Bob McLeod: Remarks from Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce luncheon

Ministers' Statements and Speeches

(Check against delivery)

Thank you for the invitation to join you today. 

Like you, I am looking forward to hearing from Nicole (guest speaker) – and so will not take up much of your time today.  

I did, however, want to take the opportunity today to congratulate President Rene and your new Board; and to confirm - to all of you - our commitment, as government, to maintaining the valued relationship we have with this Chamber. 

I have every confidence that the cumulative experience and passion that exists in this Chamber will be up to the task of providing the advocacy that your business community needs, and deserves, during the difficult economic times that we anticipate are ahead.   

More often than not, our best resources lie within our own communities.  Be assured that we are not about to overlook this reality and will be taking the time and the opportunities to share and partner in the advancement of our vision and our mandate – but also to meet – and listen – and especially to ensure that your voice is heard.  

We were happy in this past year to partner with, and invest in, the Chamber’s Business in the North: Training and Support initiative. Obviously investments that advance the betterment and strength of our local business community – are ones that we want be part of. 

(I’m sure all members of the dragons den would want to be a part of that investment.)

We are also looking forward to the upcoming Tourist in Your own Town promotion. This initiative saw success last year in increasing awareness of the importance of tourism to local economies and bringing new foot traffic to operators within our community.

Again this year, we hope that Yellowknifers will rediscover the many offerings that make ours an attractive place to visit – as with them - the hardworking business community that provide these goods – and serves to drive our economy.

Last week, the GNWT introduced its new mandate. 

We face a range of economic challenges. Diversifying the economy is an important priority of our Assembly. We know that the best way to diversify our economy is for the private sector to be advance and developed in all regions - and for products with a natural NWT advantage, such as tourism, furs, and minerals, to be promoted in international markets.

But in the short to medium term, mining - which accounts for one-third of the economy - will need to be a mainstay and we must invest now to capitalize on future resource demand. 

Our economy operates on these two levels; the macro and the micro. We require both for success in our economy, which requires action from the public and private sectors.

The Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce is among our most important partners in ensuring continued success across our economic sectors. When we work together, we’re able to build the best business environment for the betterment of Yellowknife, and the NWT as a whole.

I look forward to working with your organization in the coming year, and I wish you all luck on your endeavours.