N.W.T. government announces changes to its senior ranks

The N.W.T. has two new deputy ministers.

Willard Hagen, former chair and later executive director of the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board, will become the new deputy minister of Lands.

Tom Jensen, a former assistant deputy minister in B.C.'s Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, will become deputy minister of Industry Tourism and Investment.

The appointments take effect in July.

In a news release, Premier Bob McLeod also noted several other staffing changes.

• Mike Aumond, formerly deputy minister of Finance, will become secretary to cabinet and deputy minister of the Executive;
• David Stewart will move from deputy minister of Education, Culture and Employment to the Finance department, and will also become secretary to the Financial Management Board;
• Sylvia Haener will go from deputy minister of Justice to the department of Education, Culture and Employment;
• Martin Goldney moves from deputy minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations to Justice;
• and Shaleen Woodward will serve as acting deputy minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

Former cabinet secretary Penny Ballantyne is leaving the government, and the premier thanked her for her six years of service. 

Acting deputy minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Kelly Kaylo and acting deputy minister of Lands Kate Hearn will remain with the government in other positions.