Lesa Semmler

Member Inuvik Twin Lakes

Minister of Health and Social Services

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

Committees

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
Email
Email
Minister of Health and Social Services

Statements in Debates

Question 111-19(2): Mental Health and Suicide Resources for Students
Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 11)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions are for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Will the Minister of Education tell me or provide me with what programs and supports are currently being provided to junior and senior high students in our territory related to mental health and suicide, peer counselling, or anything like that? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 11)

Thank you, Madam Chair. Would you be able to elaborate on some of the reasons why, and I know I'll probably hear it, because we are bad communicators, but can the Minister explain why the uptake of these programs are not being utilized? Thank you, Madam Chair.

Question 111-19(2): Mental Health and Suicide Resources for Students
Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 11)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The last question: I just want to see if there is information for parents if they have to support their kids with suicide that can be distributed because I know a lot of the teachers do mail-outs and things, just to keep alert on key things to identify, as some students are struggling and their parents aren't aware. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 10)

Thank you, Madam Premier. Minister of Environment and Natural Resources.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 10)

Thank you, Madam Premier. Minister for ITI.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 10)

Thank you, Madam Chair. One of the hardest things, I think, working in healthcare is when you are working with clients and you are working with patients. You are coming in, and you are leaving. You are from another province, or you are in another territory or another hospital. It is so hard as any nurses that are permanent already here, signed on. I don't even think it is nurses. It is lab techs. It is all of them, having rotating co-workers that you are having to basically do your job, orientate almost every shift. It feels like you are constantly orientating. You are doing the job of two all...

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 10)

Thank you, Minister. Member for Frame Lake.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 10)

Thank you, Madam Premier. Member for Hay River South.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 10)

Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Madam Premier.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 10)

Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Madam Premier.