Premier Simpson announces new Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services

Press Release

August 13, 2025

Premier R.J. Simpson today announced the appointment of Mr. Alan Doody as the Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services for the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), effective August 19, 2025.

Mr. Doody brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience in health, social services, infrastructure, and public safety to his new role. He most recently served as Deputy Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and previously held executive roles in the health system, including Associate Deputy Minister of Health and Community Services and Interim CEO of the NL Centre for Health Information. His work has focused on driving innovation, strengthening service delivery, and collaborating with Indigenous partners to advance health and wellness outcomes.

Mr. Doody has also served as a senior military officer with the Canadian Forces, including a deployment to Afghanistan and several command and instructional roles. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada and a Master of Defence Studies.

He replaces Ms. Jo-Anne Cecchetto, who is retiring after more than three decades of service in the Northwest Territories’ health and social services system.

Originally from Nova Scotia, Ms. Cecchetto has worked in the Northwest Territories since 1988, starting as a community health nurse before moving into progressively senior roles in the Department of Health and Social Services and across the health and social services authorities. She served as Director of Primary Health Care, Director of Territorial Health Services, Assistant Deputy Minister of Programs, and Chief Nursing Officer for the NWT. Appointed Deputy Minister in 2022, she led the Department through a period of significant change and modernization—while continuing to provide care as a practicing Nurse Practitioner at the Yellowknife Primary Care Clinic.

Quote

“Jo-Anne Cecchetto is the embodiment of what it means to be a public servant and a health professional. She brought heart, compassion, and deep clinical expertise to every role she held—and leaves a lasting legacy across the NWT’s health and social services system. On behalf of Cabinet and the Government of the Northwest Territories, I want to thank Jo-Anne for her remarkable contributions and wish her all the best in her retirement.”

“I am pleased to welcome Mr. Doody to the Northwest Territories. His broad and proven leadership experience—across health, social services, infrastructure, and military operations—will be an asset as we continue to strengthen health outcomes, build community wellness, and support a modern, sustainable care system that meets the needs of all Northerners.”
— R.J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories

Quick facts:

• Deputy Ministers are the non-elected heads of GNWT departments.
• The Commissioner in Executive Council appoints Deputy Ministers on the advice of the Premier.
• Deputy Ministers serve at the pleasure of, and are accountable to, the Premier for the performance of their duties.

For media requests, please contact:
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca

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