Frozen Globe Awards - Minister David Ramsay

Déclarations et discours de ministres

(February 25, 2013) - Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a distinct honour for me to be here tonight among this exceptional community of northerners as part of this premiere signature event - and to celebrate everything that is so exciting about the Northern business community.

Congratulations first and foremost to Up Here Business for envisioning this night, and more importantly, for making it happen.   The old saying is that good things come to those who wait. But good things also come to those who make them happen - those who take the initiative.  In this case, that has been Up Here Business. 

Every month, Up Here Business provides its readers with a showcase of the ingenuity, energy and hard work that characterize the investors and entrepreneurs that make up our region’s unique and exciting economic environment.

Tonight we will attempt to raise these proud qualities of our northern business family to the stage. 

I know a lot of consideration, time and hard work has gone into putting this program together - and let me be the first to thank you. 

The GNWT's Department of Industry Tourism and Investment is also proud to be a major partner and sponsor of this first-of-its-kind event. Most of all, because it is a celebration of our valued northern business community.

ITI is committed to creating and supporting the right climate for businesses to succeed.  The prevailing theme of striving for business excellence is one that fits well with our mission to work in partnership with others to provide quality programs and services to promote and support Northwest Territories economic prosperity and community self-reliance.

Through our programs and services and our support of the Business Development and Investment Corporation and the Canada Business NWT Service Centre, we are committed to supporting and promoting small business in the NWT.

We recognize small business is, and will continue to be, the backbone in the development and diversification of our growing northern economy.

Successful businesses are the foundation of our smallest and most vibrant sectors.  By responding to the changing demands of the marketplace, taking the risks - and creating jobs, entrepreneurs are a primary force in driving the economy across our North.

It has been said that good businesses are run by people who open the door when opportunity knocks.  But great businesses are run by people who understand that opportunity comes disguised as hard work.

Tonight, as we celebrate the best of northern business, we of course are paying tribute to all of the men and women in the North who are transforming their ideas into solid businesses and providing the energy and innovation to fuel our competitive and prosperous northern business environment.

Each of you here represent very different businesses in very different parts of Canada's North.

But you all have one thing in common – you embody the spirit of enterprise that must be at the heart of our respective economic futures.

Congratulations to all of you, on your hard work and success.