Diane Archie served as the Member for Inuvik Boot Lake in the 19th Legislative Assembly. An Inuvialuit Beneficiary, she commenced her professional career with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) as a Youth Worker.She advanced into progressively senior positions, including Assistant Comptroller, Executive Director of Community Development, Chief Negotiator, and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. She subsequently undertook the role of self‑government negotiator, representing the Inuvialuit at regional, territorial, and national forums.
Her expertise was further broadened through a secondment to British Petroleum, where she gained knowledge in offshore oil and gas development and licensing requirements. Raised in Aklavik, Northwest Territories, she was custom adopted by her grandparents and grew up immersed in a traditional Inuvialuit lifestyle, moving seasonally between camps under the guidance of her Daduck and Nannuk.
Her educational achievements include completion of Grade 12 at Grollier Hall in Inuvik, a Business Management Diploma from Arctic College, a Bachelor of Management degree, and a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies.
In public service, Ms. Archie was elected as the Member for Inuvik Boot Lake in the 19th Legislative Assembly, during which time she resided in Inuvik. She was appointed to Cabinet by Premier Caroline Cochrane, serving as Deputy Premier, Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister Responsible for Persons with Disabilities, and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. In July 2020, she assumed responsibility for Seniors, and later that year, she continued as Deputy Premier while being named Minister of Infrastructure and Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation.
Inuvik Boot Lake
Statements in Debates
Debates of
, 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 168)
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize my ministerial advisor Robert Collinson. He stood beside me for the last four years. Quyananni. He's in the gallery wearing his vacation shirt. When I walked in the office this morning, I said where the heck do you think you're going? One more day. So thank you, Robert. I also would like to recognize Valerie Daniels who's my EA, and also Corrinne Sanderson. Thank you for being with me here today. She was my previous EA. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when I became Minister of Infrastructure, I was quite surprised that we didn't finish the road all the way too so I mean, I it's a 12 kilometre access coad that needs to get into the community of Whati. We have taken steps over the few years in preparation for the Whati access road improvements. This has included things like surveying, design work, and securing necessary permits. Mr. Speaker, I anticipate that this work will start within the year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Debates of
, 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 167)
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank the Inuvialuktun interpreters, Valerie Steffanson and Lillian Elias. For the last four years, I'd pop in and listen to them speak in my language, Inuvialuktun, and it's been very helpful. Quyananni.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One more kick at the can. As I've stated before, Mr. Speaker, we've looked at the Member's suggestion and determined it would be at a significant financial cost to extend the hours, or even just to open on weekends. I also want to emphasize that the impact that increased hours would have to the safety and work balance of our staff who already have a stressful and often thankless job.
Mr. Speaker, I do also want to note that you can get most of your services online. You could renew your registration at 3 a.m. in front of your computer, in your underwear if you want. Thank...
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I just want to note that once we get the funding, then it'll be put on the books. So we're just anxiously awaiting for the federal government to be able to perhaps respond to our proposal and get the rest of that highway completed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member is correct. We have applications in to the federal government to complete the rest of that highway. We started we completed phase 1. We are working with the Tlicho partnership as per our cooperation agreement. So, I mean, yes, we are looking into it. And thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, today I want to focus on the Government of the Northwest Territories' in accomplishments in road, air, and marine transportation during this 19th Assembly.
Enhancing our allseason highway system has been a top priority. In November 2021, the GNWT opened the Tlicho Highway for traffic for the first time, adding to the territory's roster of allseason highways. This 97 kilometre allseason road was advanced in partnership with the Tlicho government and will reduce the cost of living in the region.
The GNWT is also nearing completion of the phase 1 of the Prohibition Creek Access Road...
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, that is what we're working at. I do want to note that this project's into two phases. The phase that we're going to start will consist of road embankment improvement, some of the ditching, drainage culvert installation, signage, replacement of the culvert with a short span bridge. This is our next phase, Mr. Speaker. This is something that we are looking for funding. And, you know, I'm anticipating that work is going to start right away. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, our department staff are engaged with federal officials on the potential, and all parties recognize the value of building relationships with Indigenous partners, better defining the project footprint, working towards filing this regulatory application.
I also raised the issue with Minister Fraser who is the Minister federal minister of housing, infrastructure, and communities. I know that Minister we had an introductory meeting in September to have discussion on infrastructure, community, and housing. I also know that Minister Wawzonek and the Premier...
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, this project is a priority of this 19th Assembly. We also have federal funding, Mr. Speaker, that's in place to do things like advance the business case, formalize business partners, define a preferred transformation route. Also at the end to be able to file this regulatory application. Mr. Speaker, I'll say it again, big picture thinking, thinking about the future that stabilizes the cost of energy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
