Lesa Semmler

Member Inuvik Twin Lakes

Minister of Health and Social Services
Minister Responsible for the Status of Women 

Lesa Semmler currently serves as the Member representing Inuvik Twin Lakes in the 20th Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly, having been re-elected to the position. Born in Yellowknife, NT, and raised in Inuvik, where she still resides, Ms. Semmler has deep roots in the Northwest Territories. 

A Registered Nurse, Ms. Semmler graduated from the Aurora College Northern Nursing Program in 2000 and earned her Community Health Nurse Certification from the Canadian Nurses Association in 2008. With 15 years of frontline nursing experience at the Inuvik Regional Hospital, she focused on Acute Care, Homecare, and Public Health. Her career also included roles as the Manager of Acute Care Services and eventually the Regional Manager of Acute Care Services under the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority. Notably, she served as the Inuvialuit Health System Navigator at the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, assisting Inuvialuit Beneficiaries in navigating the healthcare system. 

Beyond her healthcare career, Ms. Semmler has actively contributed to education and community service. She served on the Inuvik District Education Authority, assuming the role of Chair from 2015 to 2018, and chaired the Beaufort Delta Education Council. Ms. Semmler participated in various working groups at the territorial and national levels, including the Inuit Tuberculosis Elimination Board and the Inuit Midwifery Revitalization. Her commitment to social justice is evident in her voluntary work as a member of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls National Family Advisory Circle, where she worked to ensure northern voices were heard and represented. Lesa Semmler's life and career reflect her passion for healthcare, education, and advocating for the well-being of her community.

Inuvik Twin Lakes Electoral District

Lesa Semmler
Inuvik Twin Lakes
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320
Email
Email
Phone
(867) 767-9143
Constituency Office

125 Mackenzie Rd
Unit 203
Inuvik NT X0E 0T0
Canada

P.O. Box
3130
Constituency Phone
867-678-2429
Minister's Office
Email
Email

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 28)

I will now call Committee of the Whole to order. What is the wish of committee, Mr. Norn?

Question 301-19(2): Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Action Plan
Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 28)

Yesterday, the question was asked, and there was commitment on an annual report. We're going to need staff. We're going to need someone to put this report together. Will you be able to have these staff in place to present an annual report of progress on this file for at least our October sitting?

Question 301-19(2): Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Action Plan
Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 28)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister responsible for the Status of Women. In the fall, I questioned the Minister and the Premier on an action plan for the NWT. Yesterday, it was confirmed that they are waiting for a national action plan. Last night, Crown Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett was questioned in the House of Commons about the inaction of a national action plan. I quote her, "All the provinces and territories are working on their plans that will be lifted up into a national action plan." My question is: I ask again, will the government begin work on...

Question 296-19(2): COVID-19 Pandemic Border Restrictions
Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 28)

I've also been getting questions about the role of Premier, Cabinet, and yourself agreeing with the advice and action from the Chief Public Health Officer in restricting the day-to-day activities of the residents and businesses of the Northwest Territories. Can you please outline the process that takes place in extending this public health order or instituting new orders?

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 28)

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Tabled Document 30-19(2) will be reported as ready for consideration in a formal session through the form of an appropriation bill. Committee, those were the matters agreed upon to review today. What is the wish of committee? Mr. Norn.

Member's Statement on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 27)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one year ago, I sat in the front row at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec, while the report for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women was presented to the Prime Minister. Although he didn't use the term "genocide" that day, he told a crowd the next day in Vancouver, we accept the findings, including what happened amounts to genocide. The families and lost loved ones were acknowledged that day for the injustices against them. Last week, we learned that the federal action plan in response to this Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and...

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 27)

Thank you, Minister. Member for Frame Lake.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 27)

Thank you, Minister. Ms. Bolstad.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 27)

Thank you, Member. I didn't hear any question in there, so I will take that as a comment. Member for Thebacha.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 27)

Thank you, Minister. Member for Frame Lake.