Richard Edjericon

Member Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh

Richard Edjericon was first elected to represent the district of Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh in by election during the 19th Assembly in 2022 and was re-elected to the 20th Assembly later the next year.

A descendant of Treaty 8 Chipewyan signator Chief Oliver Edjericon, Richard Edjericon was born and raised in Little Buffalo River near Fort Resolution. He attended Diamond Jenness Secondary High School in Hay River and Akaitcho Hall in Yellowknife.

Obtaining his journeyman carpenter’s certification from Thebacha College in Fort Smith, Mr. Edjericon has nearly four decades of experience as a journeyman certified carpenter working through out the Northwest Territories and Nunavut in residential and commercial construction.

Eventually his work in construction brought him to the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation as the North Slave Maintenance Coordinator. He would also become the General Manager for the Yellowknives Dene First Nation Housing Division.

Mr. Edjericon’s dedication to his community led him to seek the position of Elected Head Chief for Dettah and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, holding that office from 1999 to 2003. He also became the Acting Grand Chief Spokeperson on behalf of the Akaitcho Chiefs for the Akaitcho Territory Government. He later joined the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board in 2007 and soon became chair, reappointed to this position in 2011.

Mr. Edjericon’s proudest moments include settling boundary disputes, signing political accords, creating fairer nation to nation relationships, and fostering economic development. As MLA he brings with him a passion for a fairer, more prosperous North, and a great depth of knowledge in housing, economics, and politics. He lives in Ndilo with his wife, Aleida.”

Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh Electoral District

Committees

Accountability and Oversight
Board of Management
Government Operations
Richard Edjericon
Tu Nedhé - Wiilideh
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320
Email
Email
Phone
867-767-9143
Extension
12185
Mobile
867-445-8298
Constituency Office
Email
Email
Phone
867-447-0439

Statements in Debates

Oral Question 1129-19(2): Increasing Cost of Fuel
Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 116)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister explain why increases for community government customers, social assistance and senior heating subsidy has increased more than for nonprofit customers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Member’s Statement 1128-19(2): Increasing Cost of Fuel
Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 116)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this spring the Department of Infrastructure has changed the pricing for heating fuel, diesel, gasoline and naphtha. Since last month, our communities have seen increases between 4 and 48 percent for heating fuel alone. And diesel price increase between 6 to 41 percent depending on the community. And gasoline saw prices go up between 5 to 33 percent.

The Department of Infrastructure website provides a table of fuel prices by community. Effective May 16, 2022, the price for a litre of gas can be as high as $2.40, the price at Colville Lake, or as low as $1.77...

Recorded Vote
Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 116)

For.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 115)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, again, I'm just representing my constituents, bringing their issues forward, and I will stand by my remarks. Thank you, I will not apologize.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 115)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you for your comments and your ruling. At this point, Mr. Speaker, I represent my community, and I've listened to a lot of people speak and the issue that's in front of us that we're talking about is near and dear to a lot of people in my constituency and at this point, Mr. Speaker I could talk a little bit more about the issue but at this point I am not able to apologize. Thank you.

Member’s Statement 1109-19(2): Responsibility for the Northwest Territories Healthcare System
Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 114)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Health care in small communities. On May 16th, 2022, Northern News Services published a leaked email exchange between myself and the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Services. It is regrettable sorry, regretful that this private communication was revealed without the benefit of context. And for that, I am sorry.

It is important that consensus politicians, we uphold ourselves to the highest standard and conduct that ensure the greatest amount of respect for our colleagues, especially so when we do disagree on issues.

Mr. Speaker, all that being said, I must now...

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 114)

In favour.

Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 114)

(audio) Mr. Speaker. Just so I'm (audio).

Oral Question 1109-19(2): Healthcare in Small Communities
Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 114)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Medical travel has been found to be lacking in supporting the needs of Indigenous people in the Northwest Territories. The Minister and her department has spoken about the need for noninsured health benefits for the First Nations and Inuit, a reform to improve outcomes. I agree with the Minister but that this is an area of federal jurisdiction.

Will the Minister commit to additional resources to the medical travel assistance to cover off any shortfalls in NIHB benefits until permanent changes are made by Ottawa? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Oral Question 1109-19(2): Healthcare in Small Communities
Debates of , 19th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 114)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member's statement I made earlier today, my constituents, and most people in the NWT, know that our health system is in a crisis. Yet our leadership appears more interested in doing some damage control in the media than looking inwards to make policy changes to improve patient outcomes.

Mr. Speaker, my first question is health care in small communities require policies to take into account the unique circumstances for primary Indigenous population that have needs defined by race, geographically, and culture.

Will the Minister of Health and Social Services commit...