Job Opportunity

The Northwest Territories is a land of 33 unique communities in six distinct regions. Rich in natural resources, culture and opportunity, this vast land of mountains, forests, tundra and lakes produces the highest per capita GDP in Canada. With its citizens deeply connected to the land, the NWT strikes a careful balance between conservation and economic prosperity, ensuring opportunities and an excellent quality of life for generations. The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is one of only two jurisdictions in Canada that works in a consensus-government model, where all Members of the Legislative Assembly are selected as independents. This results in much more communication and collaboration, and is reflective of northern values. A leadership opportunity now exists to play a major role in the ongoing connectivity and sustainability of the territory as the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure.

The Deputy Minister of Infrastructure (INF) holds responsibility for the strategic direction and delivery of departmental policies, programs and services as they relate to the INF portfolio. They provide effective advice and support to the Premier, the Minister and the Legislative Assembly to address the unique infrastructure challenges of the territory. The Deputy Minister provides leadership to staff across the department, including five regional offices, and is a key member of the corporate leadership team of the territory, delivering on Cabinet priorities and moving key agendas forward. They work closely with First Nations and local governments, provincial and federal partners, as well as industry and other partners to provide programs and services that keep the territory connected and poised for economic and social sustainability and wellbeing.

This vast portfolio includes the operation and maintenance of public buildings and transportation infrastructure and systems; project management; facilities planning, design and technical support services; environmental assessment and remediation; property management; procurement shared services; information technology; information management; disposal of surplus property and goods; motor vehicle and mechanical/electrical regulatory services; and fleet management. The department is also responsible for programming aimed at increasing the use of domestic energy resources and reducing energy costs in the NWT, delivering renewable energy solutions, providing energy supply services to non-market communities, and leading efforts in energy conservation and efficiency. In addition, the department oversees various entities such as the territory’s 26 airports, Marine Transportation Services, Northwest Territories Power Corporation, and others.

The ideal candidate brings strategic vision, leadership acumen, and highly developed relationship skills to this senior position within the GNWT. The Deputy Minister of Infrastructure will be experienced in working collaboratively with internal and external rights holder and interest holder groups, and will have the ability to build meaningful partnerships that support economic development, future sustainability, and social cohesion in a changing environment. They will bring demonstrated leadership experience within a related portfolio, ideally coupled with an understanding of the unique attributes of a rural or northern community setting. Significant major capital and infrastructure experience is a definite asset. The ideal candidate will also have the proven ability to work in a truly consultative manner with First Nations governments and other Indigenous bodies to further reconciliation through partnership in government activities. They bring an appreciation for the diversity of Nations and cultures in the NWT, and recognize solutions and approaches will be equally diverse. Typically the knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position would be attained through the completion of a graduate degree, plus several years of progressively more responsible senior management experience in a complex, public sector setting. Equivalent combinations of education and/or experience will be considered.

The salary range for this position is $255,720 – $319,650 annually, supplemented by a competitive total rewards package.