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Mr. Speaker, the season for planting may still be a long way off but February 23^rd was Agriculture Day in Canada and we have much to celebrate and work towards in support of agriculture in the Northwest Territories. I will also speak to the connection between the agriculture industry and efforts to strengthen food security.  

Northwest Territories Parks and Campgrounds will begin opening on May 14, 2021 with appropriate COVID-19 protocols in place. The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is pleased to provide the following update on dates and planning related to the 2021 season.

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Mr. Speaker, while 2020 was a very different year for film and media in the Northwest Territories, we have continued to work behind the scenes to ensure we are supporting the sector so they are ready to welcome new opportunities when border restrictions are eased.

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Mr. Speaker, it is fitting that as we focus this sitting on the government’s budget, including how GNWT spending impacts the NWT economy and the role it can play in our economic recovery efforts, we are also beginning a territory-wide conversation about our government’s procurement practices and policies. Procurement is a significant tool that can positively increase the benefits of government spending on the private sector and, as a result, on the economy as a whole.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is providing funding to tourism operators that have exhausted the support available to them under the federal government’s Northern Business Relief Fund (NBRF) and Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF).

Tourism operators will be able to apply to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment to cover the same fixed operating costs set out under the NBRF.

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Thank you, MP McLeod - and thanks for joining us today, everyone.

On first blush, this may seem like an odd time to make an agriculture announcement; especially in the Northwest Territories.

The reality is that by the time the weather warms up and people like you and I start thinking about planting and growing, the folks that make up Canada’s commercial food sector - even here in the NWT - will already be wildly busy.

The Governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories are investing over $400,000 to increase the production of fresh, healthy and locally-grown food in the NWT’s agriculture sector.

The investments, delivered under the Canadian Agriculture Partnership (the Partnership), will support three projects in Hay River.

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) is expanding its training investment to help tourism operators maximize their digital presence. 

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has launched an independent review of its procurement policies and practices.

Through interviews, written submissions, targeted engagement opportunities and online surveys, Indigenous Governments and Organizations, elected leaders, the business community, stakeholders and residents will all have an opportunity to share their perspectives and ideas in support of the GNWT’s mandated priority to: Ensure government procurement and contracting maximizes benefits to residents and businesses.