Today the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) announced the relaunch of its successful bookkeeping initiative to support businesses in accessing financial planning advice.

Eligible businesses can apply for up to $7,500 or 90 per cent of the actual cost for obtaining the financial and technical advice required to allow them to make informed investment decisions, and better position themselves for sustainability and growth.

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Good morning and a warm welcome to the 49th Annual Yellowknife Geoscience Forum.   

For 49 years, this forum has provided a setting for industry, academia, and governments to exchange information on mineral and petroleum exploration, mining activities, permafrost, and geoscience research in the North.

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Mr. Speaker, later this afternoon, I will table the Report of the Procurement Review Panel, which provides a review of the GNWT’s procurement policies and practices, as well as recommendations on how these can be improved.

Government procurement, especially in the Northwest Territories, is far reaching, and the steps that we take to respond to the panel’s recommendations will support the GNWT’s mandate commitments to:

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Welcome and thank you for participating in this workshop. 

I believe the NWT has an opportunity to play not only a leading role but a key role in the supply of critical minerals and metals to meet growing international demand.

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Congratulations Minister Bibeau on continuing your role as the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food.

Here in the Northwest Territories, agriculture looks a bit different than it does down South.  Our industry is challenged by extreme and diverse weather conditions, limited soil quality and the remoteness of our communities. Yet despite these challenges, we maintain a small, but dedicated network of growers, passionate about the territory’s agriculture industry and its potential.  

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has amended the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) Policy Directive and increased short-term operational funding for businesses to further support them through the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Thank you for the introduction and the invitation to meet with your membership today.

I closed my comments to you last year by saying how much I was looking forward to seeing you all “in person” in 2021. But here we are again, meeting virtually.

What for the NWT was primarily an economic crisis this time last year has escalated over the summer and fall to be a serious health care situation that continues to have a great impact on residents, communities, and businesses.

Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, issued the following statement in recognition of Small Business Week:

“I share the hope of many that with high vaccine uptake we have begun to turn a corner on a critical period for the Northwest Territories (NWT) during the global pandemic. Having had to face a new round of restrictions in order to address COVID-19 outbreaks in communities, small businesses across the territory have shown resiliency and strength in the face of adversity.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is seeking proposals from Northwest Territories’ (NWT) residents and businesses for its NWT Manufacturing Innovation and Technology Contribution.

Up to $100,000 will be awarded to the most compelling proposal for an investment in technology designed to reduce costs and improve productivity, while increasing local employment. Applicants must outline all eligible expenses in their proposal and be prepared to contribute at least 20 per cent equity into the project.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has partnered with the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) to provide additional funding support for exploration projects being led by the territory’s mineral resources industry.

CanNor has confirmed new funding of $500,000 to support a second call for Mining Incentive Program (MIP) applications in 2021-22, focusing on winter exploration. This brings the total program budget for the current fiscal year to $1.5 million.