The complaint against Nahendeh MLA Shane Thompson, involving alleged interference in a Fort Simpson school’s operations, has been dismissed by the N.W.T. integrity commissioner. Principal Benjamin Adams of Líídlįį Kúę Elementary School accused Thompson of breaching the MLA code of conduct by harassing him and improperly getting involved in school matters, including supporting calls for Adams’ removal. Thompson, who also serves as the N.W.T.’s Speaker of the House, has a grandson attending the school. The integrity commissioner’s report revealed that Thompson’s daughter, who used to teach at the elementary school, was transferred to the high school due to conflicts with Adams.
Integrity commissioner David Phillip Jones determined that Thompson had committed a minor violation of the code of conduct but considered it an honest mistake. Jones concluded that an inquiry was unnecessary and not in the public interest. Thompson had sent a letter in April 2025 to the Fort Simpson District Education Authority advocating for Adams’ dismissal, using his MLA stationery and email account. Despite being advised by the integrity commissioner against using his MLA status for personal communications, Thompson proceeded.
Following the complaint filed by Adams in June, accusing Thompson of ongoing harassment and interference, Thompson was advised to distance himself from such matters. Adams criticized Thompson for damaging his reputation in Fort Simpson by making the letter public. While the commissioner acknowledged Thompson’s error in using his MLA credentials, it was noted that personal disagreements with a school principal do not automatically constitute harassment.
Thompson, admitting his mistakes, expressed gratitude for the commissioner’s ruling, deeming it appropriate. Adams also respected the integrity commissioner’s decision, acknowledging the minor breach of the code of conduct.
