Hay River North MLA R.J. Simpson is the new premier of the N.W.T. MLAs gathered in the Legislative Assembly in Yellowknife Thursday to select the territory’s next premier, Speaker and cabinet. This morning, MLAs selected Nahendeh MLA Shane Thompson as the Speaker. Premier selection began at 10 a.m. with questions from MLAs. The selection of members of the executive council will begin at 1:30 p.m., and a reception is scheduled for 4 p.m.