YELLOWKNIFE (August 21, 2015) – The renewal of the Stanton Territorial Hospital moves closer to reality with the announcement today by Finance Minister J. Michael Miltenberger, that Boreal Health Partnership (BHP) has been selected as the Preferred Proponent, pursuant to the GNWT’s Request for Proposals for the project.

The GNWT and BHP will be working together to finalize the Project Agreement and start the preparatory work required before construction can begin later this Fall.

YELLOWKNIFE (June 19, 2015) – A delegation from Northwest Territories travelled to Europe from June 7-12 to promote the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link (MVFL). The delegation included Premier Bob McLeod, Minister J Michael Miltenberger, Minister Robert C McLeod, MLA Robert Hawkins, officials from the federal and territorial governments and a representative from the Northern Lights General Partnership, the contractor for the MVFL.

The delegation visited clients for both the MVFL and the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility (ISSF), including:

YELLOWKNIFE (June 8, 2015) – A delegation from the Northwest Territories will travel to Europe from June 7-12, 2015 to promote the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link (MVFL) to potential international clients and customers. The delegation includes Premier Bob McLeod, Minister of Finance J. Michael Miltenberger, Minister Robert C. Mcleod, MLA Robert Hawkins, Chair of the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure and officials from the federal government and Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT).

YELLOWKNIFE (June 3, 2015) – Minister of Finance J. Michael Miltenberger is pleased that Moody’s Investors Service continues to recognize the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) sound fiscal management with another Aa1 credit rating. 

The rationale for the GNWT’s Aa1/Stable Outlook credit rating was included in a credit analysis published by Moody’s and based on their annual review of the GNWT’s fiscal plans and outlook – and in particular the government’s borrowing activity and the impact of devolution. 

Mr. Speaker, every budget session, I have provided this House with an update on the progress being made under the Service Innovation Strategy.  Today, I want to tell you about a tool we have to measure how satisfied Northern residents are with government service delivery.

Mr. Speaker I would like to take a few moments to speak to the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link project or MVFL.

On January 12, 2015 the Government took the first step towards removing the limitations of our current communications infrastructure. The Fibre Link project will allow Inuvik to become a global remote sensing site, enable our Government to improve our programs and services, particularly in the areas of education and health; and allow many more of our residents and businesses to join the 21st century and communicate in real time, with the rest of the world.

Mr. Speaker, on April 22, 2015, the federal government announced a $500 million increase to the GNWT borrowing limit, bringing the federally imposed borrowing limit to $1.3 billion as well the definition of self-financing debt is being revised.

YELLOWKNIFE (April 22, 2015) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is pleased with the Government of Canada’s decision, announced in yesterday’s federal budget, to increase the federally imposed borrowing limit to $1.3 billion from $800 million.

YELLOWKNIFE (March 24, 2015) – Figures released today show that the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has successfully filled 108 of 128 positions decentralized during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 fiscal years. Another 22 positions scheduled to be established during the next two fiscal years are currently vacant.

Mr. Speaker, this Legislative Assembly has a vision of strong individuals, families and communities sharing the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories. Achieving that vision requires a balanced approach that advances our economic, environmental and social priorities. This government is moving forward on all those fronts.