Northwest Territories News

• Good afternoon. I am pleased to be here on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories as Minister Responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation.

• This extension of the Investment in Affordable Housing initiative further strengthens the long-standing partnership between the Northwest Territories, through the NWT Housing Corporation, and Canada, through CMHC.
• This investment of $9 million from 2014-15 to 2018-19 by Canada in conjunction with an equal contribution from the Government of the Northwest Territories will help to address some of housing problems.

• As many would know, housing is a challenge in many of our more remote communities. Many residents in these communities depend on social housing, which has long been an example of a successful partnership between the Government of Canada and the Government of the NWT.
• Homeowners in these communities face challenges with the high cost of construction and with high operating costs for utilities and maintenance services. A recent survey of housing conditions showed that 4 out of 10 homeowners in NWT small communities are in core housing need, with the most common problem they face is that their dwellings are in need of major repair.
• All of our communities face additional challenges with a rapidly growing senior’s population.
• Previous funding from the Investment in Affordable Housing Initiative has been targeted at programs that help low and modest income homeowners to repair their home and to support transitional and other housing for families most in need.
• I believe the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories recognize the importance of housing to ensuring sustainable northern communities. Housing is a key to social outcomes related to health, education and overall well-being, but also to economic objectives like labour force development and sustainable economic development.
• Overall, the Government of the Northwest Territories plans to spend about $170 million over the next five years on key housing initiatives like:
  • adding additional independent complexes for seniors in smaller communities,
  • expanding the number market rentals in smaller communities,
  • investing in improving the overall quality of our social housing stock, and
  • offering a variety of supports to homeowners.
• Finally, I would like to thank Minister Bergen and the Government of Canada for this agreement and for all of the support we receive from Canada related to housing.
• The NWT looks forward to continuing to work with Canada on this and future housing partnerships that recognize the unique economic and social conditions and challenges faced by the NWT.
• Thank you.

OTTAWA, January 30, 2015– Together, the Governments of Canada and Northwest Territories announced an additional combined investment of more than $18 million over five years, through an extension to the Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) agreement.

“Our Government has made historic investments in housing. We recognize that the provinces and territories are best placed to decide how to target the funding because in order to make a lasting difference, the projects must reflect local housing needs and priorities,” said the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State for Social Development. “This latest funding will help ensure that quality, affordable housing is available for those who need it most in Northwest Territories.”

“Our Government is committed to investing in affordable housing in the North and making our communities better and our country stronger,” said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council. “By partnering with the provinces and territories to invest in affordable housing, our Government is improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians, and will create jobs and opportunities for apprentices in communities.”

“The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation is making considerable strides in providing housing for all residents along the housing continuum,” said the Honourable Robert C. McLeod, Minister of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation and Minister Responsible for Homelessness. “This agreement will help the Government of the Northwest Territories continue to deliver on its priority of addressing housing needs by increasing the availability of housing and housing programs across the territory.”

On December 20, 2011, the Governments of Canada and Northwest Territories announced an IAH agreement with a combined investment of $11 million for the 2011-2014 period. This new agreement extends the original agreement for the 2014-2019 period with an additional combined investment of more than $18 million. From April 2011 to September 2014, the IAH has already helped close to 213,000 households nationally, including 311 in NWT.

Under the IAH, the Northwest Territories has the flexibility to design and deliver a range of affordable housing programs to address local housing needs and priorities. The Government of the Northwest Territories, through the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) offers a range of programming to address a variety of housing needs from renters and homeowners to persons who are homeless or who have experienced family violence.

The level of support funded through IAH includes 247 projects completed through the Contributing Assistance for Repairs and Enhancements program, which provides forgivable loans to homeowners to undertake necessary repairs to their home to ensure a safe, healthy residence and foster safe independent living; 58 units were developed to assist victims of family violence through support for three shelters; and six households received assistance under the Providing Assistance for Territorial Homeownership program, which consists of a forgivable loan for the construction or purchase of an affordable home.

Annually, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), invests approximately $2 billion in housing. These investments improve the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people. Economic Action Plan 2013 continued this commitment with a federal investment of more than $1.25 billion over five years to renew the Investment in Affordable Housing to 2019. The Government of Canada will ensure that funds provided to provinces and territories support the use of apprentices, which will support training of skilled labour.

The NWTHC is active in all areas of the housing continuum in the Northwest Territories, including homelessness, subsidized social housing, affordable rental housing, homeownership repairs, market housing and development incentives. The initiatives and actions of the NWTHC continue to advance and contribute to the health, education and well-being of Northwest Territories residents and to the development of sustainable, vibrant and safe communities. Over the 2011-2014 period, the NWTHC has invested approximately $79 million in capital funding for housing in the Northwest Territories, this includes the NWTHC’s $11 million in joint IAH funding.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC help Canadians meet their housing needs, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca. For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O-Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

 

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Backgrounder: for information on the Investment in Affordable Housing, click here.

 

Media contacts:

Charles Mainville
Public Affairs
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
403-515-2915
cdmainvi@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Follow CMHC on Twitter @CMHC_ca

 

Cara Bryant
Communications Advisor
Northwest Territories Housing Corporation
867-873-7854
cara_bryant@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (January 30, 2015) – Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay today issued a call for bids for exploration licences for two parcels of land located in the in the Central Mackenzie Valley.

The Call for Bids process invites companies to bid on specific parcels of land to secure and possibly obtain an Exploration Licence, which grants the successful bidder exclusive rights for oil and gas exploration for the term of the issued licence. This is the first-ever rights issuance process administrated solely by the Government of the Northwest Territories since the devolution of responsibility for public land, resources and water in April 2014.

Information about the call for bids is available in the attached bulletin.

Sealed bids must be received by 12 noon (MST) on June 2, 2015.

Media inquiries:

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

Honourable ministers; excellencies – honourable representatives of foreign missions; honourable senators; members of parliament; fellow Premiers, Aboriginal leaders, distinguished members of the press; ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Ottawa, NWT.

We’re pleased to be here with you tonight to share our vision of potential and prosperity with you, and we are pleased that so many people have joined us. We were so overwhelmed by the positive response the last time we were here in 2013 that we had to rent a bigger room tonight, just to make sure we all could fit.

Tonight I’d like to talk to you about the Northwest Territories and the role it can play in helping shape a strong and prosperous Canada.

The Northwest Territories is a dynamic and evolving territory where the Government of the Northwest Territories and Aboriginal governments are working together to sustainably and responsibly develop the enormous energy and mineral resources of the territory, creating jobs and economic opportunities for the people of the NWT and all Canadians.

Succeeding at this goal will require the active participation and partnership of the federal government, business and industry. During NWT Days, we want to share our story with the rest of Canada and invite you to become partners with us in transforming northern potential into national prosperity, now and for years to come. 

We came here as members of a new government in January 2013 with ambitious plans for creating a strong, sustainable and prosperous territory in partnership with the Government of Canada, industry and other stakeholders. 

We came with some specific goals in mind. We wanted to finalize devolution of responsibility for NWT public lands, resources and water. We wanted to talk about investing in transportation infrastructure that would help us support economic growth and diversification.

We wanted to talk about investing in communications infrastructure that would help make our territory a leader in satellite sensing and offer our people new opportunities to be a part of the growing digital economy.

Most importantly, we wanted to demonstrate that we meant business, that our territory was committed to advancing – and investing in – projects designed to promote transformative change for its economy and its people.

I’m happy to stand here tonight and report that that first visit was a huge success. With the partnership of the Government of Canada and personal commitment of the Prime Minister and strong supporters in Cabinet like Minister Aglukkaq, Minister Valcourt and Minister Rickford, we have checked off many of the boxes on our to-do list. 

After decades of negotiation and years of preparation, we achieved devolution in April of last year. In early January 2014, we welcomed the Prime Minister to Inuvik to break ground for the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway. Earlier this month we held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Line.

You might think we’d be satisfied with that kind of success, but we’re really just getting started. We aren’t resting on our laurels and we aren’t stopping there. There is too much potential in our territory that has yet to be tapped.

That’s why we’re back this week. Together as partners, we are here to talk about how we can build a vibrant, diversified, sustainable economy that is investment friendly, environmentally responsible and respectful of Aboriginal rights.

Our focus this time is on sustainable economic development and on the infrastructure that we need to support it. We need investments in northern transportation, energy and communications infrastructure and sustainable resource development to unlock the economic potential in the NWT.

If you’ve heard me speak before, you’ve heard me speak about the natural resource potential of the Northwest Territories. We have an abundance of energy resources – oil, gas and hydro. We have diamonds. We have gold, lead, zinc, rare earth elements and uranium.

These are resources that the global economy wants and needs to support and sustain growth.

The irony for us is that while we have what the world wants, we don’t have many ways to get to it, or to get our resources to the world. You can’t sell what you can’t ship, and our territory faces an estimated $3 billion infrastructure deficit. Our resources are going untapped because we lack the roads, airports, sea ports and other infrastructure to bring them to market.

For years we have seen our resource potential lie dormant and undeveloped, our businesses idle and economy stifled while we wait for the promised boom that is always coming but has yet to arrive. We have all seen firsthand the kinds of challenges that can slow a project down and delay economic development. 

Northerners are tired of waiting. 

We have no interest in seeing our resources stranded another 40 years. We want to start enjoying the benefits of a strong, robust economy based on responsible and sustainable development of our resource wealth. It is time for the Northwest Territories to take its place in Confederation as a “have” jurisdiction contributing to national growth and prosperity.

Addressing the northern infrastructure deficit is a first, crucial step. As you’ve heard, we are in the process of building the Inuvik-Tuk highway with the assistance of the Government of Canada. This highway is just the first step in completing the Mackenzie Valley Highway. The next step we are proposing would open up the resource rich central Mackenzie, boosting the Canadian economy and providing years of employment for skilled workers. 

We are also studying the potential of a seasonal overland road into the Slave Geologic Province and Nunavut. This project would extend the life of the NWT’s diamond mines and make new exploration and development projects in this mineral rich region more feasible. We have already been talking to the Government of Nunavut about how connecting to a road there could help to unlock stranded resources in that territory, multiplying the effect of our own infrastructure investments, and multiplying the benefit to Canada. 

Our resources have been stranded for too long. Transportation routes in all forms and all directions are key to getting our resources to market. We cannot wait to put our critical northern infrastructure in place. We need more roads to resources. To all of our resources. 

That means considering all our options and looking for new, creative ideas, including the idea of an energy, communications and transportation corridor along the Mackenzie Valley to the Arctic Ocean. Tonight, I’m announcing that the Government of the Northwest Territories will lead a study of such a corridor in cooperation with Aboriginal governments in the Northwest Territories.

We know we need to find a way to get our resources to market and it is time for us to take a serious look at the northern option. We recognize that there will be a lot of questions about this option, and we intend to answer them.

I want to be clear that we are not proposing a specific infrastructure project with this study. What we are is proposing to do a thorough review of the issues, opportunities and challenges that might be associated with developing a corridor along the Mackenzie Valley.

We will look at the potential economic, environmental and social impacts of a northern corridor. We will look at technical feasibility issues and what kind of infrastructure would be needed. We will look at potential risk mitigation measures and we will look at how Aboriginal governments and communities in the NWT can participate meaningfully in any development in the corridor and enjoy its economic benefits.

The study would include discussions with experts, industry, Aboriginal governments and the public, as well as other governments like the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta. The challenge of getting resources to tidewater is not ours alone; it is shared with other jurisdictions and finding collective solutions to shared problems only makes sense.

Aboriginal government participation and partnership will be a key part of our study. Much of our success in the past three years has been because of our willingness to engage and work with Aboriginal governments in the spirit of respect, recognition and responsibility. Five regional Aboriginal governments and several community governments partnered with us to achieve devolution and will receive a 25 percent share of the resource revenues our government will receive from development on public lands. As significant land and resource owners themselves, many of them already have an interest in finding ways to create sustainable benefits for their people through responsible resource development. 

The goal of the study would be a comprehensive report to describe and quantify the issues and challenges that would need to be addressed to facilitate potential projects in the Mackenzie Valley. The report would serve as an information resource to government, industry and regulatory agencies. It would provide a basis for planning, seeking partnerships and considering specific project opportunities taking advantage of the proposed corridor.

Some may question why we would undertake this study at a time when oil prices have fallen so dramatically, but I would remind them that resource markets are cyclical and lows will eventually be followed by highs. I would also tell them that we in the Northwest Territories know exactly how uncertainty and lack of information can negatively affect development projects.

We think we can contribute to the success of future projects that might be proposed when the markets rise again by addressing uncertainty and lack of information now so that the Northwest Territories is prepared when the time comes for development to pick up again.

Ladies and gentlemen, responsible, sustainable development of the North is in the national interest. The Northwest Territories has the resources, the ambition and the ingenuity that can help grow the Canadian economy and create new jobs and opportunities nationwide. We came to Ottawa in 2013 with a message of potential and seeking partners willing to join us in continuing to build this great country of ours. That is still our message today.

I thank you for your time and attention this evening and hope you will all have the opportunity to meet many of the Northerners who are here tonight and looking forward to sharing their excitement about our home and its potential with you.

OTTAWA (January 29, 2015) – Northwest Territories Premier Bob McLeod announced that his government will explore the feasibility of an energy, transportation and communications corridor along the Mackenzie Valley to the Arctic Ocean at a reception in Ottawa today. NWT Aboriginal governments will be invited to participate in the study, which will identify options for creating a more prosperous territory and contributing to the national economy through the responsible development of NWT resources.

“We know we need to find a way to get our resources to market and it is time for us to take a serious look at the northern option,” said Premier McLeod. “We in the NWT know exactly how uncertainty and lack of information can negatively affect development projects and we want to start removing some of the uncertainty and information gaps now.” 

The NWT’s vast resource potential includes estimated reserves of 81 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and seven billion estimated recoverable barrels of oil. Pipelines and highways into resource-rich areas would turn northern potential into national prosperity.  

“I want to be clear that we are not proposing a specific infrastructure project with this study,” the Premier said. “What we are is proposing to do a thorough review of the issues, opportunities and challenges that might be associated with developing a corridor along the Mackenzie Valley. Our plan is to produce a comprehensive report to serve as an information resource to governments, industry and regulators as projects are planned, reviewed and delivered. 

“The Northwest Territories has the potential to contribute substantially to the Canadian economy through the responsible development of its enormous energy and mineral resources in partnership with Aboriginal governments. Continued investment in northern transportation, energy and communications infrastructure is in the national interest, and the Northwest Territories is willing to step forward as a full partner with creative and collaborative solutions that can benefit the entire country.” 

The terms of reference and structure for the project will be released when they have been finalized with Aboriginal government partners. 

Media Inquiries:
Shaun Dean
Director, Cabinet Comunications
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-445-1941
Email: shaun_dean@gov.nt.ca

VANCOUVER (January 28, 2015) – Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) David Ramsay announced that a new Northwest Territories’ Mining Industry Advisory Board (MIAB) is being established to help to ensure that the territory is an attractive place to invest in mineral exploration and discover new mines. The announcement was made at the AME BC Mineral Exploration Roundup in Vancouver.

“The Mining Industry Advisory Board will be a great addition to help to develop a robust mineral industry in the NWT,” said Minister Ramsay. “The volunteer board will provide advice to government to ensure mining regulation is in place that encourages economic growth while maintaining high regulatory, environmental and social standards.”

The Board, which will consist of five to seven members, will be appointed by the Minister of ITI. The board members will have direct experience in the NWT minerals industry.

Establishing the Mining Industry Advisory Board was a recommendation of the Mineral Development Strategy (MDS), which was released in 2013. The MDS was a key priority of the 17th Legislative Assembly, and will strengthen the economy and help to provide all communities and regions with opportunities.

Media inquiries:

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

OTTAWA (January 28, 2015) — Premier McLeod  met with Prime Minister Stephen Harper to discuss ways the Government of Canada and Government of the Northwest Territories can work together to promote responsible economic development and infrastructure in the Northwest Territories.

“Responsible development of the Northwest Territories’ substantial mineral and energy resources has the potential to contribute greatly to the Canadian economy and create jobs and economic opportunities for people at home and across the country,” said Premier McLeod. “I conveyed to the Prime Minister our position that sustainable economic development of the North is in the national interest and talked about the need for investment in nation-building infrastructure projects that will enable us to turn northern potential into national prosperity.”

The Premier and the Prime Minister discussed the importance of advancing projects that will support further exploration and development of stranded NWT resources, including completion of the Mackenzie Valley Highway from Wrigley to Norman Wells, an all-weather road into the Slave Geologic Province and the potential for identifying new routes and opportunities for transporting NWT resources to market.

The Premier and Prime Minister also discussed the successful partnership between Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories on the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway, now in its second season of construction.

The meeting with the Prime Minister comes in advance of NWT Days, which will see the Premier, all Cabinet Ministers, several MLAs, Aboriginal leaders and Northern business leaders in Ottawa to meet with federal Ministers and officials, embassies and other stakeholders to promote NWT priorities, including:

• Responsible economic development;
• Responsible stewardship;
• Infrastructure investments;
• Connectivity;
• Energy;
• Housing; and
• Transportation.

Later this week, Premier McLeod will attend the winter meeting of Canada’s Premiers, also being held in Ottawa.
 
Media inquiries: 
Shaun Dean
Director, Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-445-1941
Email: shaun_dean@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (January 28, 2015) – Political leaders from the Northwest Territories, Aboriginal Governments and wildlife management authorities have worked together on management actions including the establishment of a mobile conservation area to protect the Bathurst caribou herd and a limited harvest to help conserve the Bluenose-East herd.

Leaders and wildlife management authorities have met several times since August to consider actions for the 2014-15 harvest season to help the herd recover.

“Progress has been made in a number of areas to ensure the recovery and conservation of these barren-ground caribou herds for present and future generations, including support for the concept of a mobile caribou conservation area,” said Environment and Natural Resources(ENR) Minister J. Michael Miltenberger.  “We will continue to work together with leaders and wildlife management authorities to implement the management actions.”

Immediate management actions for the Bathurst herd are:

• Establishment of a Mobile Core Bathurst Caribou Conservation Area where no harvesting is permitted.
• The locations of the mobile conservation area will be updated weekly and made available to communities and posted on the ENR website.
• Limited harvest of up to 15 bulls from the Bathurst herd for community ceremonial purposes, on a proposal basis.

Immediate management actions for the Bluenose-East herd are:

• Limited harvest of 1,800 animals with an 80 percent bull harvest.  Total allocation of harvest to be determined.
• Authorizations required for harvest in Wildlife Management Units R/BC/01, R/BC/02, R/BC/03, S/BC/03 and D.
• Continue harvest monitoring partnerships with Aboriginal governments and organizations.
• Increased enforcement of the harvest as recommended by the Advisory Committee for Cooperation on Wildlife Management.

Regulations to implement these actions come into effect this week.

These actions will be reviewed and amended, as appropriate, once the results of the 2015 spring photographic survey of the Bluenose-East and Bathurst herds are available.

Leaders reached agreement on intermediate and long term management actions including:

• Increased predator management measures as requested by communities.
• Establish a Bathurst caribou management process and plan.
• Continue work on a Bathurst caribou range plan and cumulative effects program.
• Support the ACCWM’s development of an action plan for the Bluenose-East to guide future management actions.
• Organize “Sight your Rifle” events in regions and communities.
• Develop vegetation mapping protocols, monitoring protocols and partnership agreements to ensure habitat conservations.
• Address Bluenose-East caribou harvest in Nunavut.
• Work together to develop public information tools to promote responsible harvesting practices and harvest management.

For more information, contact: 

Roya Grinsted
Communications Officer
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2308
Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

 

Map and Backgrounder

 

YELLOWKNIFE (January 26, 2015) – Bob McLeod, Premier of the Northwest Territories, will lead a delegation to Ottawa for a series of meetings and events with federal ministers from January 29-31, 2015.

Premier McLeod will be accompanied by his entire Cabinet, Members of the Legislative Assembly, NWT Aboriginal government leaders and NWT business leaders. The delegation’s meetings will focus on the NWT’s potential to contribute to the national economy through responsible development of its natural resources and the need for nation building infrastructure investments to support economic growth.

The Government of Northwest Territories will hold private receptions for federal leaders and other stakeholders and host a public event at Winterlude highlighting the NWT’s culture and tourism potential.

Media inquiries: Roya Grinsted Communications Officer Government of the Northwest Territories Tel: 867-669-2308 Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (January 26, 2015) – Bob McLeod, Premier of the Northwest Territories, will lead a delegation to Ottawa for a series of meetings and events with federal ministers from January 29-31, 2015.

Premier McLeod will be accompanied by his entire Cabinet, Members of the Legislative Assembly, NWT Aboriginal government leaders and NWT business leaders. The delegation’s meetings will focus on the NWT’s potential to contribute to the national economy through responsible development of its natural resources and the need for nation building infrastructure investments to support economic growth.

The Government of Northwest Territories will hold private receptions for federal leaders and other stakeholders and host a public event at Winterlude highlighting the NWT’s culture and tourism potential.

Backgrounder – NWT Days

Media inquiries:
Roya Grinsted
Communications Officer
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2308
Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

BEIJING (January 22, 2015 ) – As  a founding member of the Fur Institute of Canada (FIC), the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) advanced a proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the FIC and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).

The agreement was formally endorsed last week by Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, David Ramsay, to CPAFFC Chairman, Yao Mingyu, and Vice Chairman, Hu Sishe. Under the agreement, educational and promotional products developed in Canada would help to improve the perceptions and trade of fur products within the Chinese marketplace.

“The long-standing partnership that we have built with trappers in our fur industry is key to the new relationships we are establishing in China to underscore our industry’s ties to its traditional roots,” said Minister Ramsay.  “The potential value of this market for our residents and communities is immense. Our traditional harvesting practices are a marketing advantage for NWT wild fur.”

In a recent address to the CPAFFC, NWT Premier Bob McLeod said that continued cooperation will ensure Chinese consumers have a long-term and stable supply of high-end Canadian commodities, including Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs. The Canadian industry has access to the world’s foremost market for wild furs.

China and Canada are members of the World Conservation Union and subscribe to the basic principles of sustainable use.  “It is our responsibility to work cooperatively to ensure that future generations of consumers recognize the sustainable and responsible approach reflected in our time-honoured Canadian Aboriginal traditional harvesting practices,” said Premier McLeod.

Due to its high quality, limited supply and humane harvesting practices, NWT fur and the products created with it are increasingly sought by socially and fashion-conscious consumers worldwide.

China is the largest importer of fur in the world and represents over 80 percent of fur-related purchases, manufacturing and re-exporting of finished products globally.

Promoting NWT wild fur under the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs label is a primary objective of the GNWT’s current trade mission in China and Japan.

Media inquiries: 

Roya Grinsted
Communications Officer
Government of the NWT
Tel:  (867) 669-2308
Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

TOKYO (January 21, 2015) – Premier Bob McLeod and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment  (ITI) David Ramsay are concluding their trade and investment mission to China and Japan this week with a focus on tourism. On January 20, they hosted a “Rare in Nature” reception and fashion show at the Canadian embassy in Tokyo, showcasing the NWT’s magnificent aurora and highly prized luxury resources.

“Beautiful wild furs will keep you warm for hours while you watch the northern lights from any part of the Northwest Territories,” said Premier McLeod. “The north provides a magical experience and our dedicated tour operators have years of experience in catering to Japanese and Chinese tourists’ needs.”

Events in Beijing, Shanghai, and Tokyo are raising the NWT’s profile as a tourism destination while providing information for potential tourists. The GNWT delegation includes Yellowknife-based tourism companies that specialize in providing service to the Chinese and Japanese markets.

The NWT is known as the Aurora Capital of the World, and this reputation has made the NWT a premiere destination for Japanese tourists for years. Japan remains the NWT’s largest international tourism market, and Japanese partnerships have helped NWT tour operators to refine and develop their Aurora viewing sector.

Chinese tourism to the NWT has been increasing ever since Canada received approved destination status in 2008. Growing the market share of leisure travellers from China and Japan is an important element of both NWT Tourism’s marketing plan and ITI’s focus on product development. With the natural beauty of the northern landscape, stunning aurora, cultural experiences, and modern living, the NWT offers a unique experience to those eager for adventure.

“China is Canada’s fastest-growing tourism market, doubling every year,” said Minister Ramsay. “Chinese tourists are particularly interested in authentic cultural experiences like the ones available in the NWT. On my last visit, I learned that 100,000 Chinese tourists are interested in visiting the NWT. By encouraging this market to enjoy our territory and all it has to offer we will grow our tourism sector, creating jobs and income for people throughout the NWT.”

 

Media inquiries:

Roya Grinsted
Communications Officer
Government of the NWT
Tel:  867) 669-2308
Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (January 21, 2015) – Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) Robert C. McLeod met with Northwest Territories (NWT) sport and recreation non-government organizations January 10-11 to discuss future plans and opportunities. Discussions included a review of current priorities and how MACA can support the sector. These discussions will contribute to the development of recommendations for consideration by the 18th Legislative Assembly.

“I was very pleased with the commitment and dedication shown by all of the delegates and the quality of discussion,” said Minister McLeod. “I look forward to continuing to work with our partners to support sport and recreation in the NWT.”

Members of the Legislative Assembly Wendy Bisaro (Frame Lake) and Alfred Moses (Inuvik – Boot Lake) also participated in the meetings.

Delivering robust sport and recreation programming in the NWT requires a cooperative effort on the part of many different organizations. Ensuring all groups are able to meet and voice ideas and concerns is an important step in maintaining strong partnerships.

A proceedings report will be prepared by MACA for further discussion with the participating organizations and for submission for review with the 18th Legislative Assembly.

Providing opportunities for all NWT residents to participate in sport and recreation programming adds to the 17th Assembly’s goal of building sustainable, vibrant, safe communities.

Quotes from partner organizations:

NWT Sport and Recreation Council (SRC) Chair Bridget Larocque said, “With the vision of a healthy and vibrant North, the SRC supports the need for progressive change in the sport and recreation sector, and change that will see the most effective use of financial resources to combat social issues and physical barriers.”

Sport North President Maureen Miller said, “The discussions over the state of Sport and Recreation and the future direction were very encouraging for the Federation. It is apparent for our meetings that all the sport and recreation organizations have a vested interest in improving the health and well-being of all the people, of all ages, across the territory and are looking for ways to work together to achieve this.”

Aboriginal Sport Circle Executive Director Greg Hopf said, “We were pleased at the discussions with all of the sport/recreation organizations and government on areas where we all share success but also areas in the sector where we need to improve.  We look forward to working with all sport organizations and governments to address these areas and ultimately reach those in need of healthy and vibrant programs for their communities.”

NWT Recreation and Parks Executive Director Geoff Ray said, “This was a good opportunity to share ideas and outline priorities with the Minister. We are looking forward to working with him and the department on our shared goals.”

Mackenzie Recreation Association Chair Ms. Roslyn Firth said, “The Mackenzie Recreation Association is very pleased to work within the partnership of such enthusiastic volunteers and professionals in the NWT.  We are excited about the possibility of hosting the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Yellowknife and recognize the benefits that it will bring to all of the residents of the NWT.  Our meetings this weekend were engaging and collaborative, and we look forward to further dialogue, planning and action in the sport and recreation sector.”

Beaufort Delta Sahtu Recreation Association Executive Director Theresa Ross said, “We were pleased with the outcomes of the meeting with the Minister. We believe working together in a cooperative environment with all of our sport and recreation partners will help us all achieve our common goals that will benefit people in the NWT.”

 Media inquiries:

David Maguire
Communications and Website Advisor
Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
Phone: (867) 920-3092
Email: david_maguire@gov.nt.ca

 

YELLOWKNIFE (January 15, 2015) – Participants in the 2014 Budget Dialogue expressed satisfaction with the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT’s) fiscal strategy to manage program expenditure pressures to help fund infrastructure investments and supportive of increasing revenues over the longer term through economic and population growth according to the Budget Dialogue report released today by Minister of Finance J. Michael Miltenberger. The report summarizes what was heard from the almost 100 Northerners who attended the public sessions held last fall in the seven regional centres and in 11 written submissions.

“The Budget Dialogue 2014 discussions reflected our concern about the economy over the medium term and serious implications for our fiscal situation,” said Minister Miltenberger. “Although we did not come into the sessions with good news, we left with optimism that together we can improve our economy and ensure that the GNWT’s finances remain sustainable.”

The Minister of Finance met with residents, businesses and organizations across the NWT last November to take stock of the accomplishments of the 17th Legislative Assembly, discuss the GNWT’s fiscal situation and on-going financial management, seek NWT residents’ views on top priorities for investments, and ask residents what the GNWT can do better to manage expenditures, especially given the medium-term outlook for slow revenue growth.

The results of the Budget Dialogue will inform discussion during the coming budget session of the Legislative Assembly and beyond.  Other feedback about the government’s fiscal priorities and programs and services will be used in the 2015-16 Budget and will be included in transition materials provided for the next Legislative Assembly.

The Budget Dialogue Report is on the Department of Finance website at:

http://www.fin.gov.nt.ca/documents/BudgetDialogue2014ResultsReportFINALPDFDOC7030.pdf

Media inquiries:

Roya Grinsted

Communications Officer

Government of the Northwest Territories

Tel: 867-669-2308

Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (January 13, 2015) – Minister or Education, Culture and Employment Jackson Lafferty announced a substantial increase to the Northwest Territories minimum wage today.

Effective June 1, 2015, the minimum wage will increase from $10.00 per hour to $12.50 per hour, giving the NWT one of the highest minimum wages in Canada. The increase was based on findings from the Minimum Wage Committee, appointed by Minister Lafferty in 2013 to research, engage stakeholders and provide options on the minimum wage rate in the NWT.

“We all want to lead successful and prosperous lives. We all want opportunities that enable us to take care of our families and support our communities.   And we all want to be fairly compensated for our work,” said Minister Lafferty. “The move to increase the minimum wage is part of ongoing Government of the Northwest Territories efforts to support the people of the NWT and ensure they have opportunities, possibilities, and a fair wage.”

Minister Lafferty appointed the Minimum Wage Committee in 2013 after a public call for applications. The members were chosen to represent the GNWT, the interests of employers and employees, and social agencies. The committee conducted extensive research, looked at economic and social factors, compared costs of living across jurisdictions, and surveyed minimum wages across Canada. Following their deliberations, the Committee provided options to the Minister for his consideration.

“The Committee provided me with three options to address the need for an increase,” said the Minister. “We looked very carefully at each and determined that the $12.50 option would not only serve to help those people working under minimum wage, but would be manageable for employers.”

For more information, view the attached materials, or visit www.ece.gov.nt.ca.

Backgrounder- NWT Minimum Wage

Media inquiries:

Jacqueline McKinnon

Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Education, Culture and Employment
Phone: (867) 920-6222
Email: jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (January 8, 2015) – Earlier this week, Robert C. McLeod, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA), announced a call for nominations for the Northwest Territories (NWT) Outstanding Volunteer Awards. This year marks the 25th year of this award, which recognizes the remarkable contributions volunteers make in communities across the Northwest Territories (NWT).

Residents are encouraged to nominate a youth, elder, group or outstanding volunteer in their communities. This program acknowledges individuals who donate their time to improve the quality of life for NWT residents.

“We have a strong volunteer sector with committed people doing great work in our communities,” said Minister McLeod. “The Government of the NWT supports volunteers and their work, and encourages more people to get involved. Strong volunteers build strong communities.”

Awards are presented in the following categories:

·         Youth Volunteer Award

·         Elder Volunteer Award

·         Outstanding Group

·         Outstanding Volunteer

The deadline for nominations is March 20, 2015.

Supporting volunteers who build sustainable, vibrant, safe communities is an important part of Believing in People and Building on the Strengths of Northerners, as envisioned in the goals of the 17th Assembly of the GNWT.

Further information and nomination forms are available at all MACA and community government offices and at www.maca.gov.nt.ca.

For more information, contact:

David Maguire
Communications and Website Advisor
Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
Phone: (867) 920-3092

 

 

 

YELLOWKNIFE (January 7, 2015) – Premier Bob McLeod and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay will lead a delegation to China and Japan from January 10-21, 2015.

The purpose of the mission is to continue to strengthen trade ties with China, building on the success of the 2012 Council of Federation trade mission and the January 2014 Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) trade mission. This year’s mission has been expanded to include a stop in Japan, allowing the GNWT to promote NWT tourism, diamonds and wild fur directly to Japanese industry specialists and explore possibilities for Japanese investment in the NWT.

Attendance at the 41st annual Beijing Fur and Leather Show will be a major focus of the trip to China, where the Premier and Minister will promote NWT wild fur to attendees. Meetings with key Ministers and executives are planned for Japan, as well as an NWT Gala with 120 invited guests from the Japanese tourism, diamond and fur sectors.

Media availabilities during the trade mission will be announced as they become available. Speeches and presentations will be posted to the GNWT’s news site.

Media inquiries:

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

Backgrounder – 2015 China and Japan Trade Mission

 

 

YELLOWKNIFE (January 5, 2015) – Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy announced today that the Stanton Territorial Health Authority (STHA) has awarded the air ambulance contract to Air Tindi Ltd. and Advanced Medical Solutions Inc., dba ACCESS (Aeromedical Critical Care Emergency Services Specialists). The eight-year contract was awarded following an extensive evaluation process by STHA and the Department of Health and Social Services.

“Air ambulance service is an essential part of the NWT Health Care System and integral in ensuring patients across the NWT can receive the best care possible,” said Minister Abernethy. “These are very large and important contracts and finding a contractor to meet all of our needs in an efficient and cost-effective manner was extremely important. A lot of work was done in putting together the responses we received and in the evaluation process and I am pleased with the outcome.”

“We are excited to have been awarded this contract,” said Al Martin, President of Air Tindi. “Working with Advanced Medical Solutions, we will be implementing innovations through replacement aircraft and more dedicated facilities to allow us to provide the best quality of care to NWT residents. We look forward to working closely with the team at Stanton Territorial Health Authority.”

“Air Tindi,  Advance Medical Solutions and Stanton Territorial Health Authority have worked closely together during the past seven years to establish a best-in-class air ambulance service for the Northwest Territories. We are very excited to build on our current relationship and provide an even better solution for air ambulance services.  We are proud of the changes the new contract offers, most importantly, the opportunity to enhance the training and specialized competencies of our current critical care teams enabling us to deliver patient care at its highest level,” said Sean Ivens, President and CEO of Advanced Medical Solutions Inc.

With the current contracts for the air ambulance service ending March 31, 2015, STHA issued a Request for Proposals on April 28, 2014. The submission period closed on June 20, 2014 and four proposals were received.

The current air ambulance contract is held by Air Tindi Ltd., while the personnel services contract has been held by Advanced Medical Solutions (AMS) Inc. The contract for Air Tindi has cost $53.9 million from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2014, while the contract held by AMS has cost $18.2 million from August 15, 2007 to March 31, 2014.

Over the past five years, there were an average of just over 1000 yearly flight dispatches. Using aircraft specifically fitted with medical equipment and staffed with appropriate medical personnel, air ambulance services transport sick or injured people to and from healthcare facilities in the NWT and Alberta.

Backgrounder – Air Ambulance Services

Media inquiries:

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

 

Alasdair Martin
President, Air Tindi
Cell:  (867) 444-9082

YELLOWKNIFE (January 5, 2015) –The Northwest Territories is encouraging greater representation of women on corporate boards and in senior management by making changes to its securities rules.

The amendments to the securities rules are intended to increase transparency for investors and other stakeholders regarding the representation of women on boards of directors and in senior management. This transparency is intended to assist investors in making investment and voting decisions and will apply to all non-venture issuers reporting in the NWT.

“Helping women reach their full potential by supporting them in leadership is part of this government’s commitment to creating sustainable, healthy communities,” says Minister Responsible for Women, Premier Bob McLeod. “Increasing the role of women in leadership is not just about equality for women. It is about strengthening our territory for the benefit of all Northwest Territories residents.” 

The Northwest Territories is joining eight other provinces and territories in adopting these amendments, which came into effect on December 31, 2014.  Under the new securities rules, companies reporting to the NWT Securities Office that list on major stock exchanges such as the Toronto Stock Exchange would be required to disclose:

• the number of women on the board and in executive officer positions;
• policies regarding the representation of women on the board;
• targets related to the representation of women on the board and in executive officer positions;
• any consideration of the representation of women in the director identification and selection process; and
• any consideration of the representation of women in executive officer positions when making executive officer appointments.

The rule amendments provide for a “comply or explain” model.  An issuer is not required to have any particular gender diversity policies, practices or targets in place as part of its corporate governance practices but, if not, the issuer must disclose why it has not done so.

“The changes are intended to ensure that investors and other stakeholders are better informed about the composition of corporate boards and senior management teams,” said Minister of Justice David Ramsay. “We hope this will lead to more women on the boards of major Canadian companies, as well as in senior management positions.”

The rule amendments were finalized after a period of public and stakeholder consultation, firstly by the Ontario Securities Commission and later by other provinces and territories through the Canadian Securities Administrators.  The amendments, which will apply in Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Québec and Saskatchewan, are made under the authority of the securities legislation of each jurisdiction.  The present NWT Securities Act was enacted in 2008. 

Media inquiries:
Brenda Norris
Media Liaison
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2304
Email: brenda_norris@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (December 22, 2014) – The 2014 Energy Charrette Report was released today. The report summarizes discussions that took place among over 100 representatives from NWT communities, Aboriginal governments, industry, energy experts and other government officials on November 3-4, 2014 in Yellowknife. 

Prepared by charrette facilitators R. Marshall and Associates, the report states that participants identified affordability as the number one objective, reflecting residents’ concerns with the high cost of living. Other suggestions brought forward during the 2014 charrette include:

• Be more aggressive on energy efficiency and conservation;
• Find ways to use excess energy in the Taltson hydro grid;
• Continue to build on biomass energy efforts;
• Continue to consider community-scale and regional energy supply projects; and
• Consider a “portfolio” approach that recognizes the different challenges and opportunities available to communities.

Premier Bob McLeod, who is also Chair of the Ministerial Energy Coordinating Committee, called for the 2014 Energy Charrette on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). “We need to recalibrate our plans. We need to consider the approach we take to energy to ensure it is affordable in the short term and sustainable for communities in the long term.”

“This report reflects what myself and seven other facilitators heard during the discussions at the Energy Charrette,” said Rob Marshall of R. Marshall and Associates. “It will now be for the GNWT to consider the ideas developed at the Energy Charrette and to determine actions that could be taken.”

The GNWT will be asking the public for comments on the report until February 2, 2015 to allow for input from residents who did not have an opportunity to attend the charrette. Input on the 2014 Energy Charrette Report can be provided to the GNWT by sending comments to nwtenergy@gov.nt.ca .

Based on public input and the suggestions in the charrette report, the GNWT will develop a response outlining potential directions and next steps for energy in the NWT. The GNWT response is expected to be released by early March 2015.

Click here to access the 2014 NWT Energy Charrette Report. 

Backgrounder – 2014 Energy Charrette

Media inquiries:    

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

 

Rob Marshall
R. Marshall and Associates
Tel:  867-669-6242
Email: rob@RMAConsulting.ca