings professionalism, intelligence, and political experience to the position which is needed to advance the concerns and priorities of this government. Vince brings dedication, passion, and knowledge to cabinet. He is a strong advocate for change and will ensure Hay River continues to have a voice at the table.
“Council and I are proud of both R.J.’s and Vince’s achievements and look forward to working closely with both of them to advance our common priorities.”
It’s still not known what the portfolios will be for each cabinet minister, but Jameson said she’s looking to meet with cabinet early in the new year to discuss some of those aforementioned town’s priorities.
They include community investment, which involves requesting that the GNWT address known funding gaps for community operations and infrastructure needs along with lobbying the federal government to develop a new framework to address infrastructure funding gaps.
Climate change is also something Jameson said was important to council. She’s hoping for support for the development of community climate adaptation plans along with increased support for natural disaster response, recovery and mitigation considering the impacts of flooding and the wildfires.
Housing, land settlements and economic development are also on the list of priorities, she added.
She also said having both MLAs on cabinet will be a benefit to the town overall.
“It is important that the (town) bring attention to the specific issues and challenges we face in developing a healthy community,” she said. “By having a past relationship with both Vince and R.J. through their political careers, and by their own intimate understanding of the community, I expect that there will be strong alignment with our goals and opportunities to advance issues pertinent to our community.”
The assembly has adjourned for the remainder of the year and is scheduled to meet again in Yellowknife on Feb. 24, 2024.