Northwest Territories News

Mr. Speaker, last year’s extreme forest fires burned an area of over three million hectares. While it was likely the worst fire season we’ve ever had, wildland fires are a natural occurrence, leading to forest and wildlife renewal.

One early sign of renewal is the appearance of morel mushrooms, and we anticipate a bumper crop this summer.

Morel mushrooms are a prized delicacy sought by national and international food service markets. They cannot be cultivated in a commercial environment, and NWT morels, in particular, are known to be of better quality, taste, texture and size than those found elsewhere.

We saw evidence of the economic potential of this resource last summer, when residents in the Deh Cho – working with southern buyers – realized an estimated 750 thousand dollars from the harvest of morel mushrooms in the Fort Simpson vicinity. Mr. Speaker, if this year’s harvest meets expectations, it could be worth as much as ten times that amount for residents in communities around Great Slave Lake.

The harvest of NWT morels offers an opportunity to make a significant contribution to our Northern economy. Mr. Speaker, our role as Government is to establish an environment in which such opportunities can be identified, pursued and realized.
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment has been preparing for a significant harvest of morels for a number of years. As well, ENR will be pursuing amendments to the Forest Management Act to allow for the regulation of mushrooms.

In anticipation of this year’s morel crop, ITI, along with our partners, is developing a comprehensive handbook and field guide – and is preparing to deliver a number of orientation workshops to help inform, prepare and protect NWT residents interested in taking part in this year’s harvest.

We hope to be able to advise southern buyers that they will not need to bring large crews of pickers to the NWT – highlighting, instead, that we have a trained, knowledgeable resident workforce in our communities to support the morel harvest.

The NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy speaks of the importance of diversifying our territorial, regional and community economies by investing in Northern businesses and taking advantage of resources that are readily available to residents of the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, morel mushrooms are one such resource that is ripe for the picking we look forward to a bountiful crop this summer.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, last year’s extreme forest fires burned an area of over three million hectares. While it was likely the worst fire season we’ve ever had, wildland fires are a natural occurrence, leading to forest and wildlife renewal.

One early sign of renewal is the appearance of morel mushrooms, and we anticipate a bumper crop this summer.

Morel mushrooms are a prized delicacy sought by national and international food service markets. They cannot be cultivated in a commercial environment, and NWT morels, in particular, are known to be of better quality, taste, texture and size than those found elsewhere.

We saw evidence of the economic potential of this resource last summer, when residents in the Deh Cho – working with southern buyers – realized an estimated 750 thousand dollars from the harvest of morel mushrooms in the Fort Simpson vicinity. Mr. Speaker, if this year’s harvest meets expectations, it could be worth as much as ten times that amount for residents in communities around Great Slave Lake.

The harvest of NWT morels offers an opportunity to make a significant contribution to our Northern economy. Mr. Speaker, our role as Government is to establish an environment in which such opportunities can be identified, pursued and realized.
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment has been preparing for a significant harvest of morels for a number of years. As well, ENR will be pursuing amendments to the Forest Management Act to allow for the regulation of mushrooms.

In anticipation of this year’s morel crop, ITI, along with our partners, is developing a comprehensive handbook and field guide – and is preparing to deliver a number of orientation workshops to help inform, prepare and protect NWT residents interested in taking part in this year’s harvest.

We hope to be able to advise southern buyers that they will not need to bring large crews of pickers to the NWT – highlighting, instead, that we have a trained, knowledgeable resident workforce in our communities to support the morel harvest.

The NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy speaks of the importance of diversifying our territorial, regional and community economies by investing in Northern businesses and taking advantage of resources that are readily available to residents of the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, morel mushrooms are one such resource that is ripe for the picking we look forward to a bountiful crop this summer.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the resource sector is the single largest contributor to the NWT economy. Mining has created more than 28,000 jobs and produced $46 billion in minerals since the early 1930s. Those numbers help to tell the story of our success in this industry, which has provided residents and businesses across the territory with opportunities.

 To ensure our residents and communities receive long-term benefits from responsible mineral exploration and development, the NWT Mineral Development Strategy and Implementation Plan were developed. Of the 28 recommendations in the Plan, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is the lead on 12. Today, I would like to update Members on the progress we are making on a few of these initiatives.

 One of these initiatives is the Mining Incentive Program, launched last June. The program was oversubscribed by almost 200 percent in its inaugural year, with seven exploration companies and two prospectors receiving funding. We hope to continue this successful program for 2015.

 We also recently announced the establishment of a Mining Industry Advisory Board. Once established, this Board will provide technical advice to government and ensure mining regulations are in place to foster economic growth while maintaining high regulatory, environmental and social standards.

This Board will consist of between five and seven volunteers with a wide range of technical knowledge and sustainable development expertise. The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment will recommend names of possible board members after consultation with the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines to reflect the best cross section of mining expertise as possible.

To promote the Northwest Territories as an attractive place to invest in mineral development we have a marketing and investment campaign underway with the theme of “Unlocking our Potential”. In addition to advertisements, this campaign will build on our presence at the events and tradeshows we participate in. At the Mineral Exploration Roundup in Vancouver in January, we had a tradeshow booth that showcased the Northwest Territories and its tremendous potential to the prospectors, geoscientists, and investors in attendance. I look forward to providing you with an update on this campaign at a later date.

Good geoscience information is critical to the long-term development of the NWT mining sector. To ensure government and industry have the information they need, we are working to position the Northwest Territories Geoscience Office as the principal source of public geoscience knowledge, another recommendation in the Implementation Plan. A study of the glacial history and permafrost conditions of the central Slave Geological Province will provide insight to guide our efforts to stimulate the next round of diamond and metals exploration in the Slave Province. This is thanks, in part, to an increase in geoscience research funding from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.

We also have plans to build a Geological Materials Storage Facility in Yellowknife that will house the territory’s substantial geological collections. Exploration companies and prospectors can re-use the existing drill core, which, for some companies, has resulted in millions of dollars of exploration savings.

Mr. Speaker, the Mineral Development Strategy and Implementation Plan give this government an important tool for supporting this sector and will continue to be evaluated and updated as we move forward to ensure that actions remain relevant and effective.

This Assembly has a vision of a strong, sustainable and prosperous North, Mr. Speaker. For more than 80 years, the mining industry has been a pillar of the Northwest Territories’ economy. The Mineral Development Strategy and Implementation Plan will help us to ensure the mining industry continues to be a key contributor to achieving our vision and the NWT’s economic growth.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Fostering Open Expression among Youth team, better known as FOXY, for receiving the 1 million dollar Arctic Inspiration Prize. 

The Arctic Inspiration Prize recognizes and promotes the extraordinary contribution made by teams in gathering Arctic knowledge and using this knowledge for real world applications. The prize is awarded by a selection committee, engaged partners and ambassadors. FOXY was nominated for this award by Premier Bob McLeod, with support from Minister Lafferty, Minister McLeod and myself. This year was the first time the entire prize had been awarded to one group, rather than split among several recipients. 

FOXY is a northern-based, youth-led sexual health education program that has been operating in the Northwest Territories for three years. It focuses on the complex determinants of sexual health in the Canadian North, not just visible indicators of sexual health problems and provides honest, realistic, and comprehensive education that empowers young women to make their own informed decisions. This program is designed by and for young women. It recognizes and addresses the link between sexual health and mental health and supports youth in developing healthy relationships based on equality, respect, and consent. By encouraging youth, and especially young women, to connect with their cultures and fostering the growth of young leaders and strong social support networks, FOXY also contributes to community wellness. 

FOXY was created as a new way of talking with young people about sexual health, sexuality, and relationships. FOXY has provided sexual health education in the Northwest Territories since 2012. This education helps combat the high rate of sexually transmitted infection in the Northwest Territories and provides young women with knowledge and skills to make healthy decisions regarding sexuality. 

Mr. Speaker, I’m sure all Members are interested in what the FOXY team will do with their well-deserved award. The additional support will help them expand the program into Yukon and Nunavut. FOXY will also provide its sexual health and leadership programs to all genders. This initiative will certainly be a great use of these extra resources. 

Mr. Speaker, healthy, educated people is a goal of this Assembly and of the Government of the Northwest Territories. The Department of Health and Social Services is working toward that goal by continuing to deliver sexual health prevention and promotion activities and work with other GNWT departments on initiatives that address underlying factors contributing to the spread of STIs. 

Working with innovative community partners also helps us progress toward our goal, and we will continue to work with FOXY to identify opportunities for enhanced community and youth engagement on sexual health issues. I am proud of FOXY’s achievement and excited about our on-going collaboration. 

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, in every community visit, when discussing Corrections and Justice issues, we hear that on-the-land programming helps people heal and reconnect to their culture and values. In the Department of Justice, we know this to be true. This type of programming has long been a cornerstone of programming in the NWT. 

In the Assembly last year I talked about work the Department has undertaken to ensure inmates are receiving appropriate cultural and on-the-land programming while in NWT corrections facilities. Finding capable partners with the right kind of cultural knowledge and experience to deliver these programs is essential to their success. 

Our first efforts to identify groups, Elders and individuals who could help us deliver the Wilderness Program for low-risk offenders were met with limited response and we were unable to select any qualified contractors. The Department of Justice, however, remains committed to developing this programming and has been actively engaging communities to help identify potential operators. 

We believe that significant community involvement is essential for an effective Wilderness Program. Over the last year, Corrections Service staff have talked with communities to ensure potential operators of on-the-land programs are aware of our interest and will be able to deliver these specialized corrections-based cultural programs. We are committed to building a Program with significant community involvement. 

Recently, an Expression of Interest was again publicly advertised. We also sent it directly to those who might be interested in partnering with us in this work. I am pleased to advise the responses are encouraging. Over the next several weeks, community partners who may be able to fulfill the Program needs will be invited to come and have an open discussion with Departmental staff. These discussions will ensure both the operators and staff have a strong mutual understanding of the Wilderness Program and associated requirements. 

After these discussions, we hope potential applicants will have increased capacity to successfully respond to a Request for Proposals for the Wilderness Program early in the next fiscal year. Aligning the needs of the inmate population and the interests of the operators and staff is critical for the success of this unique Program. 

Mr. Speaker, in order for inmates to turn their lives around we cannot underestimate the need for strong community partnerships, support of the Corrections service and the willingness of inmates to participate in these on-the-land healing programs. We are working to be supportive and constructive as we build sustainable and effective programs in partnership with our communities. 

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, all children in the NWT deserve the best possible care, nurturing and support, so that they can develop physically, emotionally, socially, culturally and spiritually. When these supports are in place right from the start, children are more likely to grow up to become healthy productive members of their communities and society. 

The Departments of Health and Social Services and Education, Culture and Employment continue to work in partnership to ensure that there is increased access and participation in early childhood programs, enhanced quality of early childhood services, and improved integration and collaboration at all levels of the early childhood system. Achieving our vision and goals requires an effective, comprehensive, and coordinated approach to improve early childhood developmental outcomes. Today I would like to update you on some of the achievements in our Right from the Start Early Childhood Development Action Plan. 

In December 2014, Education, Culture and Employment launched the Early Childhood Staff Grant Program. This Program supplements the traditionally low wages of the early childhood sector, to help attract new people and encourage them to further their post-secondary training. Making the field more attractive to trained people is critical, as the quality of early childhood programs is directly related to the number of years of training that staff have. To date, we have received more than 140 applications, and the first payments will be made on February 13, 2015. 

Mr. Speaker, we also successfully implemented another key action identified in the Early Childhood Education Action Plan. In January 2015, 10 successful applicants were awarded the first ever Right from the Start Early Childhood Development Scholarship. At $5,000 each, these scholarships will help our northern students to achieve their goals and complete their early childhood development post-secondary training, investments further benefitting our NWT children. 

To support new parents and caregivers as they embark on the important journey of raising children, ECE will give them iPads filled with useful early childhood apps and resources. We know this generation of parents are much more technologically savvy, and we want to provide them with resources that will assist them in raising their children. Distributing the iPads will also give us an important opportunity to introduce new parents to early childhood staff and resources available in their communities. What better way for relationships to develop than learning about fun and relevant resources that benefit modern parents and caregivers as they are raising their children. These iPads are the techno “baby bags” of the future. I look forward to seeing how tradition combines with innovation to continue serving our children and families in the NWT. 

Mr. Speaker, these are but a few of the commitments and innovations emerging out of the Right from the Start Framework and Action Plan, very actively underway. These developing programs and services are streamlining and improving access for our families with young children, and creating an understanding that investing in our youngest children is an investment in the future of the Northwest Territories. 

Masi, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the tourism industry offers opportunities for economic development throughout all regions of the Northwest Territories, and federal funding can support this growing and vibrant industry. 

On February 9, along with myself and Mr. Don Morin, Chair of Northwest Territories Tourism, the federal Minister Responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq announced a contribution of approximately $2.8 million to support tourism development in the Northwest Territories. The contribution includes just over $1.4 million for tourism projects supported by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, and $1.4 million in funding for NWT Tourism. These funds will be spent over the remaining current fiscal year and in 2015/2016. 

The funding dedicated to Industry, Tourism and Investment’s tourism projects will include research, the development of a visitor exit survey, community tourism development, and training activities. 

There will be an emphasis on five communities with emerging tourism opportunities: Lutselk’e, Fort Resolution, Fort Simpson, Deline and Tuktoyaktuk. 

I would like to thank these communities for their vision in pursuing tourism for economic development, the well-being of their residents, and cultural vibrancy. Funding will support baseline research to measure the impacts of these investments, as well a series of initiatives to build community tourism capacity. 

The investment in NWT Tourism will take place over the same time period. This funding will support the implementation of a two-year marketing plan to further promote the territory to target markets in Asia, Europe and North America. Marketing activities include advertising and promotions, attendance at trade shows, market research and the development of a five-year marketing strategy. 

This strategy will respond to new opportunities, such as the emerging market in China and other Asian nations. It will guide the annual marketing plans going forward. The overall goal of these activities is to increase the number of tourists visiting and spending money in the Northwest Territories. 

I am pleased to share that Industry, Tourism and Investment will also be contributing funding to these two initiatives through existing tourism support programs. Our share includes $5.7 million for the ITI tourism projects and $1.4 million for NWT Tourism over two years, bringing the total investment announced by our two governments this week to approximately $10 million. 

Mr. Speaker, the number of tourists discovering our spectacular territory continues to grow every year. Tourism brings around $130 million to the Northwest Territories each year, and employs 2,500 people. To further grow this important sector we need support, and the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment welcomes and appreciates the investment of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. 

Once again we would like to thank the federal government for their continued support. 

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

YELLOWKNIFE (February 12, 2015) – A new pilot program that aims to increase film production activity in the Northwest Territories has been created. 

The NWT Film Rebate Program was developed by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) in response to an Economic Opportunities Strategy (EOS) recommendation. The EOS identified the film sector as a priority area in which Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) investment could create viable economic opportunities. 

“The NWT film and television industry has enjoyed extraordinary successes in recent years and the GNWT is committed to being a supportive partner in its ongoing growth,” said Minister of ITI David Ramsay.  “In addition to encouraging on-location filming, this program will foster partnerships with our territorial film industry, lead to the purchase of goods and services, and the hiring of local residents.” 

The program will provide incentives to productions filming on-location in the NWT. Program categories include financial rebates for the purchase of goods and services, travel to and within the NWT and wages for the training and hire of local residents, particularly in recognized film industry positions.  The program also includes an increased incentive for productions filming outside of Yellowknife, to encourage film activity throughout the NWT. 

Information about the contribution program is available at http://www.nwtfilm.com/rebate 

The ongoing implementation of the EOS fulfils the 17th Legislative Assembly’s priority to strengthen and diversify the NWT’s economy. 

Media inquiries:
Leslie Campbell
Senior Communications Officer
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Tel: (867) 920-3343
Email: leslie_campbell@gov.nt.ca

Mr. Speaker, communities have worked with the RCMP to develop policing priorities and action plans that designate specific priorities to make our communities safer. I would like to share with Members how this collaboration is making a difference in our communities. 

Stopping bootlegging and stemming the inflow of prohibited liquor is a main focus for many communities. This priority is very important, especially around Christmas, holidays and other community events. It requires active participation by everyone, including community members and leaders, RCMP and partners to combat bootlegging and maintain healthy homes and communities. 

In Deline, strong partnerships between the RCMP, citizens and community leaders recently led to successful initiatives including check stops and investigations. These resulted in a seizure of a significant amount of alcohol – in December, a total of 67 bottles of vodka, 51 cans of beer and two bottles of wine. Charges were subsequently laid under the Deline Liquor Restriction Regulations. 

However, it wasn’t all about punitive activities. In addition to enhanced law enforcement, the community of Deline hosted cultural activities with RCMP participation throughout the holiday season. Their aim was to help promote sobriety and safer, healthier choices. The results are clear. In December 2014 there was a 32 percent reduction in the number of calls to the RCMP for service compared to December 2013. 

Other communities have seen similar successes. Fort Resolution saw charges laid for a seizure in December totalling 73 bottles of liquor, and Fort Good Hope had 51 bottles confiscated in one seizure. Each of these communities saw positive change for December as a result of these actions. 

If you have information about any illegal activity affecting your community, speak with your local RCMP. You can also call Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers is safe and anonymous and will get your information to the people who can help to make positive change happen. 

As you can see from these examples, each of us is able to have an impact and make a difference when we work together to build safer homes and communities. 

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, Great Slave Lake is the every-day workplace of a proud community of northern fishers who work tirelessly to harvest some of the best tasting fish in Canada – and deliver it year round to the marketplace. 

Great Slave Lake represents a huge and sustainable resource. The product offerings are excellent and the stock is healthy and well managed.  Yet, most of the fish available to NWT residents in grocery stores and on restaurant menus is imported from southern Canada or elsewhere. 

The Government’s NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy highlighted the importance of both revitalizing our territory’s fishing industry and encouraging and growing domestic and export markets for NWT products. 

In January, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment took a step towards addressing both of these elements of our grass roots economy with the introduction of a marketing and awareness campaign aimed at promoting domestic sales of fresh fish from Great Slave Lake.    

The Fresh Fish from Great Slave Lake logo and brand was officially launched at a highly successful simultaneous media event held at the Hay River Super A and Yellowknife Direct Charge Co-op. 

In addition to supporting direct sales by industry fishers and NWT storeowners, the new logo and marketing campaign will be used by restaurant owners to promote fresh Great Slave Lake fish on menus. 

Mr. Speaker, to further improve opportunities in commercial fishing, we are working with NWT fishers to find ways to establish effective product distribution systems and ensure security of supply. 

Under the Northern Food Development Program, we are working to advance capital, freight subsidies and additional market supports to Great Slave Lake fishers that will allow them to better and more effectively distribute their product to consumers. 

Mr. Speaker, it is important to highlight that this Program also applies to other fisheries in the territory. For example, one of the crown jewels of the NWT fishery is the pickerel fishery in Kakisa. This fish is highly sought-after in both domestic and export markets. We will soon be meeting with producers in the community to determine how to adapt our marketing program to meet their needs and generate greater returns for the community. 

We are also developing an entrant strategy to attract new fishers from inside and outside of the NWT to our industry, and we are looking to make key investments to construct a new export grade plant and to help our current fishers modernize their operations.  

Mr. Speaker, growing the economy is an important part of creating a prosperous territory that gives NWT residents the opportunity to support themselves and their families. We believe that our fishery is an area in which we can realize significant economic growth and we are acting to stimulate a new era of self‑sufficiency for the NWT’s fishery – rebuilding it with new markets, new fishers and new infrastructure to return it to the leading economic contributor it once was. 

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 

 

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Lands has made significant progress since taking over the management of public land in the Northwest Territories as part of Devolution last April.

Much of the Department’s progress to date has been due to the hard work of its employees. While about 75 percent of our positions were filled by existing federal and GNWT staff when Devolution came into effect, the remainder of the Department’s positions had to be staffed.

Mr. Speaker, April 1st was just the beginning. Since its creation, the Department of Lands is setting priorities, planning and managing new issues as they arise. As a new department, Lands is responsible for developing or revising policies and frameworks that will guide how we manage and administer land in the NWT. Extensive work has been undertaken to develop policy frameworks for recreational land management, land use planning as well as environmental liabilities and financial assurances. These are not short-term projects, Mr. Speaker, and involve a considerable amount of research, consultation and analysis.

The Department of Lands has engaged with Aboriginal governments, stakeholders and the general public in all regions of the NWT to gather input on a variety of initiatives, and will continue to do so in the future.

One of the first organizational changes to be made in the Department of Lands was the establishment of the Liabilities and Financial Assurances Division. I announced the creation of this office last fall. Since that time, the division, with the support of ITI, ENR and the Department of Finance, has been working on a comprehensive policy framework for making decisions related to the nearly $600 million we have in posted securities. As well, work was done to conclude a surety bond for $253 million for the Ekati water license.

All this while job descriptions were being finalized, staffing actions started, and work on an informatics system to manage securities for the entire GNWT was being commenced. This Division has also provided expert advice, support to government-wide decision-making and departmental coordination for significant resource development security reviews.

Mr. Speaker, the transfer of responsibility from the federal to the territorial government for setting up the Surface Rights Board was a major milestone for the GNWT. I expect to announce the appointments to this Board by the end of March, with members assuming their substantive functions on April 1st, 2016.

At the core of the Department of Lands is the Land Use Sustainability Framework, and its implementation and monitoring represents one of our key responsibilities. A component of this work includes promoting and supporting effective land use planning in all regions of our territory, and developing a land use planning policy framework. A critical step in doing this is engagement. Earlier this month, the Department hosted an interdepartmental workshop to develop best practices for reviewing and implementing land use plans. In March, external engagement will begin with a forum for Aboriginal planning partners to allow open dialogue and to develop relationships with our partners.

Mr. Speaker, the Department is the home department for the Informatics Shared Service Centre. This division supports Lands, Industry, Tourism and Investment, and Environment and Natural Resources. We are working towards the establishment of the Western Arctic Centre for Geomatics. The Centre is an opportunity to improve strategic partnerships between our stakeholders, including Aboriginal governments, federal departments, and academic institutions by providing better information, coordinating remote sensing projects and developing operational monitoring programs. The establishment of this new office in Inuvik will build regional capacity to use remote sensing tools and technology for baseline monitoring that supports economic decision-making and enables ongoing environmental management. This is also a great opportunity to encourage our youth to pursue this type of career path.

All of these major accomplishments occurred while the Department was busy doing its “day job” of managing and administering land and resources in the NWT. Lands is managing hundreds of leases and other land dispositions, has conducted over 600 inspections as of December 31st, 2014. We have created five Regional Superintendent positions and set up their associated offices, developed plans for new garage and equipment storage facilities for two regions, conducted a full inventory review and developed a movable assets management plan for our equipment. As well, Mr. Speaker, our Superintendents and senior inspectors have developed a comprehensive entry-level Recruitment and Training Program for our new Resource Management Officer 1 inspector positions. I will have more to say on this later in the Session.

Finally, led by our Project Assessment Branch, Lands has also coordinated our Government’s input into several large scale project preliminary screenings and concluded our first decision as the Minister responsible for Environmental Assessments. This demonstrates our government’s commitment to supporting balanced, responsible development of NWT resources and timely decision making.

Mr. Speaker, we have a strong and hard working group of employees and I am confident that we will continue to make significant progress on the priorities that have been outlined for Lands. The Department is committed to working with all landowners to responsibly and sustainably manage the lands, waters and natural resources of the Northwest Territories for the benefit of current and future generations – that is our mission, because Land is Life.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

YELLOWKNIFE (February 10, 2015) – The recipients of the 2014-2015 High Performance Athlete Grant (HPAG) were announced today by Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) Robert C. McLeod and Maureen Miller, President of the Sport North Federation. 

“Supporting Northern athletes competing at the national and international levels is an important part of sport development in the NWT,” said Minister McLeod.  “These athletes inspire our youth, provide strong leadership in the sport sector, and set a positive example for all youth and our future sport stars.” 

The Sport North Federation is an important partner in delivering sport programs across the North and also recognizes the value of this program. 

“This program aids NWT athletes in a variety of sports to pursue their goals and dreams,” said Sport North President Maureen Miller. “ Training at a high level in sport is a costly pursuit involving expenses for coaches, travel and equipment.  The High Performance Grant program provides and enables athletes to compete both nationally and internationally and serve as role models for NWT youth.  The Sport North Federation wishes to congratulate all of the grant recipients for their achievements in the pursuit of excellence.” 

One of the NWT athletes who has benefited from this program and will be representing Canada on the world stage at the Snowboarding World Cup in Turkey is Andrew Matthews. 

“The NWT High Performance Athlete Grant is the crucial catalyst that northern athletes like myself need to take the next step in their athletic careers, whether that step is competing with the best athletes in Canada or the best athletes in the world this program makes it possible,” said Matthews. “The funding makes a massive difference in allowing Northerners to be competitive with the Canadian provinces as well as internationally. The difference can be seen in the increased success of not only top NWT athletes participating in the Olympics but also the increasing number of young athletes being successful in their various sports across Canada. Investing in high performance sport is giving young people an opportunity to strive for greatness in athletics and in doing so the NWT is investing in the potential and future of northern youth.” 

One of the NWT’s most recent Olympic athletes, Brendan Green had this to say about the High Performance Athlete Grant: “The High Performance Athlete Grant has been instrumental in my career as a high performance athlete.  Since the initiation of this program, Northern athletes have developed into some of the best and most resilient athletes in Canada.  I truly believe the NWT is leading the way in amateur athlete support, and there will be many more incredible athletes to come out of the North. This is just the beginning!” 

The High Performance Athlete Grant program provides financial support to high performance athletes from the NWT.  The Sport North Federation and MACA jointly approve all recipients.  More details on the High Performance Athlete Grant program can be found on the MACA website at www.maca.gov.nt.ca. 

Backgrounder: 2014-16 HPAG Recipients

Media inquiries:
David Maguire
Communications and Web Advisor
Municipal and Community Affairs
Tel: 867-920-3092
Email: david_maguire@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (February 9, 2015) – The Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) Single Window Service Center model has been recognized for its innovative management by the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC). The Single Window Service Center model received bronze in Federal/Provincial/Territorial category of the  IPAC/Deloitte Public Sector Leadership Award for 2014. This is the fourth IPAC Award the Government of Northwest Territories has received.  Previous recipients include the GNWT’s Executive Council, Department of Transportation and the South Slave Divisional Board of Education.  

The Single Window Service Centre model is unique to the Northwest Territories.  Its success is rooted in respecting the  traditional and cultural needs of residents as they access government services. Since the program was launched in 2010 it has grown across the NWT from eight to eighteen single window service centres, with another two to be added in the near future.  The Government Service Officers have responded to over 19,000 requests from residents in small communities for help accessing GNWT and Government of Canada programs and services. 

“The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to supporting all communities and regions,” noted Premier Bob McLeod. “The Single Window Service Centres and government service officers program proves that we can be more efficient by creating positions in smaller communities to help residents connect with the programs and services they need.” 

Supporting sustainable, vibrant and safe communities and regions is a priority for the Government of the Northwest Territories. This commitment is demonstrated in programs like the Single Window Service Centres, decentralization, regional recruitment and capacity building initiatives across the NWT, all working towards supporting communities. 

Representatives of the Single Window Service Centre program will be recognized at the NWT Legislative Assembly on Monday afternoon. 

For more information about the IPAC Award and the GNWT’s submission, please contact: 

Dan O’Neill
Regional Director
Department of Executive
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel.: 867-873-7897

Mr. Speaker, in January the Premier and I led a second trade mission of NWT business representatives and government officials to China and Japan. Our delegation included NWT tour operators, partners in our fur and fashion industries, and a member of our territory’s diamond manufacturing sector Ms. Verda Law, of Yellowknife Tours, Mr. Ragnar Wesstrom of Enodah Wilderness Adventures, Mr. Hideo Nagatani from Aurora Village, Mr. Andrew Stanley, a trapper from Hay River, Mr. Fernando Alvarez of Jacques Cartier Clothing and Mr. Dylan Dix of Crossworks Manufacturing. 

Collectively we offered a significant, multi-sector mission highlighting the opportunities that exist within our territory’s key sectors. In the interest of NWT businesses, our objective was, in part, to leverage a greater share of the immense and growing market in Asia for luxury products and travel vacations. 

To that end, we showcased our fur and diamonds in foremost international fashion venues like the 41st Annual Fur and Leather Show in Beijing and the International Jewellery Fair in Tokyo. 

Due to its high quality, limited supply, and the sustainable and humane manner in which it is harvested, our Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs are being increasingly sought by socially and fashion conscious consumers in Asia. 

Almost immediately following our meetings with fur buyers at the Beijing Fur and Leather show, we were advised that five new clients had registered to buy our wild fur at the upcoming March sale in Helsinki. 

Meanwhile, our endorsement of a proposed MOU between the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Fur Institute of Canada has advanced that initiative to a point where it may be signed in the next three weeks. This is a big step – not only for the spirit of cooperation that it represents – but also for the fundamental role that it will play in protecting our collective interests in the fur industry.

Our presentations and meetings on tourism netted similar immediate results. Two new and major tour operators have come forward since our mission with plans to package and sell the NWT product in China. With upwards of 100 thousand Chinese travelling annually, it represents an extraordinary potential return on our investment – and the possibility of even greater growth in our territory’s Aurora industry – already reaching record performance measures. 

The Premier and I also met with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency to provide an update on the creation of the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Optic Link and growth of the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility. The establishment of a fixed fibre optic link opens the door for a broad range of satellite-related activities for investors interested in projects relating to data harvesting. We believe the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency could be a strong partner with the NWT and Canada with a joint venture similar to those already established with other international partners. 

Mr. Speaker, beyond our work to stimulate interest, investment and economic growth for NWT businesses, our second mission to China has served to add prestige and credibility to our relationships with the governments that guide and govern this trade. The Canadian Ambassador to China, Mr. Guy Saint-Jacques, communicated to us and to Chinese government officials during our meetings, the significance of the GNWT’s investment in building relations through this return mission to China. Our trip served also to open doors with investors interested in learning more about the exciting opportunities that exist in our territory. I would like to express my appreciation to both Ambassador Saint-Jacques and to Mr. Mackenzie Clugston, Canada’s Ambassador to Japan. The success of our trade mission would not have been possible without the outstanding support given by both of the Ambassadors, and their staff. 

Opportunities for investment are being increasingly sought and recognized by the Chinese in particular. These investments are not necessarily limited to non‑renewable resources. Since our mission, the Canadian Consulate in Shanghai has received an inquiry from a company currently exporting Canadian fresh water fish to China and looking for additional sources of high-quality products. 

Mr. Speaker, we are acting on the momentum established by this mission and responding to immediate inquiries. I look forward to sharing more detailed information with Members of this House in person and in subsequent meetings and briefings. 

I can assure Members that we will continue to encourage and nurture a strong network of relationships and investments in China and Japan, and in other international markets. Our growing political and reciprocal relationship with these nations is one that articulates the full value of the potential that exists for our Territory and the returns that can be realized from investors, corporations and even nations that are interested in partnering and investing in the North. 

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Government of the Northwest Territories and its Single Window Service Center model has been recognized for its innovative management by the Institute of Public Administration of Canada or known as IPAC.

The Government of the Northwest Territories was one of 10 national finalists for the IPAC/Deloitte Public Sector Leadership Award for 2014 in the Federal/Provincial/Territorial category. This prestigious Award recognizes organizations and their leaders that have demonstrated outstanding leadership by taking bold steps to improve Canada through advancements in public policy and management.

Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to inform this House that the Single Window Service Center model was awarded the bronze medal. This is the fourth IPAC Award the Government of the Northwest Territories has received.  Previous recipients include the Government of the Northwest Territories Executive Council, Department of Transportation and the South Slave Divisional Board of Education. 

On Thursday evening, Celine Proctor, our Government Service Officer from Fort Good Hope, representing all of our Government Services Officers, along with George Morin, Manager of the Single Window Service Centre program, Dan O’Neill, Regional Director, Penny Ballantyne, Deputy Minister for the Department of Executive and Betty Arden, Administrative Assistant, represented the Government of the Northwest Territories at the Gala Awards Dinner, at IPAC’s 10th Annual Leadership Conference in Toronto. 

Mr. O’Neill and his staff in the regional office, in collaboration with Regional Director Peter Clarkson, have championed this program and have worked diligently to ensure its success. During the Gala, a short video was presented showcasing the uniqueness of the Northwest Territories, and how this service delivery model is helping residents in small communities gain access to much needed government programs and services.

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased with this program, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff in the Department of Executive, and the community Government Services Officers, who have worked hard to improve resident access to our programs and services and provide outreach to all our citizens, particularly our Elders in our most remote communities.

As I mentioned earlier, in the audience Thursday night was one of our Government Service Officers, Celine Procter, who started with the program when it was first launched in 2010. Celine is from Fort Good Hope, she speaks the language of her community and has helped countless residents. This includes Elders, sitting at their kitchen tables, helping them to navigate their way through the sometimes complex Federal and Northwest Territories program and services. 

As Members know, the Single Window Service Centres are located in 18 offices across the Northwest Territories, soon to be 20, with new offices being established in Trout Lake and Wekweètì. This model has been a resounding success and has reached out to residents in our more remote communities. To date, over 19,000 resident inquiries have been assisted through these offices.

Mr. Speaker, supporting all communities and regions is a priority for our government. We have funded from within these additional Government Service Officer positions, which supports this Assembly’s priority of providing employment opportunities in small communities. The Single Window Service Centres and Government Service Officers program proves that we can provide more efficient services by creating positions in smaller communities to help residents connect with the programs and services they need. I want to thank Members for their continued support for this initiative.  It is truly making a difference and has now a nationally recognized model that is the envy of other jurisdictions.  

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to update Members on some recent activities of the Department of Public Works and Services with regards to fuel prices in communities served by its Petroleum Products Division. 

Recent changes in the market have seen oil prices go from all-time highs to record lows over the past year. This current market pricing has provided the Petroleum Products Division with an opportunity to lower its costs and pass on these savings to residents. 

The lower wholesale prices for fuel have made it possible to pass savings on to residents now, during the peak of the winter heating season. Mr. Speaker, on Monday February 2nd, the Petroleum Products Division dropped the price of heating fuel the price of heating fuel in all 16 communities that it serves. 

Those reductions included an 8 cent per litre decrease in the communities of Łutselk’e, Wekweètì, Jean Marie River, Wrigley, Tulita, Fort Good Hope, Délįne, Tsiigehtchic, Paulatuk and Ulukhaktok, while the communities of Whatì, Gamètì, Nahanni Butte, Trout Lake, Colville Lake, Sachs Harbour received a 9 cent per litre decrease in heating fuel. 

With our winter resupply underway, the Department expects that further reductions to the price of heating fuel and future reductions to the price of gasoline are possible in the coming months should current market prices continue. 

Mr. Speaker, lowering the cost of living for NWT residents is a priority for our government. While dramatic shifts in the international market for oil has made it possible to pass on savings to residents, we cannot rely on prices staying low. We still need to be looking for long-term ways to reduce energy costs. 

Energy efficiency and alternative energy solutions offer a stable, longer term solution to living in the North. Through its other programs, the Department of Public Works and Services will continue to advance our goals as a government to reduce our costs and dependency on imported diesel. 

I am encouraged that as a government we continue to look at all ways to reduce the high cost of living in the NWT. I am pleased that we are able, when the market allows, to provide some much needed relief in our smaller communities during the peak of the heating season. 

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to advise Members of this House that starting on June 1, 2015, the minimum wage in the Northwest Territories is going up.

The minimum wage in the NWT will increase from $10.00 per hour to $12.50 per hour, making it the highest in Canada today. This is the first increase to the minimum wage in the Northwest Territories since 2011. 

In 2013, I appointed a Minimum Wage Committee consisting of business, non-governmental organizations and other community representatives, which included the NWT Chamber of Commerce and the Northern Territories Federation of Labour. 

This decision to increase the minimum wage was informed by the thorough and considered research of the Minimum Wage Committee, which reviewed relevant information including social and economic factors as well as current minimum and average hourly wages in other Canadian jurisdictions and the cost of living across Canada. 

The Committee provided three options on the minimum wage rate. The option chosen carefully balances the needs of our minimum wage earners with the cost to small businesses that employ them. 

The average minimum wage for each jurisdiction in Canada is about 45 percent of its average hourly wage. In 2013, the average hourly wage in the NWT was $27.80. The present minimum wage of $10.00 per hour only reflects 36 percent of the average hourly wage in the NWT. Increasing the minimum wage to $12.50 per hour brings it up to approximately 45 percent of the NWT average hourly wage, which is in line with the average for Canada. 

Most employers in the NWT already pay more than the minimum wage because this is what is required to attract and retain employees in the NWT. It is anticipated that a higher minimum wage may improve employee retention, enhance recruitment opportunities and attract more people to the workforce. 

On its own, increasing the minimum wage rate is not an effective means of fighting poverty. Across this Government we have many strategies in place to help Northerners achieve their goals, support their families, and live healthy, successful lives – the Early Childhood Development Framework, the Anti-Poverty Strategy, the NWT Housing Corporation Transitional Rent Program, the Income Assistance Program, the Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan, Community Wellness Plans, and Child Care User Subsidy that help to support the most vulnerable in our society. The increased minimum wage joins these strategies to help Northerners.

Mr. Speaker, we have a shared vision of a prosperous NWT where people can afford to support themselves and their families. Raising the minimum wage is one part of creating a vibrant and diversified economy supported by a strong labour force that will share in the economic prosperity and opportunities emerging in the NWT. We believe increasing the minimum wage in the NWT to $12.50 an hour is a much-needed, tangible and practical way to help make that happen. 

Masi, Mr. Speaker.

Introduction

Mr. Speaker, as I rise to present the last Budget of the 17th Legislative Assembly I would first like to thank the Members of this Assembly, who, through various Standing Committees, have worked with the Cabinet towards achieving the priorities of this Assembly within the limits of our fiscal framework. It is a credit to our system of consensus government, as the many successes and accomplishments of the 17th Legislative Assembly and the numerous challenges met and often tough choices made, are because we worked together. This Budget looks to conclude the work of the 17th Assembly and prepare for the fiscal transition to the 18th Assembly.

Our accomplishments are built on three basic principles:

• We will protect programs and services while managing expenditure growth,
• We will maintain a stable tax environment to support the economy, and
• We will achieve this while remaining committed to the Fiscal Responsibility Policy to manage our debt.

Taking Stock

Guided by these principles we have achieved some game changing goals during the past 1,197 days. Only 310 days ago we rolled up 5,000 kilometres of red tape when we gained responsibility for the management of our lands, waters and non-renewable resources on April 1 of last year. The smooth transition was a testament to the dedication of our entire public service, from the people who worked directly to make the assumption of the new responsibilities seamless, to the employees who carried on the regular business of government while the focus and resources were elsewhere. Resource management decisions are now made faster while using the same stringent requirements and processes as before. We are finally receiving a share of the resource revenues generated in our territory. As an Assembly, we have chosen, after sharing with Aboriginal governments, to save 25 per cent of the net revenues we receive from our resource revenues in the Heritage Fund to ensure future Northwest Territories residents share in the benefits of the resources we are using now.

We have protected programs and services. Over the life of the 17th Assembly we will have increased social envelope spending by $112 million. To date in this Assembly we have added $69 million in new initiatives plus almost $54 million in multi-year one-time funding to offset a portion of the NWT Power Corporation’s electricity rate increase, which helped moderate the transition to higher rates. In 2015-16, the Government proposes to add $24.2 million to continue support of the priorities of the Legislative Assembly.

We have not raised taxes, except through indexing to inflation.

We have taken measured risk to make strategic capital investments to grow the economy. This includes the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Optic Link, which will provide opportunities for business, more efficient and effective delivery of government programs, and is expected to pay for itself with the anticipated growth of the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility.

During the life of this Assembly, including the 2015-16 capital budget approved last November, we will have delivered, started working on, or committed to, $1.5 billion in capital projects. This includes major projects like the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway and the Stanton Hospital renovation. These infrastructure investments are significant commitments that will benefit our residents for generations.

We have accomplished this while remaining committed to our Fiscal Responsibility Policy. In keeping with the Policy’s guidelines, we will have generated operating surpluses in every year of our mandate to pay for at least half of our infrastructure and to service debt. Through careful management of expenditures, we were able to keep our commitment to invest an additional $100 million in capital in the last two years of this Assembly.

While we have borrowed to make capital investments, our debt servicing payments are one per cent of total annual revenues, well below the Fiscal Responsibility Policy’s maximum debt servicing payment guideline of five per cent of total revenues, and the third lowest in the country.

Economic Outlook

These accomplishments are set against a backdrop of a different reality. We are expecting the economy to have grown 5.2 per cent in 2014 and to grow 3.7 per cent this year. The growth in 2014 reflects increased diamond production, pre-construction work on the Gahcho Kué mine and the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway construction. The economic growth should continue this year with the increased investment resulting from the start of construction of the Gahcho Kué diamond mine.

These economic growth estimates cloak the decrease in resident employment, the declining population, the dramatically slowing oil and gas exploration, the business closures in some of our communities, and the fact that our economy is only four-fifths of what it was in 2007. Our economic growth is concentrated in the diamond industries while the rest of the economy is not really growing at all.

Over the medium term, there are encouraging signs that our two largest diamond mines will extend their mine lives. These potential extensions are not overly long-term and we need to be cautious. Forecasts are just forecasts until they become reality. The scope and timing of new resource projects is uncertain and already identified potential new mines, including the Gahcho Kué mine, are smaller than the existing mines that will mature soon under the current mine plans.

We have been through the resource boom and bust many times and we are fortunate that we have the diamond mines to support our economy as they have. Nevertheless, we should not count on being lucky again. Our economic future depends on us being able to make investments to grow and diversify the economy and achieve the objectives set in our economic strategies. We are measuring the success of our efforts by setting an aspirational target to increase the Northwest Territories’ population by 2,000 people over the next four years. We are measuring success by boots on the ground because other economic indicators are misleading in a small resource-based economy with a large fly in and out workforce.

While all options are on the table to reach our 2,000 target, we are focussed on strategies to help private business retain and recruit as well as do the same for the GNWT workforce. These strategies look at the quality of life offered by the Northwest Territories. We have some of the highest incomes in Canada, our taxes are competitive, and the lifestyle is second to none, so we are focussing on reducing the cost of living through investments to reduce energy and transportation costs and increase our stock of affordable housing.

Fiscal Situation

We expect to end 2014-15 with a $109 million surplus despite facing both expenditure and revenue shocks. The most severe fire season in the Northwest Territories’ history has cost $55 million, or 3 per cent of this year’s budget. Record 64-year low water levels at the Snare Hydro system required the Government to intervene with a $20 million contribution to the Northwest Territories Power Corporation to ensure higher electricity costs of 13 per cent are not passed on to residents and businesses. On the revenue side, resource revenues are expected to be $41 million lower and corporate income tax $24 million lower than the 2014-15 Budget estimates. This perfect storm of shocks has dropped our capacity to borrow and is projected to reduce the $100 million cushion of unencumbered room under the federally-imposed $800 million borrowing limit to $70 million by the end of this fiscal year.

Based on the economic outlook and the population growth forecasts, we are projecting revenues to remain almost flat over the medium term while expenditure pressures continue to grow. Without continued careful expenditure management, we will have a fiscal problem. If we want a vibrant economy we need to make the infrastructure and other investments that will create the environment for our economic potential to be realized. We do not have the revenue growth necessary to make all these investments possible and we are constrained by the $800 million borrowing limit to borrow to make strategic investments. We can make some investments but it will mean others will not be able to be made and if we can’t find enough savings through efficiency gains then other expenditure management actions will be necessary.

Even a higher limit on our authority to borrow will not mean we can relax on expenditure management. Our borrowing is made up of $407 million in long term and public agency debt and $272 million in short term debt. Much of our public agency debt, such as the $184 million in Northwest Territories Hydro Corporation debt, is self-financing through ratepayers. Our short term debt is created when we borrow for other infrastructure investments and cash shortfalls for programs and services. We use operating surpluses to pay for this debt. Addressing our growing infrastructure deficit and making investments to grow the economy will make large operating surpluses an on-going requirement.

Consequently, for this Budget we asked departments to find savings from within to limit forced growth and reduce the operating base. Our new initiatives, which are mainly completions of actions already started, would not be possible without this restraint.

Budget Highlights

The 2015-16 Budget estimates that total revenues will be $1.83 billion in 2015-16, a 0.6 per cent drop from the revised 2014-15 revenue estimate. Through careful expenditure management by departments, we have held the growth in operating expenditures to 2.1 per cent in 2015-16 to produce a budget of $1.68 billion. The projected $147 million operating surplus will increase our borrowing capacity to $86 million by the end of 2015-16.

Revenues

This Budget introduces no new taxes. We are holding to the principle of maintaining a stable and competitive tax regime. We need tax revenues to make investments for the well-being of residents and to grow the economy. At the same time, we want to be careful to not increase the cost of living, already one of the highest in the country, on Northwest Territories residents and business.

Expenditures

The budgeted 2015-16 operating expenditures are only $34.6 million higher than the 2014-15 Budget. Departments held the line on expenditures by keeping forced growth and other adjustments to $46 million. This natural increase in spending was partially offset by reductions of $23.1 million for programs that have ended and $12.6 million in reductions to department budgets.

Without the concentrated effort by departments to find savings or to re-profile funding from within their existing budgets, it would not have been possible to present the $24.2 million in new initiatives in this Budget to continue the work to advance the priorities of this Assembly over the past four years.

Investing in People

We will be spending over $930 million on social programs in 2015-16 as investments in the Northwest Territories residents to encourage healthy lifestyles free from poverty. Almost 72 per cent of the increase in our operating budget will go towards our social programs, including an additional $1.75 million for the food allocation in the income assistance program, allowing our most vulnerable Northerners to better feed their families.

To date in this Assembly we have added over $14.4 million in new initiatives to improve the well-being of Northwest Territories residents, ranging from actions under the Anti-Poverty Strategy and the Early Childhood Development Action Plan to prevention programs.

In this Budget we are investing another $4.9 million in new or re-profiled initiatives that will support Northwest Territories residents in reaching their full potential.

This Budget proposes to add $440,000 to promote integrated approaches to case management for high needs clients being served by multiple departments and agencies. Most of the funding is directed to improving wellness through pilot projects in Yellowknife and Inuvik that will integrate the services provided by various departments and non-government agencies to people with a variety of needs. The team will work directly with clients to help manage their cases so that multi-agency services are integrated into a single team for each individual. This pilot project will provide better service to individuals and will provide information on what approaches will work to ensure the culture shift necessary to break down the barriers and silos that exist across departments and between the GNWT and other agencies providing services. The final product of this pilot project will be the knowledge to make recommendations on how to support integrated case management as a permanent system-wide approach for the delivery of services to clients in a variety of areas, including mental health and wellness.

Helping people gain permanent employment is an objective that supports wellness in individuals as well as reduces income assistance costs. By re-profiling funds from its income assistance program, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment will be able to direct $646,000 for a new initiative to establish five Employment Service Officers in each region of the Northwest Territories to help employable income assistance clients to gain permanent employment or enter into training. These Employment Service Officers will work one on one with specific income assistance clients, who typically have a wide range of needs and barriers to employment readiness and also work with employers throughout their region.

Our Early Development Instrument data suggests that a third of all Northwest Territories children are behind in their development by the time they reach five years of age and in the smaller communities as many as 60 per cent of five year olds are not at the level they should be. Many strategies and frameworks work in partnership to address the underlying issues that are holding our children back from reaching their true potential and through the Early Childhood Development Action Plan this Budget includes $1.12 million in direct action to improve childhood outcomes. This funding will increase wages and training of early childhood staff in some communities. It will also support new regional approaches to early intervention for children in families at risk, improving our ability to provide children and their families with the special supports they need to reduce long-term social, emotional and educational problems.

This Budget includes $1.1 million to support the Wellness Court Program. The Wellness Court is an alternative to conventional court that focuses on addressing the underlying causes of offending behaviour. The funds will be used to hire staff for the Wellness Court Program, including case managers and a psychologist, and to create an evaluation framework. We fully expect that over time this specialized court will result in a reduction in offending, and will lead to other positive outcomes for clients and their families. In time, the outcomes from this program and specialized court will spill over into savings for the Government and decreased demands upon the justice and correctional systems.

Supports for our seniors will have a positive effect on keeping whole families in the territory and is an important part of our population growth strategy. Over the longer term, we will have to find additional ways to help seniors stay in their own homes and their communities as long as possible. In the short term, however, our priority is to ensure adequate staffing in our existing long-term care facilities and we have added $618,000 in 2015-16 to provide more hours of direct patient care in Yellowknife’s Aven Manor, Fort Simpson’s Elders Care Home and Fort Smith’s Northern Lights Special Care Home.

In addition to these new initiatives, we are proposing to transfer $1.6 million from the Department of Education, Culture and Employment to the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation to add 75 new housing spaces for income support recipients in Inuvik, Hay River, and Yellowknife, which will improve the housing support provided to these residents.

Investing in the Economy

We have worked hard to be able to fund strategic investments in infrastructure that will create the environment for economic growth and diversification. We have taken measured risks and are prepared to take more if we can invest in a fiscally sustainable manner.

Investments to grow the economy are more than investments in strategic infrastructure. Budget 2015-16 continues actions to build a diversified economy that will provide all communities and regions with opportunities for resident employment and business success with $5.2 million in new initiatives. These actions complement the $11.9 million in new initiatives spent in previous 17th Assembly Budgets to strengthen regional economies and implement actions identified in the Mineral Development Strategy and the Economic Opportunities Strategy.

In total, the Budget provides $2.5 million for initiatives to support the Economic Opportunities Strategy, including more funding for the agriculture strategy, the film industry pilot project, regional economic plans, tourism promotion and training, a business internship, and $1.5 million in support for the commercial fishing industry.

Over $1.7 million in new funds are proposed for the Mineral Development Strategy, including $300,000 for the Geoscience Field Assistant Training Program and a geoscience career liaison coordinator and over $1.4 million to hire a geophysicist, a surficial geologist and a northern mining business development officer and provide support for incentive programs for exploration, scientific resource deficits, and coordination between industrial market segments.

The 2015-16 Budget proposes to make an initial contribution of $1 million to help fund the 2018 Arctic Winter Games. We expect that a community, or group of communities, outside of Yellowknife will be chosen late this fiscal year to host the 2018 Games. This is a multi-year commitment to provide the host organization with funds to establish an office, hire staff and raise additional resources to conduct the Games and, if necessary, bring existing facilities to the standard expected by the Arctic Winter Games International Committee. Hosting the Games provides community and economic development and lasting sport and health benefits.

Devolution Implementation

We spent $59 million in last year’s Budget to assume the responsibilities and duties under the Devolution Agreement for the management of our lands, waters and non-renewable resources. We set aside almost $10 million of the $67.2 million transfer into the base of our Territorial Formula Financing Grant in 2014-15 to fund necessary activities that were not anticipated in the initial implementation process. The 2015-16 Budget adds $3 million to complete the devolution implementation, including $1.2 million associated with the impact of final devolution implementation actions on regular department budgets.

Within the Department of Lands, funding in the amount of $151,000 has been allocated for the next three years for a resource management specialist to coordinate the GNWT input into the federal amendments to the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act and the federal regulatory improvement initiative and to help ensure the GNWT Surface Rights Board is established and operational by April 1, 2016. Although the Act remains federal jurisdiction, the new regulations that are being contemplated under the Act will be largely administered by the GNWT through its new delegated authorities. The new regulations represent important additions to the suite of authorities found under the Act. The coordinated approach will bring forward the policy thinking from a number of departments to maximize the GNWT’s influence in shaping the evolving regulatory regime and minimize its potential exposure to unanticipated administrative costs in new regulations.

An additional $415,000 is budgeted for new lands and resource specialists and a legal advisor to ensure that we have a coherent and well-planned policy base for building relationships with the new Boards and for the necessary coordination of GNWT decision-making with Canada for environmental assessment, inspection and enforcement of existing operations. As well, to continue the work of the Office of the Oil and Gas Regulator, we are including $220,000 to fund a resource management position.

This Budget provides $1 million to establish a new Liabilities and Financial Assurances Division to manage and coordinate financial assurances for resource development projects across several departments by ensuring that companies meet their obligations for environmental liabilities. The legislative framework makes project proponents responsible for the remediation of their project or to respond to an environmental event. However, if the proponent does not respond, the GNWT protects itself and its taxpayers from the potential liability by demanding financial securities from the proponent. The new Division will improve on the system inherited from the federal government by developing and managing environmental liabilities and financial assurances in collaboration and coordination with GNWT regulatory and central departments. This approach will ensure protection of the environment through whole project assessment of liabilities and financial assurances and provide necessary policy advice. This will ensure that the GNWT identifies the appropriate level of security for a project, which will protect the GNWT from the significant financial liabilities that can arise from the failure of a proponent to address an environmental event or its closure and reclamation obligations.

Supporting the Environment

Information management is a key component in the development of sustainable economic and environmental management frameworks. Post devolution, it has become apparent that there are critical gaps in the Northwest Territories environmental and landscape baseline data, and therefore funding is required to increase the knowledge in this important area. This Budget proposes investing $694,000 to establish the Western Arctic Centre for Geomatics in Inuvik. This investment will provide resources for three positions that will provide geomatics services such as remote sensing and research support to the GNWT and other Northwest Territories stakeholders.

Following devolution, the GNWT took over the full operation of the Taiga Environmental Laboratory, which provides analytical water sampling to the private sector and other government departments. This Budget includes a $577,000 increase in the facility’s operating budget for costs to assume total control of the operations at the laboratory. These costs are expected to be partially offset by the revenues that will be received from the laboratory’s operations.

Assuming responsibility for the Northwest Territories lands and waters on April 1 has transformed the GNWT from a co-lead with the federal government to the leader on the NWT Water Stewardship Strategy. The biggest risk to implementing our water stewardship strategy is the potential effects on trans boundary waters from actions of our upstream neighbours. This Budget includes one-time funding of $1.6 million to conclude protective trans boundary water agreements with upstream jurisdictions. Commitments flowing from these agreements will be addressed in subsequent budgets.

Investing in Energy and Lowering the Cost of Living

The GNWT has a long term commitment to reducing energy costs and our reliance on non-renewable energy sources. We have demonstrated this commitment with $12.3 million in new initiatives in the last three budgets. The $4 million in new initiatives in this Budget will bring the total new actions taken in this Assembly in continuing energy initiatives to lower the cost of living and reduce Northwest Territories’ greenhouse gas emissions to $16.3 million.

We are proposing an additional $1.4 million in this Budget to continue our energy conservation efforts. The $400,000 in additional funding proposed to keep Arctic Energy Alliance regional energy advisors will bring the total funding for this initiative to $1.13 million per year. As well, the $1.4 million includes $400,000 to convert streetlights in NTPC thermal communities to more efficient LED streetlights, $300,000 to fund the Hot Water Heater Replacement program, which is designed to replace domestic electric hot water heaters with more efficient oil- or propane-fired heaters in non-hydro communities, $200,000 for the Commercial Energy Efficiency Program and $100,000 for the Energy Efficiency Incentive Program that helps address up-front cost barriers that consumers face in becoming more energy efficient.

We are continuing our efforts to explore alternative energy sources with $2.6 million for on-going and new initiatives. The Budget includes $100,000 in additional funds to support the Alternative Energy Technology program, which provides up to one-half of the project cost for biomass and other alternative energy projects. We also propose providing the NWT Housing Corporation with $700,000 to install solar panels on 30 public housing units in six communities to supply energy for the mechanical and electrical systems. We want to make further use of the sun’s energy by proposing $500,000 to integrate solar panels with the new diesel plant in Colville Lake and $125,000 to support solar energy smart grid technology in communities. We are also looking to take advantage of world-class winds near Storm Hills by proposing $175,000 to test the feasibility of large-scale wind-generated power in that location and $50,000 for the NWT Wind Monitoring Program administered by Aurora Research Institute. We propose to continue to promote community biomass energy projects and evaluation of biomass projects with $450,000 in additional funding. Finally, we propose $325,000 to complete liquefied natural gas feasibility studies in Yellowknife and in one of three candidate communities: Fort Liard, Fort MacPherson and Tuktoyaktuk.

We know that to meaningfully reduce the cost of living and to enable the Northwest Territories economy to grow and develop, we need to make significant investments in energy infrastructure, specifically our generation capacity in Yellowknife and in the thermal communities. This fact was confirmed by the recent Energy Charrette held in Yellowknife. Pending the successful conclusion of our borrowing limit discussions with the federal government, the GNWT is prepared to make those investments. These investments are critical economic infrastructure that will lower the cost of living, use environmentally friendly alternative energy sources, minimize our reliance on the use of diesel, and help create the conditions for economic growth.

Following discussions with the Standing Committee of Priorities and Planning, we are proposing to bring all of the GNWT’s energy functions into the Department of Public Works and Services to better support the long term sustainability of our energy policies, program development and delivery. This department has a proven track record for getting results in energy planning and conservation and is already providing a leading role in the adoption of renewable energy technologies and developing and promoting good building practices for the northern environment. This action will result in a consolidated core of energy project management expertise and will provide a clear focus and accountability in energy project and program spending.

Investing to Improve Program and Service Delivery

The 17th Legislative Assembly is committed to improving program and service delivery for our residents and businesses. Including the $5.6 million in new or enhanced actions proposed in this Budget, a total of $19.6 million will have been directed to improving program efficiency and effectiveness during the life of this Assembly.

Included in these initiatives is almost $2.5 million to enhance the delivery of French language services and communications to residents of the Northwest Territories.

Last year’s Budget provided funding to allow Health Authorities to use information systems expertise at the Technology Service Centre. This Budget provides $1.5 million in additional funding to upgrade regional Health Authorities’ computer systems so that they can be integrated into a territory-wide Health and Social Services Information Systems Service Centre. Bringing all authorities into one common platform will support the continued roll-out of e-health programs such as the territorial Electronic Medical Records, which will improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of care.

This Budget includes the transfer of $2.3 million in Traditional Economy programs from the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The transferred programs include the Community Harvester Assistance Program, Local Wildlife Committees, WSCC Coverage for Resource Harvesters, Hunters and Trappers Disaster Compensation Program, Take a Kid Trapping/Harvesting Program and the Western Harvester Assistance Program. The two departments will cooperate to deliver the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources being responsible for the Fur Marketing Service Revolving Fund program and the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment being responsible for national and international marketing and promotion. This re-alignment of responsibilities will ensure a coordinated approach to our programs to support traditional harvesting activities and products.

The Government continues with its commitment to decentralize positions to the regions where possible. We are solidly into phase three of our decentralization implementation. After 15 positions are decentralized in 2015-16, and including the seven positions approved for decentralization in 2016-17, we will have decentralized 150 positions to communities during this Assembly. We are working hard to make decentralization possible from within our existing operations as demonstrated by the Department of the Executive re-profiling resources in Headquarters to establish two new Service Officers in Trout Lake and Wekweètì. However, not all decentralization efforts can be funded internally and this Budget provides an additional $813,000 in 2015-16 for further decentralization actions including costs associated with moving the Territorial Parks Office from Yellowknife to Hay River.

We continue to work to remove the barriers to successful completion of our decentralization strategy. Through the NWT Housing Corporation’s Market Housing and Housing for Staff programs, we are working with stakeholders to increase market rental housing in the smaller communities. We are using our recruitment initiatives to help address the high public service vacancy rates outside of Yellowknife by linking Northerners with regional vacancies and providing on the job training programs; and, where we can’t develop Northerners to certain jobs in the short term, we will recruit from outside the Northwest Territories using various recruitment tools and initiatives. Now that the dust has settled from the organization changes as result of devolution, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is currently undertaking an exercise to determine what activities are the most appropriate to decentralize and looks forward to discussing its conclusions with Standing Committees in the near future.

Looking Ahead

Mr. Speaker, we are forecasting total revenue growth to be basically flat for the next five years. By 2019-20 revenues are forecast to be only 0.4 per cent higher than in 2015-16. Over the same period, expenditures are forecast to grow 8.4 per cent, or about 2.1 per cent a year, under assumptions of strict expenditure management and the return to a $75 million capital budget.

Clearly this is not sustainable. The revenue and operating expenditure projections mean that operating surpluses will be substantially reduced by 2019-20 under current assumptions. Smaller operating surpluses drop us deeper into a trap of short-term borrowing for cash to cover operating expenditures and leave little to no resources available for infrastructure investments and debt servicing payments. Even by constraining the capital budget to $75 million annually, or about 4 per cent of total revenues, total debt at the end of 2019‑20 is projected to be $759 million, only $40 million below the current borrowing limit of $800 million.

Actions on the revenue side are limited over the short term. Next year, over $1.2 billion of our $1.8 billion forecast for total revenues comes from a single federal transfer, the Territorial Formula Financing Grant, which is projected to increase an average of 0.3 per cent annually over the next five years. Our lack of population growth and the reduction in the forecasts for provincial government spending are compounding the drag on growth in the Formula Financing Grant and are beyond our control. Our $425 million in own-source revenues are forecast to grow an average of 3.5 per cent annually over the next five years, but when we factor in the slow growth in Territorial Formula Financing, the growth in our total revenue forecast becomes flat. While increasing our own revenues is an option, we will need to carefully consider the balance between the amount of additional revenues that can be raised on our small tax base and the effect this could have on the Northwest Territories economy.

Fiscal sustainability means that the growth in the total operating and maintenance budget, including compensation and benefits paid to employees, must not exceed our revenue growth. Fiscal prudence means we need to keep a cushion of at least $100 million in borrowing room. Taken together, this means other expenditure management actions, including reductions, need to be considered.

A higher borrowing limit will not solve this problem – even the ability to borrow more without compromising our commitment to the Fiscal Responsibility Policy will require careful management of expenditures. What we borrow we must repay. This is why the provisions in the proposed Financial Administration Act that will ensure the Legislative Assembly will have the ability to review, debate and vote on all short and long term borrowing annually through a borrowing plan tabled with the Main Estimates will be so important.

We are approaching the edge of a cliff and our challenge is to ensure that we do not go over. We should not be operating this close to the edge. Going forward, our main priority will be to continue to maintain fiscal sustainability while protecting our programs and services, making investments in critical economic infrastructure to grow the economy and investing in capital to reduce our $3.8 billion infrastructure deficit. There will be difficult choices to make.

Conclusion

Mr. Speaker, I shall conclude with the blunt message that we have been spending everything that we receive. This can work when revenues are growing but with a forecast of flat revenue growth over the medium term we need to make sure our expenditures grow in line with our revenues.

However, as I was reminded by participants during last fall’s Budget Dialogues, we have been here before. We have learnt from past mistakes and together we can work to ensure fiscal sustainability to our Budget. In the days leading up to the next Assembly, we must start considering the difficult decisions so that we are not passing our problems to future generations.

We will meet this challenge and turn it into opportunities. By working together to ensure that the actions we take will give us the best value for the dollars we are spending, we will still be able to seize opportunities to invest in actions to grow our economy, increase our population, increase our tax base, lower the cost of living and continue to protect the environment. Our Aa1 credit rating and key indicators reflect that we are collectively continuing to manage our way through these often trying times.

All Members of this Assembly should be proud of the work we have done toward achieving our vision of strong individuals, families and communities sharing the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories. We will not shrink from the challenge of making the difficult choices to ensure that the GNWT remains on a fiscally sustainable path; able to implement our vision for the Northwest Territories.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

YELLOWKNIFE (February 5, 2015) – Finance Minister J. Michael Miltenberger presented the 2015-16 Budget today, the last budget for the 17th Legislative Assembly.

“Members of this Assembly can be proud of their work to protect and enhance programs and services while managing to generate operating surpluses to invest in strategic infrastructure to grow the economy,” Minister Miltenberger said. “Together we have achieved some game changing objectives, including rolling up 5,000 kilometres of red tape when we gained responsibility for the management of our lands, waters and non-renewable resources on April 1 of last year. Through careful management of expenditures, we will have invested $112 million more in social programs by the end of this Assembly while still producing enough operating surpluses to fund an extra $100 million in capital investments in 2014-15 and 2015-16.”

The 2015-16 Budget also contains a warning for the medium term. “Over the next five years, total revenues are expected to be basically flat and we will have to make difficult choices to keep expenditure growth in line with revenues,” warned the Minister. “Our ability to propose $24.2 million in new initiatives in this Budget to continue to advance the priorities of this Assembly was partially achieved through departments’ efforts to find savings and re-profile funding from within their existing budgets; however, in the future other expenditure management options may need to be considered.”

The 2015-16 Budget projects an operating surplus of $147 million for 2015-16 from operating expenditures of $1.68 billion and total revenue forecast of $1.83 billion. Total short and long term debt is projected to be $671 million at March 31, 2016. After adding the projected $43 million in other instruments included under the definition of borrowing for the purposes of the borrowing limit, borrowing is expected to be $714 million at March 31, 2016, leaving $86 million in available borrowing room under the federally-imposed borrowing limit of $800 million.

Highlights of specific initiatives of the 2015-16 Budget are included in the attached Budget Highlights document. The 2015-16 Budget Address and Main Estimates can be found on the Department of Finance website at http://www.fin.gov.nt.ca/.

Media inquiries:
Shaun Dean
Director, Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2304
Email: shaun_dean@gov.nt.ca

 

Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome Members back for the continuation of the Fifth Session of the 17th Legislative Assembly.

As we near the end of our term, it is only natural to want to look back at what we have achieved. While we have accomplished many of the goals and objectives we set for ourselves when we first met in October 2011, there is still more work to be done. Now is not the time to rest on our laurels.

We have a vision of strong individuals and communities sharing the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories.

We decided we would pursue that vision by strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and other governments to build a strong, sustainable future.

We committed ourselves to increasing employment opportunities where they are most needed.

We identified the importance of a strong, diversified economy in all communities and regions.

We agreed to address housing needs and to support our people to be healthy and free from addictions.

These priorities are not ends in themselves, Mr. Speaker. These priorities are important because they will help to create a territory where our people can prosper and thrive. A territory where our people can enjoy a high quality of life, good health and a healthy environment. A territory where everyone has the support they need to be full participants in their community and to achieve their aspirations for themselves and their families.

This Assembly has made good progress towards realizing our vision for this kind of territory. We have achieved devolution, we are implementing the Land Use and Sustainability Framework, we have plans to address poverty, mental health and addictions and community safety. We are supporting economic growth and diversification through the Economic Opportunities Strategy, Mineral Development Strategy and expected Oil and Gas Strategy. We are investing in our people through education reform and early childhood development.

But we cannot take this progress for granted, Mr. Speaker. Some of the challenges, like the high cost of living and the high cost of energy, have been persistent, requiring the attention of many previous Assemblies. Some of the challenges have arisen during our term, such as falling oil prices and slowing oil and gas exploration that threaten our economic growth and limit available jobs for Northerners.

Completing the work we started in 2011 so that Northerners have the opportunity to benefit from strong communities, a healthy environment and vibrant economy means maintaining the momentum we have achieved. It means keeping our focus and continuing to identify opportunities for dealing with the issues that matter to Northerners.

Addressing the high cost of living is one of those issues, Mr. Speaker. We know that many people across the North struggle to get by, especially in our smaller communities.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to taking action where it can to address this challenge for all our residents, Mr. Speaker. We have increased the minimum wage to ensure that working Northerners have a better chance to earn the money they need to live affordably. We have borne the increased cost of low water in the Snare Hydro System, sparing residents all across the Northwest Territories the increased power bills that it would have meant.

Of course, subsidizing energy costs is only a short-term solution, Mr. Speaker, one that this government will ultimately not be able to afford. That is why we convened a second Energy Charrette last December to look for new, practical ideas to address the energy question and address it soon.

We know that we cannot continue to rely on expensive, imported diesel. The cost is too high, to our wallets and to the environment. Finding affordable and more environmentally-friendly alternatives to diesel generation will be an important part of our plan for lowering energy and living costs.

We know that there are opportunities for generating power more affordably in more communities. The Inuvik LNG project is proving to be successful, even with the cost of trucking fuel from British Columbia. As LNG supplies move closer to us, costs will drop and we can consider options for expanding to other communities along the transportation route.

We also continue to pursue renewable energy options. The Northwest Territories leads the country in the installation of commercial-scale biomass heating systems, many in Government of the Northwest Territories buildings. Not only does biomass hold out the promise of cheaper energy for residents, it also provides economic development opportunities for Northwest Territories harvesters and wood pellet manufacturers that we are supporting through forest management agreements.

We are also seeing success with solar and wind energy installations, and have opportunities for mini-hydro in several communities.

Taking action to lower high costs will only go so far, Mr. Speaker. Some of the factors that contribute to the high cost of living will always be outside our control, like the long distances between our communities and the climate we live in.

Where we cannot lower costs, we will have to find ways to increase the general prosperity of Northerners. People need good jobs and good salaries so they can afford to live in their communities, Mr. Speaker. We can achieve some of that through decentralization of Government of the Northwest Territories jobs, and we continue to make that a priority, along with an increased focus on regional recruitment.

At the same time, it is business that creates jobs, not government. Government’s role is to create a supportive environment in which businesses can thrive and create the jobs and economic opportunities people depend on. If we want to create sustainable, affordable communities, we have to continue our work to grow a strong, diversified economy in all communities and regions of the Northwest Territories.

A key part of that is investing in the kind of infrastructure the territory needs to support continued economic growth: communications infrastructure, energy infrastructure, transportation infrastructure.

Investing in this kind of infrastructure has been a priority throughout this Assembly. We broke ground on the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Line last month and are in our second season of construction on the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway, on schedule and on budget. We continue to develop our plans for completing the Mackenzie Valley Highway and are pursuing funding under the federal government’s New Building Canada Plan. We are looking at options for an all-weather road into the Slave Geologic Province, potentially linking up with a road in Nunavut.

This is a resource-rich territory, Mr. Speaker. But those resources are going untapped and Northerners continue to struggle when they should be enjoying the kind of prosperity that the responsible development of those resources can bring. We have an estimated $3 billion infrastructure deficit in this territory. We are already addressing this deficit to help transform potential into prosperity, and we need partners to join us.

Last week, Mr. Speaker, a delegation of Ministers, Members of the Legislative, Aboriginal leaders, business people and an Non-Governmental Organizations representative took this message to Ottawa for our second NWT Days. In meetings with the Prime Minister, federal Ministers, embassies and stakeholders, and in media interviews, we talked about how Northern resource potential can contribute to national prosperity. We also talked about the critical importance of infrastructure investment if we hope to realize that potential and the need for partners, like the Government of Canada and industry, to join us in that infrastructure investment.

The borrowing limit was also on the agenda for our discussions. Our ability to make any of the investments we have talked about will be severely limited with our current borrowing limit. I spoke to the Prime Minister about how the Government of the Northwest Territories needs the fiscal flexibility of a higher borrowing limit to be able to make the strategic infrastructure investments the territory needs for economic growth. I expect we will have an answer on our request by April.

We also talked about the need to consider the potential of the Mackenzie Valley as an energy, information and transportation corridor that can serve as a path to tidewater for Northern and Canadian resources.

For 40 years, our attention has been focused on finding ways to ship our resources to markets in the south with limited success. If we are going to benefit from them, we have to consider all our options for responsibly developing and moving our resources, including a northern option.

Talking to people about a northern option is an important part of raising the profile of the territory. Over the years, it has been hard to get national attention for the Northwest Territories and its potential. People know about Ontario’s Ring of Fire and the job opportunities that until very recently have drawn Canadians from all across the country to Fort McMurray, Alberta. Few people seem to know what the North has to offer or why it might be in the national interest to invest here, and few people will invest here unless we work to promote our potential nationally and internationally.

Studying a potential northern corridor is one way to do that.

Northerners are already familiar with the potential here and have heard many ideas for responsibly developing and transporting our resources to market. Through the years, the Government of the Northwest Territories has studied many of the ideas and is already moving ahead with projects like the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Line and the Mackenzie Valley Highway. We will continue with these kinds of investments in our infrastructure, and more.

But building up the infrastructure we will need to support economic growth will take outside investment, and competition for investment dollars is intense. Letting people know there are business opportunities here, and clearly describing them, will help to attract investment to our territory.

Being able to clearly describe the challenges and some of the unique considerations that will face anybody working in the North is a critical part of creating success. We have seen uncertainty and lack of information stall projects here before. Gathering the information and filling knowledge gaps by undertaking a comprehensive study is an appropriate role for government as we continue to promote awareness of this territory and its potential.

Casting a wider net and seeking new markets and business partners outside of Canada is also important. It was with that in mind that Minister Ramsay and I undertook our second trade mission together to China and Japan at the beginning of this year. If we need to work hard to get recognized on the national stage, we need to work even harder to get recognized on the international stage.

Asia represents huge market opportunities for Northwest Territories products and a potential source of investment in both infrastructure and resource development projects. Exports to China have increased $8 million, or 22 percent, since 2008 and there is already Chinese investment in Northwest Territories mining. The Japanese have shown interest in oil and gas and LNG and have previously funded the Mallik Gas Hydrate project. On the tourism front, Aurora tourism visitations hit record highs in 2013 and 2014 and we have seen Chinese tourist visits double every year since 2010.

We have achieved this kind of growth by building relationships with potential investors and government officials, and we continue to invest in those relationships to ensure the benefits continue.

Mr. Speaker, building a better future for this territory and its people has been a constant theme during this Assembly. Through the last three years we have advanced an agenda based on investing in our people, our economy and our environment to achieve that future. But it is a long-term project and the work will not end with us.

Tomorrow, Minister Miltenberger will table the 2015-2016 budget. This will be the final budget that we will debate here as Members of the17th Legislative Assembly. This budget will give us an opportunity to take stock of what we have achieved in the past three years. At the same time, budgets are about the future and this is an opportunity to consider the future, our future priorities, our future plans and our future commitments.

As we enter the final months of this Assembly, Mr. Speaker, we will keep up the momentum that has brought us this far. We will complete the work that is near to completion and we will start identifying the opportunities that will let future governments take advantage of the work we have done. I look forward to continuing to work with all Members during the coming Session and in the remaining months to achieve the priorities that have guided our work throughout the 17th Assembly.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.