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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.

Today the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) released the Report of the Procurement Review Panel providing recommendations for GNWT’s procurement policies and practices.

Produced by an independent three-person panel, the report provides 50 procurement recommendations, incorporating input collected over a four-month period from public engagements with stakeholders including industry groups, business communities and residents.

The panel’s recommendations have been grouped into four themes:

1.           Establish a strategic approach to procurement;

Today the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) announced that Northwest Territories (NWT) businesses impacted by recent public health measures can now apply to GNWT’s Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) Program for assistance with ongoing operational costs.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is providing additional support funding for tourism operators and tourism related businesses with assistance from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor).

The Northwest Territories’ (NWT) Tourism Restart Investment Program (TRIP) will provide one-time funding for eligible applicants to support:

The NWT Arts Strategy 2021-2031 was released today by the departments of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) and Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI). The new strategy provides the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) with renewed priorities for the continued growth and prosperity of the creative sector for the next decade.

ECE and ITI work closely to support and promote artists and the arts in the Northwest Territories (NWT).