A Day in the Life of a Minister: The Honourable Caitlin Cleveland

“Everyone who is here who wants to be a leader has the power to be a leader!” exclaimed the Honourable Caitlin Cleveland during a recent Connected North session hosted by Karalyn Menicoche. The special premium session brought together students from nine schools to learn about her work, her path into politics and the ways they can become leaders in their own communities.

Minister Cleveland is the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment and Minister of Education, Culture and Employment in the Northwest Territories. She first entered the Legislative Assembly as the member for Kam Lake. A lifelong Yellowknife resident and Northern business owner for two decades, she has also worked in policy and communications in the public and private sectors and chaired the Standing Committee on Social Development.

Minister Cleveland gave students a glimpse into the variety of experiences her role brings. One day, she might be in a classroom with local children; the next, she might be meeting the Prime Minister. Other days involve meetings where asking questions and listening are essential parts of her work. Travelling to communities and meeting students bring her the most joy, and she shared that she had visited nearly every community in the Northwest Territories. These conversations help her understand how policies affect local people and represent them more effectively.

Throughout the session, Minister Cleveland shared the “why” behind her work and the unexpected path that brought her into politics. Growing up, she first wanted to drive a garbage truck, then considered a career in medicine. She went on to become a photographer and write for the government, building strong connections with other Northerners along the way.

“I wanted to be part of the solution of building a stronger North and that’s why I put my name forward,” she said, explaining her decision to enter politics.

Her message to students was that there is no single path to leadership. “It doesn’t have to be just one path to get to something that’s important to you,” she reminded them. She encouraged students to discover their passions, practise expressing their ideas and look for opportunities to lead in their classrooms and communities.

“I think the most important thing is deciding what makes you happy and what makes you passionate,” she said. Minister Cleveland explained that a career in politics does not require a background in law or political science. Instead, she emphasized the importance of working hard, contributing to the community and earning people’s trust.

For Minister Cleveland, politics offered a way to bring together her love of the North and her desire to make a difference in children’s lives. She described how her neighbours put their trust in her to represent them because of her passion, work ethic and values.

“I believe as a territory we can do anything that we put our minds to and work together on,” she explained.

Minister Cleveland encouraged students to grow as leaders so that future decisions about the North would be made by Northerners. “I love the people of the North,” she declared. As a non-Indigenous Northerner, she also expressed her excitement about learning from other cultures and spoke about the rich cultural diversity across the region and within its communities.

“I think growing up in the North is one of our super powers,” she shared.

The conversation also helped students understand how government works. Minister Cleveland explained the differences between members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and ministers, along with the responsibilities of the Prime Minister, the Speaker and public servants. She discussed the role of constituency meetings and encouraged students to take part in conversations that guide policy in their communities. One practical suggestion was to invite their MLA to visit their school.

Students had the opportunity to ask about her life and career, as well as broader issues such as homelessness. Minister Cleveland explained who can run for office and how education is funded, and also shared her love of fishing. She invited students to reflect on what they would like to see change and discuss those ideas in their classrooms.

“Your ideas matter. Your voice matters and your community needs you guys,” she concluded, encouraging the aspiring leaders in attendance.

The session gave students in Connected North classrooms an opportunity to speak directly with a leader whose work affects their everyday lives. Through Minister Cleveland’s stories and their own questions, they explored leadership, public service and the difference they can make in their communities. Sessions like these help students dream bigger and connect what they learn in the classroom to the world around them. We are grateful to Minister Cleveland for sharing her time and experiences.