Northwest Territories News

Mr. Speaker, building a safe and effective transportation system is vital to support the development of a sustainable economy and meeting the social needs of NWT residents.  Goals identified by Members of the 17th Assembly express the significance of improving transportation services across the NWT to reduce the cost of living in communities and to create employment and business opportunities for residents.

To this end, the Department of Transportation is updating its NWT Transportation Strategy to guide further development of our integrated air, road, rail, and marine systems over the next 25 years.  I am pleased to report that we have made significant progress on this initiative.

The new Strategy will update the first territory-wide multi-modal transportation strategy completed in 1990.  Much has been accomplished in the 25 years since the first strategy was released and we know that our transportation system will continue to evolve significantly over the next 25 years.  We are preparing for the future by considering what challenges and opportunities lay ahead of us and where our priorities are best placed to benefit all northerners.

But our priorities can’t be placed without first hearing from the people who live and work here. That is why the Department of Transportation has been busy this past summer and fall gathering perspectives on the transportation system from stakeholders across the territory.

In June, the Department launched an online survey that gave residents the opportunity to submit comments on transportation services and related areas, including support for economic development and protection of the environment.

Mr. Speaker, the strong level of public interest in our transportation network was evident.  The Department received over 500 responses to the survey from residents and other transportation stakeholders.  I would like to thank everyone for their participation.

We also met with key stakeholder organizations from within the NWT and from southern Canada who conduct business in the North to hear their concerns and ideas.  These meetings confirmed the strong role that transportation plays in supporting industries and organizations that provide essential services to our residents and contribute to economic growth for our territory.

The Department also conducted interviews with NWT political leaders including MLA’s and Aboriginal leaders to hear their thoughts on priorities for transportation in the North.

Staff from the Department have read and reviewed every single one of the responses to the online survey. Those responses, along with the information gathered from stakeholder meetings and interviews with political leaders will inform the development of the updated strategy. Other GNWT strategies, such as the Economic Opportunities Strategy and the Mineral Development Strategy, have been reviewed to ensure our government is focused and our priorities coordinated.

Mr. Speaker, managing the growth and development of all parts of the NWT’s transportation system is essential to long-term and sustainable prosperity for our residents.  A comprehensive multi-modal strategy that considers safety, the environment, economic development, and social needs alongside current and future infrastructure investment needs will be a critical tool for us.

Once the strategy has been drafted, we will again be calling upon residents to ensure that we have clearly heard and reflected their ideas.  Public meetings will be held in regional centers this winter to review the draft and determine if there are additional priorities to consider.  I encourage Northerners to take part with the same level of enthusiasm that we saw with the online survey and to once again ensure their voices are heard.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker:  I am pleased to report that earlier this month the Territorial Court of the Northwest Territories launched the Wellness Court, supported by a new Department of Justice Wellness Court Program.

The Wellness Court is an alternative to conventional court that focuses on the offender rather than the offence.  This court, and the supporting program, provides intensive supervision and targeted programing for chronic offenders who have mental health issues, addictions or cognitive challenges that contribute to their criminal behaviour.  With this program we hope to help offenders develop a healthier life and move away from re-offending.

In a conventional court, a person who is charged comes before a judge who will look at the offence, listen to all the evidence and make a ruling based on the case and information before them.

In the Wellness Court, a person who is charged also comes before a judge, but their sentencing is delayed so that they can participate in the Wellness Court Program.  In this program, a case manager and team provide intensive support and supervision to the offender as they work to make positive changes.  The team helps them access services such as housing and income support, as well as mental health and addiction programs.

To participate in the Wellness Court and its associated programs, the accused must be ready to make changes in their life, accept responsibility for their actions, and plead guilty to at least one charge.  The defense lawyer will work with the accused and the Crown Prosecutor to see if the case can be referred to the Wellness Court.  If referred, a case manager will assess the accused to determine suitability with the program.  If accepted, an individual wellness plan will be developed.

While completing their wellness plan, the offender must maintain this commitment to change and appear regularly before the judge who will oversee the entire process. During this phase, the case manager and team provide intensive supervision and support to the individual.

Offenders who participate in this program are subject to conditions to guide them.  If they break these conditions, they will return to the court for sentencing unless they work with their case manager to remain in the program.

If they complete their plan, the offender will appear before the Judge for sentencing, taking into consideration the work and progress they have made in the Wellness Court Program. After sentencing, the team will arrange after-care to ensure continued support for the offender.

Mr. Speaker,  by having a person accept responsibility for their actions and supporting them as they do the hard work necessary for change, specialized courts in other jurisdictions have demonstrated chronic offenders can not only succeed, but can successfully change their behaviours. We have seen success through the Domestic Violence Treatment Option Court, and we expect similar success from the Wellness Court.

The Territorial Court is critical in the implementation and operation of this specialized court.  Without this, the Wellness Court and supporting program would not have been possible.

The Department has also worked very closely with the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority, and the Department of Health and Social Services in setting up the Wellness Court Program.  The RCMP, Legal Services Board, the NWT Bar and staff from the Public Prosecution Service of Canada have also made important contributions.

Mr. Speaker, our thanks go out to each of these partners for the role they played in the development of this project and will continue to play to ensure the success of the Wellness Court.  This is a new initiative and we expect that both the court and the supporting program will evolve over time.

Our government is committed to ensuring that NWT residents get the programs and services they need to be healthy, educated and self-reliant.  This alternative form of justice is another positive step towards giving people the tools they need to make good choices for themselves that will help us to reduce crime and build safer communities.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

YELLOWKNIFE (October 28, 2014) – The Government of the Northwest Territories is responding to numbers released by Yellowknife Catholic Schools (YCS) and the Yellowknife Education District No. 1 (YK1) last week showing the apparent cost of Junior Kindergarten (JK) and its impact on their schools. The boards’ press release contained critical factual errors that risk adding to the existing confusion about the implementation of JK in Yellowknife.

“While I welcome continuing public debate on something as important as public education, I am troubled by the erroneous numbers used in YK1’s and YCS’s press release,” said Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Jackson Lafferty. “I think it is our collective responsibility to ensure we support a well-informed debate about who should have access to education and how it should be funded by providing objective and correct facts,” said Minister Lafferty.

The department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) and YK1 and YCS staff agreed some time ago to the financial impacts of JK in Yellowknife and signed off on the correct figures. In a follow-up meeting between department officials and board staff today, boards agreed that there were errors in their release.

Where the error occurred in YK1 and YCS’s conservative enrolment scenario calculations

ECE continues to work with the boards and remains confident that reductions can be absorbed by YK1 and YCS without notable negative impacts on K-12 programs.

Media inquiries:

Jacqueline McKinnon
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Tel: (867) 920-6222
Email: jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca

Mr. Speaker, the 2014 forest fire season is officially over.

This year, a total of 3.4 million hectares of forested land were affected by 385 wildland fires.  This was composed of six reported fires in the Inuvik Region, 32 in the Sahtu Region, 52 in the Dehcho Region, 143 in the North Slave Region, and 152 in the South Slave Region.  An estimated 60 million dollars were spent fighting fires in the 2014 forest fire season.

In keeping with established policies, action was taken on 126, or 33 percent, of reported fires to protect values-at-risk.  Wildland fire responses were required on eight large complex fires that had the potential to affect communities and other major infrastructure.

The 25-year average annual fire load is 262 fires affecting 528,000 hectares of northern forest lands.

Core support to the fire program this year included six helicopters and four air tanker groups from both Territorial and other Canadian aircraft contracting companies.  Several short-term casual helicopters and fixed wing aircraft were hired through the fire season to supplement the core program. Additional tanker groups were imported from other provinces through the Mutual Aid Resources Sharing Agreement, or MARS Agreement to assist with the heavy fire load.

Twenty-eight Type 1 government and contract wildland fire crews were located across the NWT to provide initial attack capacity.  Another 175 seasonal and permanent personnel provided direct support to the fire program.

Several additional national resources were brought on over the fire season to help with ongoing fires and initial attack during severe burning conditions.

Four hundred and eighty five EFF’s, or Extra Fire Fighters, were hired in 2014 for training purposes or in support of fire operations.  This included the initial EFF’s hired at the start of the season, and the additional training camps held in various communities to bring more EFF’s on board to cope with the length and severity of the season.

Four hundred and sixty eight Type 1 wildland firefighting personal were imported from outside the NWT under the Mutual Aid Resources Sharing Agreement.   These imports consisted of crews, aircraft and overhead resources.  These crews were composed of eight Canadian provinces and the State of Alaska.

In addition, nine Incident Management Teams consisting of five to fifteen people were necessary to coordinate the fire response.  There were five from Ontario, two from Alberta, one from British Columbia and one from Nova Scotia/New Brunswick.

Several single resources were also imported to assist with the heavy workload.  These included Planning Specialists, Fire Behavior Specialists, Warehouse Personnel, two Community Protection Specialist teams, and five Air Attack Officers.

Training for the 2014 fire season included seasonal refresher training of Type 1 crews, S-100 basic fire fighter training, fireline leadership, fuel system training, and fire reporting training for fire clerks, warehouse staff and duty officers as required.

As Members are aware, this was a particularly challenging season for fire crews.  The NWT experienced long-term above average seasonal conditions including above average seasonal temperatures, and below average precipitation.  This resulted in extreme drought conditions that lasted much of the 2014 wildland fire season.

Given the extreme conditions, limited resources and large complex fires, Mr. Speaker, I would consider this a successful fire season in that there was no loss of life, no significant injuries, and no significant damage done to any community.

As well as 3.4 million hectares of our northern forests affected, there were, unfortunately some structural losses, Mr. Speaker.  In early July, a home on the Hoarfrost River was lost due to fire.  High winds and extreme fire conditions caused the fire to switch directions and destroy a home and some outbuildings on the Hoarfrost River.

Again, during the weekend of  August 16th, strong southwest winds and explosive fire behavior conditions caused a fire to jump Moraine Bay and resulted in the loss of the Moraine Point Lodge on the west side of Great Slave Lake.  While the Moraine Pointe Lodge and outbuildings were lost, the fire did not reach the commercial fish processing plan on Moraine Bay.

While the above losses were significant, we must not overlook the effects and losses traditional harvesters are bearing from this past season; approximately fifteen cabins including a community complex at Lake 690 North of Fort Providence, and trapping areas removed from use for five to seven years while the land recovers. Our government expects to assist a number of harvesters under our Harvesters Fire Damage Assistance program.

Fires of note in 2014 include the Kakisa complex, which began in late May.  This fire was very difficult to contain and spread to 100,000 hectares.  The fire caused the voluntary evacuation of the community in July and help from several crews from Alberta, NWT, Saskatchewan, Yukon and Ontario managing this complex over a two month period.

Due to the communities’ significant work FireSmarting around Kakisa and the commendable efforts of the firefighters and airtankers there were no structural losses and residents were able to return to their community with little to no damage.

The Birch Lake Complex, composed of over six fires between Behchokö  and Fort Providence resulted in periodic closure of Highway No. 3 mainly due to extreme smoke conditions.  Most of the work on this fire consisted of the construction of dozer guards on the south side of the fire to restrict growth towards Fort Providence and the Forest Management Agreement areas.  Four different Incident Management Teams from the NWT and Ontario managed this complex over a two month period.  The Birch Lake Complex is estimated to be 650,000 hectares in size.

The Reid Lake Complex started from a fire in the Consolation Lake area.  The fire was first actioned by fire crews to protect values in the area.  It eventually threatened values in the Highway No. 4 Ingraham Trail area and caused the closure of the Reid Lake Territorial Park for a few weeks while crews were stationed at the campground.  Incident Management Team’s from Ontario, Nova Scotia, and the NWT managed the complex over a six week period from mid-June through to the end of July. The fire is 365,000 hectares in size.

ZF-085, the fire that was approximately 30 kilometres from Yellowknife and 7 kilometres from Highway No. 3 caused the voluntary evacuation of residents along the Yellowknife Highway and a number of public safety updates.  The fire burned approximately 15,000 hectares.

Mr. Speaker, over the coming months, ENR will be engaging stakeholders to determine stakeholder values and priorities, FireSmart and value protection, is part of our annual comprehensive review.  The Department will also administer applications for compensation to renewable resource harvesters with re-establishing their livelihood under the Harvester Fire Damage Assistance Program for possible replacement of lost cabins or for clearing trails affected by wildfires.

The Department conducts maintenance activities for air tanker and fire bases, fixed detection sites, fuel systems, the lightning detection network, the automatic fire weather station network, and radio communications.

Environment and Natural Resources also completed construction of the Enterprise fixed detection tower which will be operational in the summer of 2015.

Under normal seasonal fall weather, cooler and wetter conditions would wet the deeper forest layers and reset drought values.  Without sufficient fall rain as well as significant over-winter precipitations, drought conditions may persist into the 2015 fire season.

I would also like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you to the men and woman from the Northwest Territories, across Canada and Alaska who fought fires on the ground and in the air this summer.  They worked tirelessly to protect us, our homes, our communities and our values during the toughest fire season on record.  They faced intense, often grueling conditions, and I am very proud of the professionalism and courage they displayed in our time of need.

Thank you Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, in the 2013/2014 fiscal year, there was a tremendous increase in the number of visitors and visitor spending in the Northwest Territories, and today I would like to share details of this exciting growth with Members.

Last year, we welcomed over 90,000 visitors.  This is our highest number of visitors in the last decade and an increase of 20 percent from the previous year.

Visitor spending also rose by 24 percent to $132.5 million.

Tourism is this territory’s largest renewable resource-based sector and these numbers demonstrate that this government, and our partners, are on the right track to promoting the NWT as a spectacular destination.

Last year, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment increased funding to NWT Tourism, the GNWT’s destination marketing organization, by $1.2 million. The visitor numbers I just shared with you demonstrate that increased investment in marketing achieves results.

The two largest factors for this increase are aurora viewing and business travel.  The number of aurora viewing visitors has been on the rise over the last five years, with a substantial 38 percent increase last year.

The NWT is known as the Aurora Capital of the World and clearly this message is reaching far beyond our borders.  Our marketing efforts overseas, particularly in China, Japan and Korea, are paying off, and we expect the demand for aurora tourism to continue to increase.

The number of business travellers also grew by an unprecedented 47 percent and the GNWT is well-positioned to strike while the iron is hot.  As I shared with you last week, the NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy recommended we establish a conference bureau to support business travel. We took action on this recommendation and signed a contribution agreement with NWT Tourism to establish this bureau last June.

NWT Tourism now provides support to conference planners looking to host events in this territory. Not only will this strengthen our business travel sector, but it will provide spin-off benefits for all sectors, including transportation suppliers, hotels, restaurants, artisans and tour operators in all regions. NWT Tourism has already assisted conference planners who are interested in holding conferences here, and is working to attract new ones.

We are also working with our partners and lodge operators to strengthen those areas of tourism that have experienced a decline, such as the number of fishing visitors from the United States.  Through better research and the launch of a marketing campaign, we are working to improve these numbers.

Mr. Speaker, last year’s numbers bode well for the future of tourism in the NWT and ITI is dedicated to seeing all sectors and all communities thrive.  With a dedicated industry and focused strategies in place, tourism will continue to provide great economic benefits for the NWT and contribute to a diversified and sustainable economy for our residents.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I want to assure you that I have been listening carefully to Members during the recent debate around Junior Kindergarten. I also want to assure you that the Government of the Northwest Territories remains committed to the principle that focused, targeted support during their first years of life will help our children reach their full potential and become healthy, educated, successful adults. Our government has introduced Junior Kindergarten, a program designed to achieve just this result, Mr. Speaker, and have already rolled it out successfully to 23 communities.

I believe that the people of the Northwest Territories agree with this government that our children deserve the best support possible to give them the right start in life. At the same time, I recognize that people have reservations about the way the program is being implemented. The Government of the Northwest Territories respects those concerns and I want to reassure Members and the public today that we are listening carefully to what they are saying.

We planned for a phased roll-out of Junior Kindergarten, Mr. Speaker, to ensure we would have the opportunity to review and adjust the program implementation, and that is what we will do. I want to be clear with Members that before our government goes ahead with years two and three of the Junior Kindergarten roll-out, we will do a thorough review of our implementation plans.

That review will allow us to assess the success of the program in the 23 communities already delivering it and to address any issues identified during the first months of program delivery. It will also allow us to hear again from parents, educators, communities and other stakeholders on their views and concerns. I commit to returning to the Assembly with the results of that review and any required changes to the implementation plans during the coming Winter Session.

Clearly we need to do more for our children, Mr. Speaker and Junior Kindergarten is the way to do it. But it is also clear from the current public debate, that our government needs to do more in planning for the continued roll-out of this program, particularly in the area of engaging parents, educators and the public.

We remain committed to Junior Kindergarten, Mr. Speaker. We still believe it is the right program for all those parents across the NWT who chose JK for their 4 year-olds. We will look to move forward in a way that is sensitive to the concerns of parents, educators, day care operators, Aboriginal Head Start programs and other stakeholders.

Implementing this program will require changes, we need to be clear about that, but the children of the NWT deserve the support and the advantages that Junior Kindergarten will give them.

Masi, Mr. Speaker

Mr. Speaker, supporting a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices is one of the main purposes of Forest Management Agreements.

The first two agreements were signed this year with Timberworks in Fort Resolution and Digaa Enterprises in Fort Providence, jointly owned Aboriginal development corporations in each community.

Timberworks is owned by the Deninu Kue First Nation and the Fort Resolution Métis Council and Digaa Enterprises is owned by the Deh Gáh Got’ie First Nation and the Fort Providence Métis Council

These are the first of several Agreements this Government hopes to sign with local Aboriginal corporations in areas where there is a sustainable supply of timber for harvest and a viable commercial use for the wood.

Mr. Speaker, this is a new concept in forest tenure for the Northwest Territories that provides for the kind of integrated, multiple use of forest land that is compatible with sustainable forest harvesting.

Forest Management Agreements give a local Aboriginal corporation non-exclusive rights to harvest timber from Crown lands for the purpose of sustainable forest business development and growth.

Agreements respect settled land, resource and self-government agreements, interim measures agreements and land use plans.  They do not affect the rights of persons to harvest or use the forest for subsistence or traditional practices. The agreements require the parties to follow all established regulatory processes and obtain necessary authorizations.

Forest Management Agreements benefit communities by supporting the development of profitable, locally managed businesses and increasing training and job opportunities for local people.  Communities will be able to determine the growth of their business based on markets and their capabilities.

They also support the use of woody biomass as an alternative energy source, and an economic opportunity for the community.  An increased use of wood and wood pellets as an alternative source of energy supports the Government of the Northwest Territories’ goal of an environment that will sustain present and future generations.

The agreements also offer opportunities to transfer knowledge about forest management planning and operations, the sustainable development and cooperative management of our northern forests, and long term access to timber supply in support of forest industry development.

Mr. Speaker, communities wishing to develop a Forest Management Agreement must establish an Aboriginal corporation to negotiate terms with our Government.  The corporation should be community-based and include engagement with local Aboriginal groups.

It needs to establish a wood fibre supply agreement with a wood products facility and both the corporation and the community need to participate in the development of a timber harvest plan for the agreed area.

Aurora Wood Pellets, a wood pellet mill to be located north of Enterprise is expected to create an annual demand for 125,000 cubic meters of wood.

More than 40 people will be employed at the Enterprise site with the potential to create additional jobs in the region.

This northern owned and operated business will purchase sustainably harvested timber from Timberworks and Digaa Enterprises and contribute towards a sustainable northern economy.

As a result, timber will be harvested, turned into pellets and directly supplied to residents and businesses right here in the Northwest Territories.

The timber harvest plan provides a framework for the sustainable management of the timber resources and takes other values, such as biodiversity, into consideration.

Work is underway now to help Timberworks and Digaa Enterprises develop a strong business model and to work together in building a timber harvest plan.

Forest Management Agreements are a major tool that will help us encourage and support a viable forest industry that encompasses the full range of forest values.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, over the past few years, we have seen remarkable political development in the Northwest Territories. Land, resources and self-government agreements are being negotiated and settled. In April we concluded devolution and have seen the smooth transition of federal powers to the Government of the Northwest Territories.  As a result of these efforts, northerners have taken greater control over their social, economic and political destinies, have found new ways to work together and have greater national prominence than ever before.

Each summer, Canada’s Premiers meet to discuss matters of common concern.  At this year’s meeting in Charlottetown, Premiers discussed the aging population and infrastructure, along with energy, developing a skilled workforce, and Aboriginal child welfare.  At this meeting, the Northwest Territories led the discussion on the benefits created by access to stable and affordable housing for Canadians, families and communities. Premiers called on the Federal government to reinvest in social housing and emphasized the need for strengthened collaboration among the federal, provincial and territorial governments to address this important issue.

While there, Premiers meet with leaders from the five National Aboriginal Organizations. Work with the National Aboriginal Organizations continues throughout the year in the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group, which includes National Aboriginal Organizations and Ministers of Aboriginal Affairs from all provinces and territories. The Northwest Territories formally assumed the chair of this Working Group in Charlottetown and agreed to co-lead some progressive work on Aboriginal Children in Care with Manitoba.

I look forward to leading a national dialogue on issues impacting Aboriginal peoples across the country through the working group and sharing some of the successful ways that our government is engaging and partnering with Aboriginal governments in the Northwest Territories.

Missing and murdered Aboriginal women is an important area of concern for the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group. Through Canada’s Premiers, the Government of the Northwest Territories has supported a national Round Table discussion on missing and murdered Aboriginal women and we are encouraged by the Federal government’s apparent willingness to participate. This initiative is being led by the National Aboriginal Organizations and our government recently agreed to help host a round table in conjunction with Aboriginal Affairs Working Group Meetings next February.

The overrepresentation of Aboriginal children in child welfare systems is another area where Canada’s Premiers and the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group has focussed their attention. Together with Manitoba’s Minister of Family Services, we will develop action-oriented solutions that seek to reduce the number of children in care and improve the situation of Aboriginal children and families across Canada.

Other Ministers are also taking leadership roles at both the national and international levels. Nationally, Minister Lafferty co-chairs the Aboriginal Education Initiative on behalf of the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada. This initiative is aimed at improving Aboriginal educational achievement and Minister Lafferty’s position reflects both his experience and the ground-breaking work our government and the Government of Nunavut did on the residential schools curriculum.

Internationally, Minister Ramsay recently took on the presidency of PNWER, the Pacific North West Economic Region. This forum brings together government and businesses from several US states and Canadian provinces and Territories in the pacific northwest to promote common economic interests. Minister Ramsay’s leadership of this forum will be an important opportunity to advance awareness of the Northwest Territories’ economic potential and take advantage of the relationships and partnerships we continue to build with our neighbours of the Pacific North West Economic Region.

Maintaining a strong relationship with our neighbours, like the western provinces, is also important to ensuring that regional issues are identified and addressed. The Western Premiers’ Conference, held in Iqaluit this past July, gave Premiers from the seven western jurisdictions an opportunity to discuss Aboriginal child welfare, developing the labour market, exploring solutions for off-grid communities, disaster management and assistance, improving access to markets, and modernizing internal trade. Given the importance of housing for northerners, I was pleased to again lead the discussion on this topic.

Because we share similar circumstances and issues, strengthening pan-territorial relationships is a key intergovernmental relations activity. This year the Northwest Territories hosted the 12th annual Northern Premiers’ Forum. Discussion included how to move forward on a range of issues important to northerners, such as mental wellness, housing, energy options for northern Canada, infrastructure, climate change, and the work of the Arctic Council.

At this year’s Forum we launched A Northern Vision: Building a Better North, which updates the collaborative vision of the three territories originally released in 2007.  A Northern Vision outlines how our three territories will work together to develop the North as a region of vibrant, healthy communities with economies that offer sound investment and diverse employment opportunities, a flourishing private sector and protection of the environment for future generations. We also renewed the Northern Cooperation Accord, which formalizes our commitment to work together to advance shared northern interests.

Strengthening relationships with Aboriginal governments is one of this Assembly’s priorities. Devolution has given us a new forum for building relationships in the Intergovernmental Council, which enables the Government of the Northwest Territories and Aboriginal governments who have signed onto devolution to collaborate on matters related to lands and resource management. This Council allows Northwest Territories governments to share ideas and discuss common priorities and interests, and will greatly benefit the Government of the Northwest Territories as it considers potential changes to lands and resources management in the Northwest Territories. This approach is unique in Canada.

The Intergovernmental Council held its first meeting on September 19. Leaders and officials gathered in Yellowknife and talked about processes for future meetings and priority areas for work in the coming year. With this first meeting of the Intergovernmental Council, we are seeing a new, and very welcome, era of cooperation between the Government of the Northwest Territories and Aboriginal governments.

Mr. Speaker, northerners have worked hard to ensure they have control over their daily lives, and to highlight the unique circumstances of the North at the regional and national levels.  We are seeing improved collaboration and cooperation with Aboriginal governments through our work in the Northwest Territories. We have positive lessons to share with our partners at the national level.  We do some things differently with made in the North approaches, and can offer a model for intergovernmental relations with Aboriginal governments other areas of Canada can learn from. We are seeing the results of hard work undertaken by the Government of the Northwest Territories and we look forward to sharing our successes with a greater leadership role at the national level. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

FORT PROVIDENCE (October 24, 2014) – Minister of Environment and Natural Resources J. Michael Miltenberger signed a Forest Management Agreement (FMA) for the community of Fort Providence today with Digaa Enterprises Limited President Michael Vandell and Director James Christie.  Deh Gah Got’ie First Nation Chief Joachim Bonnetrouge, Fort Providence Métis President Clifford McLeod, Premier Bob McLeod and MLA Michael Nadli signed as witnesses.  The FMA will provide business, employment and training opportunities in the forest industry for residents of Fort Providence.

“This agreement is a unique opportunity for the people of Fort Providence to get in on the ground floor in the on-going development of a growing northern biomass industry,” said Minister Miltenberger.  “It provides Digaa Enterprises with tenure for enough timber volume and access to create a viable forest industry for the community of Fort Providence”

Digaa Enterprises is an Aboriginal development corporation established by the Deh Gah Got’ie First Nation and the Fort Providence Métis Council.  As the FMA holder, Digaa Enterprises will have non-exclusive access rights to harvest timber from Crown lands in a prescribed area for sustainable business development and growth.

Under the agreement, Digaa Enterprises will be responsible for preparing timber harvest plans, making wood available for appropriate uses, building local capacity in the forest business; and, complying with forest legislation and other applicable laws.

Timber harvest plans are intended to meet community timber harvesting objectives and require community participation to address the needs of multiple stakeholders such as wildlife managers and traditional land users. A 25-year timber harvest plan for Fort Providence is scheduled to be completed in 2014.

ENR is providing guidance on timber harvest planning and business planning to Digaa Enterprises.

The term of the Digaa Enterprises FMA is for 25 years.

Media inquiries:

Brenda Norris
Media Liaison
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 669-2302
Email: brenda_norris@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (October 23, 2014) – Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay today issued a call for nominations for oil and gas development on Territorial Reserve Lands north of 60° in the Central Mackenzie Valley and the Mackenzie Delta/Arctic Islands. All Aboriginal sub-surface lands established pursuant to land claim agreements are excluded.

All nominations must be received by 4:00 p.m. (MST) on November 21, 2014.

A call for bids for nominated blocks may be launched in December 2014 should nominations be received.

Oil and Gas Call for Nominations

Media inquiries:

Leslie Campbell
Senior Communications Officer
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-3343
www.iti.gov.nt.ca

Mr. Speaker, we are just over 16 months away from the next Arctic Winter Games being hosted in Nuuk, Greenland.  As you know, there are six sports which Greenland is unable to host (Dog Mushing, Gymnastics, Curling, Speed Skating, Figure Skating and Midget Hockey).  Today, I am pleased to announce that Whitehorse, Yukon has agreed to host an “alternative multi-sport event”; the Arctic X Games, to coincide with the 2016 Arctic Winter Games in Greenland.

Mr. Speaker, this is great news for our athletes and Territorial Sport Organizations affected by the exclusion of some sports from the 2016 Arctic Winter Games.  They now have an event to train for and compete in, which will ultimately contribute to further development within their sport.

For many of our athletes the Arctic Winter Games is the pinnacle of their competitive career.  For others, the Games provide an opportunity to use this as a stepping stone in their development.  Many of our athletes continue on to the Canada Winter Games and some have even continued onto the international stage including the Olympics.

Mr. Speaker, can you imagine Michael Gilday and Brendan Green not having participated in the Arctic Winter Games and how that may have affected their development as the athletes and people they have become? The opportunities and experiences provided through their participation in the Arctic Winter Games certainly helped them to represent our territory and country at many national and international events, including the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics.

Mr. Speaker, the 2016 Arctic Winter Games and the Arctic X Games will assist with the development of our athletes as the Northwest Territories prepares to host the 2018 Arctic Winter Games and send teams to both the 2015 and 2019 Canada Winter Games.

The Department is committed to work with the Territorial Sport Organizations and the Sport North Federation to prepare and send athletes to the Arctic Winter Games in Nuuk, Greenland and the Arctic X Games in Whitehorse, Yukon in March of 2016.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank   the Government of the Yukon and their Sport Partners for committing to host the Arctic X Games and the permanent members of the Arctic Winter Games International Committee for their commitment to send their teams to these Games in Whitehorse.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, later today, I will be tabling the Northwest Territories Coroner Service 2013 Annual Report.  This report sets out some information on the history of the Coroner’s service, the role and structure of the office and some information on their work in 2013.  This report reminds us that in the Northwest Territories, we have a number of dedicated volunteers who are deeply committed to assisting those in their communities at times of tragedy.  They work with circumstances and situations that most of us are unable or unwilling to face.

Coroners play a vital role in our justice system.  They are at the forefront of investigations of deaths.  Their jobs are stressful and difficult, as many of their investigations involve people that they knew within their home communities. They are all too often called out in the middle of the night to deal with scenes that most of us could not face.  They must have the strength to deal with the partners, children and parents who are now at the worst moments of their lives. Yet despite these profound challenges, they will tell you that they find their positions extremely rewarding, as they play an important role in helping to bring closure for most families, and they help prevent tragedies in the future.

Mr. Speaker, each Coroner has within their mandate the ability to conduct investigations into deaths when required, and based on what they learn to make recommendations that will assist in preventing serious injuries or deaths from occurring in the future. They remind us to be safer and to critically re-examine our own practices. The role they play can never be understated.

Tomorrow, we will see NWT Coroners from 15 communities come together for the next three days to train.  They will become familiar with the latest techniques and technologies in their field, and have discussions with peers and professionals who best understand the work they do.

We have Coroners who have been performing their duties for many years, and are coming to a time when they are ready to pass their knowledge to others. Currently, we have openings in several communities and we expect that in the near future, there will be more.  If you are aware of people in your communities who are inquisitive, courageous and community minded, and are looking for truly rewarding work, have them speak with their local coroner, or the Chief Coroner of the NWT located here in Yellowknife, to be part of a proud tradition.

For the Coroners making the trip to learn and share over the next three days, we hope that they are able to be rejuvenated and return with new skills of value to their understanding and delivery of the services they provide. Most importantly, Mr. Speaker I want to express gratitude on behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories for the thorough and professional jobs Coroners do.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, now that the Government of the Northwest Territories is responsible for administering the territory’s onshore petroleum resources, we are looking ahead to effectively plan and manage the NWT’s world-class oil and gas potential for the benefit of all residents.

To encourage future exploration and responsible development of oil and gas reserves in the territory, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is preparing for its first-ever Call Cycle for Oil and Gas Exploration Rights.

Mr. Speaker, at this stage, the petroleum rights issuance process is moving forward with the Call for Nominations, which may then be followed by a Call for Bids.  During the Call for Nominations phase, interested parties have four weeks to recommend parcels of land to the GNWT that should be made available for oil and gas exploration. Once the results of these submissions have been assessed, the government will decide which parcels will be made available to prospective bidders in a Call for Bids. The Petroleum Resources Act requires that the Call for Bids must remain open for a minimum of 120 days.

I want to emphasize, Mr. Speaker, that receiving a nomination for a particular parcel does not automatically mean that the GNWT will offer it up for future oil and gas exploration or a Call for Bids.  Nominations are a first step in a broader call cycle process, which can take up to a year for the entire process to be completed, including the issuance of exploration licences. The process allows our government to manage the pace and scale of oil and gas development in our territory in a clear and consistent way that reflects northern priorities. At the same time, the certainty provided by clear processes helps promote the territory’s competitive position and improves business and investor confidence.

Mr. Speaker, the GNWT is careful to consider the views of the public, stakeholders and Aboriginal governments in its decisions on oil and gas development. With the NWT’s unique interests, ITI has engaged with Aboriginal governments and organizations that may be directly affected by new exploration projects. During the month of September, officials from the GNWT met with representatives of the Tulita, Deline, and K’asho Got’ine District Land Corporations, the Gwich’in Tribal Council and the Inuvialuit Game Council to seek their views on the issuance of petroleum exploration land in their respective areas. This is one of the more important and critical parts of preparing the Call for Nominations. The consultation and engagement process gave us a better understanding of what lands must not be opened up for development. We will continue to engage with Aboriginal governments and organizations in our decision-making, reflecting the crucial role they play in the future of the NWT.

In going through the consultation and community engagement and the Call for Nominations process, our government also learns more about the suitability of our lands for petroleum development and our level of attractiveness as a jurisdiction for industry investment that will help inform future plans and decisions.

The information gathered during the Call Cycle is also valuable as we proceed with the development of an NWT Oil and Gas Strategy, as recommended in the NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy. The Oil and Gas Strategy will serve as the blueprint for oil and gas development in the territory for the next 20 years, and is a key component of this Government’s vision to build a strong and prosperous territory that provides opportunity to our regions.

Mr. Speaker, devolution was a major step for this government, one which could not have been completed without great effort and collaboration with our partners. The Call Cycle builds on these partnerships with a collaborative process that demonstrates this government’s ability to move forward and foster a supportive environment for responsible, sustainable development.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the safety of Northerners is a goal shared by Members of this Assembly and the Department of Transportation as we strive to build safe communities and a safe transportation system, in all modes, for the benefit of our residents.

Mr. Speaker, Parachute Canada is a national organization dedicated to preventing injuries and saving lives. Parachute has declared this week to be National Teen Driver Safety Week. Although young people only make up 13% of licensed drivers nationally, they account for 24% of road fatalities. Additionally, 40% of speeding drivers in fatal crashes are between the ages of 16 and 24. These shocking statistics have to change.

Learning to drive and earning a driver’s licence marks a key milestone in life and new drivers across the Northwest Territories are benefiting from our graduated licensing program.  New drivers are required to earn experience before receiving the privilege of a full driver’s license.  Our objective is to ensure new drivers have experience and comfort behind the wheel, making NWT highways safer.

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators is the steward of the National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims, which takes place on Wednesday, November 19, 2014. We must never forget the victims of motor vehicle accidents and to continue all efforts to make our highways, winter roads and community roads as safe as possible.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Transportation has several road safety initiatives including the new Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program that prevents drivers from starting their vehicles if their blood alcohol level is above a pre-set limit.  This keeps impaired drivers away from the wheel and leads to greater safety for all road users.

Highway Transport Officers work closely with the RCMP to patrol all of our highways to keep drivers safe.  But changing behaviour takes time and persistence.  I am pleased to see partnerships with community groups and industry that remind people that we can all do more to reduce injuries and fatalities on our highways.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to publicly acknowledge the ongoing efforts of SADD – Students Against Impaired and Distracted Driving.  This student organization is an important partner in encouraging youth to make healthy choices that help to keep our highways safe.  I offer my best wishes for success to SADD as they take part in events planned this month to encourage their peers to make positive choices.

Distracted driving is an issue the Department of Transportation takes seriously.  In Canada, distracted driving contributes to more serious injuries than impaired driving and speeding. Research has shown that a texting driver is 23 times more likely to crash than a non-texting driver.

Since passing legislation in 2012 to discourage the use of hand-held electronic devices, 673 drivers have been convicted for using a hand-held electronic device while driving. We have also nearly tripled the fine for distracted driving from $115 to $322. The Department will continue to impress on drivers that distracted driving is just as dangerous as impaired driving.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Transportation holds public safety as a high priority. When it comes to road safety, the best tips are obvious: Don’t drink and drive; don’t speed; don’t text and drive; and always buckle up. We can all do our part to make our roads and trails safe.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

YELLOWKNIFE (October 21, 2014) – Minister of Lands Robert C. McLeod announced today that the Government of the Northwest Territories is beginning work to develop a Recreational Land Management Framework for the Northwest Territories.

“Northerners have told us that they care about environmental sustainability and also want more opportunities to lease land near communities for recreational use,” said Minister McLeod. “Now that devolution has taken place, we need to ensure recreational leasing throughout the territory meets northern needs and priorities.”

The Department of Lands is beginning work to modernize and unify its framework for managing recreational land management as part of the government’s commitment to improve policies and processes to better meet northern needs. The draft framework will be shared with Aboriginal governments and made available on the Department of Lands website for stakeholder and public review and feedback.  The work is expected to take approximately 18-24 months.

The new framework will provide certainty for existing leaseholders, provide clear guidelines for future leasing, and ensure that recreational uses of land across the NWT are environmentally sustainable.  Aboriginal rights will be considered and respected throughout the framework development process.

While the Recreational Land Management Framework is being developed, no new applications for recreational leases will be accepted in the area along the Ingraham Trail and Highway 3 around Yellowknife, so appropriate studies and planning can be completed to ensure recreational land in this area can be managed according to the new framework.

The terms and conditions of existing leases in the Ingraham Trail and Highway 3 area will continue to be honoured, including options to apply for renewal.  The Department of Lands will also be examining options in the short term for managing vacant, previously surveyed lots within existing subdivisions in this area. The Department will continue to issue leases for recreational use in the remainder of the NWT.

Post-devolution, the Department of Lands administers two separate sets of public land management policies.  To ensure consistency across the territory, the Department has made it a priority to create a single recreational land management framework that would apply across the NWT and ensure that the Department’s  decision-making process is fair, transparent and considers potential land use needs for the benefit of our territory.

The Department of Lands is committed to responsible, effective and sustainable land management that reflects northern values and priorities.

For more information, visit www.lands.gov.nt.ca.

Backgrounder – Recreational Lands Management Framework

FAQ – Recreational Leasing Management Framework

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Media inquiries:

Toni Riley
Manager, Communications
Department of Lands
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-765-6742
Email: toni_riley@gov.nt.ca

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Lands is responsible for managing and administering Territorial lands and Commissioner’s land. Territorial lands are public lands formerly administered by the federal government and devolved to the Government of the Northwest Territories on April 1st, 2014. Commissioner’s land is public land already under the GNWT’s jurisdiction and formerly administered by the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs.  Prior to April 1st of this year, the GNWT was only responsible for .02% of the land mass, or roughly 2700 square kilometers. Post-devolution we are now responsible for 85% of the land mass of the NWT or 1.15 million square kilometers.

At this time, Commissioner’s land and newly devolved Territorial lands are managed and administered under separate legislation and policy frameworks. Now that the GNWT manages the majority of public land in the NWT, we need to develop new recreational leasing policies that apply to both types of land.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Lands has begun work on a new Recreational Land Management Framework. The Recreational Land Management Framework will help to harmonize the Department’s approach to recreational land management while taking into account existing legislation, regulations and policies. Our goal is to ensure that decisions on recreational leasing consider potential land use needs and that land is managed in a transparent and consistent manner across the territory.

The Recreational Land Management Framework will address unauthorized use, access to leasing opportunities, maintaining public access to popular sites, and protecting areas of ecological and cultural value. It will also include area-specific studies and planning to address local land management issues like high demand for recreational leases.

One area that will be studied is the Ingraham Trail and Highway 3 area near Yellowknife outside of the existing sub-divisions. Lands has begun a land use plan scoping study to evaluate the potential benefits of an area-specific land use plan for this area.

The Government of the Northwest Territories will engage Aboriginal governments as it develops the Framework, both individually and through the Intergovernmental Council, which was established to give Parties to the Devolution Agreement the opportunity to collaborate on land management issues. Letters advising Aboriginal governments of our plans and inviting them to participate have already been sent.

The Department will also engage with the public and key stakeholders to identify their interests and concerns about recreational land management as part of developing the Framework.  The Department will post the draft Framework on its website so that the public and stakeholders can review, ask questions and provide feedback.

While the Recreational Land Management Framework is being developed, no new applications will be accepted in the focus area. This will ensure the conditions of future leases meet the most up-to-date standards and guidelines. I want to emphasize that existing leases in good standing will not be impacted. Commercial activity will not be affected.

Notwithstanding this, Mr. Speaker, the Department of Lands will also be examining options in the short-term for managing vacant, previously surveyed lots within existing subdivisions in the focus area.

Mr. Speaker, I want to be clear that the GNWT is also taking action against unauthorized occupancy across the Northwest Territories. We have recently enforced a court order to remove an individual and their belongings at a site that was unlawfully occupied. The Department has also increased the number of inspections it conducts in order to identify all unauthorized users and has stepped up efforts to raise public awareness.

Guided by the Land Use and Sustainability Framework, the Department of Lands is committed to managing public land in a fair, transparent and sustainable manner to ensure that rural land across the NWT is managed in a way that reflects traditional use and northern priorities.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, Northerners care about the land and want to enjoy access to rural land for recreational purposes across the Northwest Territories. The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to ensuring that access is responsive to the priorities of our residents and respects traditional use – both now and into the future.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, responsible mineral exploration and development strengthens our territorial economy and helps to provide each region with opportunities and choices.

Later today I will be tabling the Mineral Development Strategy Implementation Plan, which will put the recommendations made in the Mineral Development Strategy into place.  The creation of an environmentally sustainable NWT Mineral Development Strategy was a key priority of the 17th Legislative Assembly and it establishes a comprehensive plan to ensure the long-term growth of a sustainable mining industry that will create jobs and economic opportunities for the people of the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, this implementation plan was a partnership effort and was developed in conjunction with the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines. I also want to thank the Members of the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure for their input and guidance on the Mineral Development Strategy and the Implementation Plan.

The Implementation Plan puts the Strategy into action by establishing concrete goals, objectives and timelines, and ensures we make progress in the five key areas of importance outlined in the Mineral Development Strategy.  These include growing a sustainable mining sector; encouraging responsible mineral development and exploration; improving geoscience information and research; enhancing Aboriginal capacity; and creating a mining incentive program.

Some of these actions have already been put in place or are underway. The Mining Incentive Program was launched this past June.  It was overwhelmingly popular and was oversubscribed by 200 per cent in its very first year. This program aims to offset some of the financial risk associated with grassroots mineral exploration in the NWT, which we anticipate will result in increased investment in the territory and employment opportunities for residents.

The completion of the Implementation Plan is timely as we are seeing increased exploration activity in the NWT, with rejuvenated interest in diamonds.  In addition, the Mining Recorders Office has received more than 300 new mineral claim applications since Devolution on April 1, and the majority of these claims are located around the existing diamond mines.

Mr. Speaker, the mining industry has been a pillar of the Northwest Territories’ economy for more than 80 years. In addition to being the largest private sector contributor to the NWT economy, the mining industry is also the largest private sector employer. The Mineral Development Strategy and Implementation Plan will help us to ensure the mining industry continues to be a key contributor to the NWT’s economic growth.

The Implementation Plan will continue to be evaluated and updated as we move forward, to ensure that actions remain relevant and effective, and we will continue to collaborate with our partners and work together to promote the NWT as an exciting place to work and invest.

Mr. Speaker, a key element of devolution was that this government would gain the tools to shape and direct the economic growth of the NWT. Capitalizing on our full potential takes the kind of strategic thought and planning that is reflected in the Mineral Development Strategy and Implementation Plan.  I look forward to working with Members to advance the Implementation Plan and to achieve this Assembly’s vision of a prosperous territory.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has a vision of a strong, prosperous North. We know that creating this North starts with healthy, safe communities where people can prosper, free from the fear of violence.

October 5–11, 2014 was the 14th annual Family Violence Awareness Week. There were several events held across the Northwest Territories to bring attention to the serious ongoing problem we have with family violence among our residents. These events included a radio phone-in show in Fort Good Hope, school presentations with elders and youth in Tuktoyaktuk, workshops on the Hay River Reserve, four events in Fort Liard including a community potluck, Fort Simpson high school students decorated and displayed anti-violence t-shirts and Inuvik held a scavenger hunt and barbeque. I want to congratulate all the communities who participated in these and other activities.

Northwest Territories Family Violence Awareness Week draws attention to the issue of domestic violence and encourages residents to stand together to stop the violence. This year’s focus was on the bystander in family violence, co-workers, friends, family members and neighbours.

This is challenging, Mr. Speaker. How do individuals and government respond to what is often viewed as a private family matter or a matter for the police?   I believe the role of government is to provide programs and supports to help prevent family violence and treat its impacts and to also demonstrate leadership.

The Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Justice provide many of the programs and services our residents need to prevent and to deal with family violence. Their work is often guided by the advice and input from the Coalition Against Family Violence.  Members will recall that the Coalition is a multi- agency group working collectively to reduce the incidence of, and to more effectively respond to, family violence in the Northwest Territories.

It has been through the work of the Coalition that many of the more innovative approaches to addressing family violence have been developed, including emergency protection orders and the men’s healing program. I want to thank all members of the Coalition for their ongoing commitment and dedication, in particular the Status of Women Council, which chairs and provides administration for the Coalition.

Government leaders also have a role in stopping family violence. Earlier this month, I met with the Northwest Territories MétisNation and with the Tłįchǫ Government.  We discussed the impact family violence has on our communities and how we need to demonstrate leadership and take a stand against family violence as governments.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to stopping family violence.  It is a serious problem that impacts all Northerners and I will continue to raise this issue with all of our Aboriginal government partners in the weeks and months ahead.

We are all affected by family violence which means we all have an interest in stopping it.  By working together with the Coalition Against Family Violence, with our Aboriginal government partners and with communities, the Government of the Northwest Territories is dedicated to improving the safety, security and well-being of all of our residents.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, it has been a challenging summer for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation.  During this past summer the Taltson hydroelectric plant and the transmission lines between the Snare plants and Yellowknife were threatened by forest fires.  Fortunately, all major infrastructure was preserved however, these same fires were responsible for half of the power outages experienced on the Snare system.

The same drought conditions that contributed to this being one of the worst forest fires years in history, is also responsible for low water on the Snare system.  Water levels at Snare are at a 64-year low and prompted the Corporation to apply for a 3.7 cent rate rider to cover the additional 16 million litres of fuel it anticipates burning up until June 2015 – at a cost of about $20 million.  This government recognized that customers could not afford an increase in power costs and agreed to cover this unavoidable expense.

Mr. Speaker, the Corporation recognizes the current way of operating is no longer sustainable – rates have reached their limit of affordability.  What occurred this past summer, while an environmental anomaly, has been a catalyst that has initiated serious discussion on potentially game-changing direction and focus.

We look forward to the upcoming Energy Charrette as it will provide direction and guidance for the future of power generation in the territory.  NTPC and the Government of Northwest Territories are open and willing to consider any generation option that is sustainable and reliable, and that does not increase the cost of power to the customer.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to a new direction, this government also needs to look at what it can do to invest in infrastructure to keep power affordable.  While an interconnecting transmission grid, both within the territory and to the southern grid, is still a long-term goal, it is not attainable in the short or medium term.  Instead, this government and NTPC will continue to work together to investigate, research and test alternative options that will lower the cost of generating power, reduce dependence on diesel – especially in the thermal communities – and that will potentially create opportunities for economic development in the process.

The ongoing collaboration between the Corporation and this government is a great improvement and is continually strengthened through projects like heat sales in the South Slave Region.  GNWT and South Slave towns will be offered surplus energy from the Taltson system at reduced rates with all revenues going to support conservation efforts and renewable energy projects.

Mr. Speaker, NTPC has made inroads in alternative energy and conservation this year. Construction of the solar farm in Colville Lake started in August with completion expected this month; more than 800 of the thermal zone’s 2000 streetlights have been converted to LED; and the net metering program was launched in April – giving residents the opportunity to install alternative power generation systems on their property and receive credit for power they produce.  This is just a sample of the work being done – more information will be available on the “Energy Alternatives” section of NTPC’s website in the coming days.

Conservation as our lowest cost alternative to building additional generation is an important area of focus for NTPC. The corporation is working at developing an extensive conservation section to their website as a first step in informing customers about the way they presently consume electricity and how they can be more efficient with energy use. Beyond their website, NTPC will also be sending out conservation information with customer bills along with running a conservation campaign later this fall.

Mr. Speaker, the Corporation continues to build capacity in the territory through its hiring local people into apprenticeships and this year has hired an additional three Northerners in positions where they are developing skills on-the-job and have full time employment.

As we move into the last year of this government’s mandate, Mr. Speaker, it is important to keep moving forward; making thoughtful, educated decisions that are in the long-term best interest of the residents of the Northwest Territories.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, small businesses and entrepreneurs are the backbone of our community and regional economies.

To encourage economic diversity and sustainability, the Government of the Northwest Territories has long supported the interests and growth of this highly valued segment of the North’s economic community through a variety of programs and services.

As we mark Small Business Week this year, the GNWT is moving forward with the implementation of its NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy.  This Strategy offers a plan to expand and diversify the NWT economy outside of its rich resource sector, in areas such as agriculture, tourism, fishing, manufacturing and the traditional economies.

Later today, I will be tabling the NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy Implementation Plan that maps out the priorities, methods and resources to address the Strategy’s 117 recommended actions.

It reflects, in part, our commitment to improve supports to NWT businesses and to grow a stable and attractive entrepreneurial environment.

The work of ITI, along with our partners, has confirmed that there are great opportunities for us to balance and diversify our economy in all regions and in all sectors.  Our partners, including the NWT Chamber of Commerce, the NWT Association of Communities, the Northern Aboriginal Business Association, and Canada’s Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), will be integral as we work to implement the Strategy’s recommendations.

The engagement process that informed the Economic Opportunities Strategy also offered valuable insights into how we deliver business support programs and services.  We are now addressing many of the challenges and barriers that were identified and acting on the initiatives and ideas that were identified.

We are addressing issues of red tape.  Our planned actions on 11 of the recommendations identified in the NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy are designed to better target, streamline and coordinate government programs and services.

We are also finding ways to better target government resources and funding to realize identified regional priorities; to do a better job of promoting and marketing programs and services that are available through government to support NWT businesses; and to deliver more of our information and services on line.

Though this Strategy is in its early days, we are already seeing its benefits.

Our destination marketing organization, NWT Tourism, is operating the newly established Conference Bureau, which was a recommendation of the Strategy. The Conference Bureau better positions this territory to attract more business travellers and provide spin-off benefits for transportation suppliers, hotels, restaurants, artisans and tour operators.

The Economic Opportunities Strategy also recommended working to expand the export and domestic market of Great Slave Lake Fish.  With industry feedback, we have created a new brand, point of purchase materials, packaging, and promotional items for producers and retailers to help market the NWT’s fresh fish product.  We are also proposing $1.5 million in 2015-16, and will be looking for partners to replace the fishing industry’s out-dated federal infrastructure, and to generate new capital to stimulate an era of self-sufficiency for our commercial fishing industry.

Economic diversity and sustainability is, foremost, reliant on a competitive business environment in which NWT residents have the tools to invest, overcome challenges, and prosper.

On April 1, the Business Development and Investment Corporation will celebrate its 10th anniversary.  Over the last decade, the BDIC has been serving small businesses across the NWT – offering loans, grants, business information, and support.

In the coming years, the BDIC will spearhead a number of services to further assist small businesses.  Initiatives include developing a framework that will connect NWT businesses with opportunities around the globe, and expanding its small business training and counselling services.  These services will provide small businesses with national and cross-border networking, trade opportunities, and business mentorship.

Through the evolution of business support programs and services, ITI and the BDIC will continue to excel as essential resources for economic development in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, the responsibility of developing a competitive economic environment belongs to us all as we work to achieve our goal of a diversified economy that provides all communities with opportunities and choices.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.