N.W.T. cabinet minister Lucy Kuptana stripped of portfolios ahead of running in IRC election

N.W.T. cabinet minister Lucy Kuptana has been stripped of her portfolios while she runs for election as chair of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC), the premier has announced.

In a statement on Tuesday, Premier R.J. Simpson said Kuptana told him earlier that day about her intention to run in the IRC election next month.

Kuptana is originally from Aklavik and has served as MLA for Nunakput since 2023. She was Simpson's minister for Housing N.W.T., and the minister responsible for the status of women.

Simpson said he has no authority to remove Kuptana from cabinet, as members of the executive council are chosen by the legislative assembly and appointed by the commissioner.

Instead, she will remain in cabinet but have no responsibilities. Simpson has reassigned her portfolios "on an interim basis," effective at 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoon — which is the nomination deadline for the IRC election.

Simpson will take over as housing minister, and Inuvik Twin Lakes MLA and Minister of Health and Social Services Lesa Semmler will take over the status of women portfolio.

Simpson said he respects Kuptana's decision to run for IRC chair, but said the government cannot appear to influence "external governance processes." He said Kuptana's role in cabinet while running for election represents "clear potential for a real or perceived conflict of interest."

"I have also asked her to voluntarily refrain from participating in cabinet and cabinet committee meetings, from using ministerial resources, and from representing herself as a minister of the [government of the N.W.T.] for the duration of her candidacy," Simpson said.

"These steps are intended to provide clarity, maintain public confidence, and ensure the work of government continues without disruption."

The IRC as established in 1984 to implement the Inuvialuit Final Agreement. The chair is elected by the six community corporations that make up the IRC.

The chairperson election will happen in Inuvik on Jan. 20, following a candidates' forum. The winner will a serve four-year term.