Canada News
UPDATED: Rebecca Chartrand appointed minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs
Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, takes part in the cabinet swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press)
By RCI, CBC News
Rebecca Alty named minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Rebecca Chartrand new minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs
New members of Parliament for the Northwest Territories and the Nunavik region of Quebec have been named to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet.
N.W.T. MP Rebecca Alty is now the minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, while Nunavik MP Mandy Gull-Masty is the new minister of Indigenous Services.
The last N.W.T. MP to be appointed to cabinet was Ethel Blondin-Andrew in 1993. The riding was called Western Arctic at the time.
The new federal cabinet includes 28 ministers and 10 secretaries of state — people who have specific roles, but aren’t necessarily connected to a particular department.
Rebecca Chartrand, MP for Churchill–Keewatinook Aski in Manitoba is the new minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.
N.W.T. Premier R.J. Simpson shared his congratulations to Alty, who is Yellowknife’s former mayor. In a statement, he said he looks forward to working with her to advance land claims and self-government agreements.
He also said the appointment of a dedicated minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, alongside representation across other portfolios, “signals a renewed federal focus on the North and a recognition of the region’s central role in Canada’s future.”
“This is a pivotal time for the Northwest Territories. 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. But success will require genuine collaboration and timely action,” he stated.
With files from Matisse Harvey
This article is republished from RCI.
