Rebecca Alty following her election win on April 28th. Photo Courtesy of Rebecca Alty/Facebook.
Whitehorse, YT – Northern leaders are welcoming the appointment of several key ministers from the North in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new cabinet, calling it a strong signal that the region will play a central role in decision-making.
Northwest Territories MP Rebecca Alty has been named minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations which is the first time in more than three decades that an MP from the territory has held a cabinet post.
N.W.T. Premier R.J. Simpson says in a statement that the appointments mark a pivotal moment for the region’s future.
“The North has a leading role to play in building a stronger, more resilient Canada: through Arctic sovereignty, sustainable development, Indigenous partnership, and nation-building infrastructure,” said Simpson. “But success will require genuine collaboration and timely action.”
Nunavik MP Mandy Gull-Matsy is taking on the Indigenous Services file, while Manitoba MP Rebecca Chartrand becomes minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs.
Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai says the appointments show Northern and Indigenous voices will have meaningful influence at the federal decision-making table.
“These are not abstract issues for us; they are lived realities,” said Pillai in a statement. “It is reassuring to see ministers appointed who understand that perspective and are ready to work with us on the ground.”
Carney’s 38-member cabinet, unveiled yesterday, retains some senior ministers from the Trudeau era, including Chrystia Freeland, Mélanie Joly and Dominic LeBlanc.
