Premier Simpson Announces Changes to the Premier’s Office

by ahnationtalk on February 20, 202520 Views

February 20, 2025

Premier R.J. Simpson has announced changes to the structure of the Premier’s Office to modernize its organizational design and strengthen the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) engagement with the Government of Canada.

Dr. Joe Dragon has transitioned from the role of Principal Secretary to the newly established position of Senior Envoy to the Government of Canada. This political role is designed to raise the profile of the Northwest Territories in Ottawa and strengthen relationships with federal political offices. With a presence in both Yellowknife and Ottawa, Dr. Dragon will continue to report directly to the Premier.

Additionally, Kyla Kakfwi-Scott has assumed the role of Chief of Staff, formally recognizing her expanded leadership in operational and political support within the Premier’s Office. This role aligns with the staffing model used in most Premier’s Offices across Canada.

A seasoned public servant, Kyla Kakfwi-Scott is K’asho Got’ine and has held multiple senior leadership positions within the GNWT, most recently serving as Deputy Secretary in the Principal Secretary’s Office. Her previous roles include Assistant Deputy Minister of Corporate Services and Cultural Safety with the Department of Health and Social Services, where she led key initiatives related to Indigenous government relations, human resources, medical travel, and federal partnerships, including work with Indigenous Services Canada. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Dalhousie University and is an alumna of the Jane Glassco Northern Fellowship.

With over 25 years of experience across the public, private, non-profit, and philanthropic sectors, Kyla brings a deep understanding of government operations, intergovernmental relations, and policy development. In her new role, she will serve as the senior operational lead for the Executive Council Offices, supporting Cabinet Ministers and ensuring the smooth and effective coordination of government business.

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“During the first year of our term, Joe’s vision and experience have been invaluable in shaping our federal engagement approach and strengthening our relationships with Indigenous governments. As Senior Envoy to the Government of Canada, his extensive experience working with federal, territorial, and Indigenous governments will be a significant asset as we respond to political change in Ottawa, and work to capitalize on the renewed interest in Canada’s North. I sincerely appreciate his continued dedication in this new role, where he will continue to help advance our government’s priorities in Ottawa for the benefit of all our residents.”

“I also want to thank Kyla for stepping into this expanded role. Her deep commitment to the North, extensive knowledge of government operations and experience leading high-profile initiatives have been, and will continue to be, invaluable in strengthening our internal coordination and supporting Cabinet to deliver on our commitments to Northerners.”