Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to update this Assembly on negotiations toward the shared management of oil and gas resources in the NWT offshore, along with our ongoing work to undertake a 5-year science-based review of the federal moratorium on offshore oil and gas activity in arctic waters.
Minister of Infrastructure Wally Schumann welcomed the announcement of new federal funding to advance the development of the Slave Geological Province (SGP) Corridor.
The project will receive a total of $40 million to support environmental regulatory reviews and planning studies. Transport Canada will contribute $30 million under the National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) and the Government of the Northwest Territories will contribute $10 million.
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Good morning. I am pleased to be here this morning to take part in this official announcement. I would like to thank MP McLeod and all guests for joining us.
MP McLeod continues to support our infrastructure initiatives and recognizes that these types of projects are investments in the future of the north. For that and his continued support, we are grateful and pleased that you are able to join us this morning.
Mr. Speaker, strong economies must encourage economic diversity.
And while our economy relies on the resource sector as its foundation, our government has committed to fostering an economic environment where our residents can find success across a variety of sectors.
But it is also this government’s view that true economic diversity for the NWT also means getting the most out of secondary industries arising from our diamond sector, while also working to branch out and encourage the responsible development of new resources
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment has issued fire bans for Fred Henne and Yellowknife River Territorial Parks in line with the City of Yellowknife’s city-wide ban.
The setting and use of fires is prohibited at these two parks until further notice.
The use of camp-stoves and enclosed BBQs is permitted. Propane-fuelled burners are also permitted for heating and/or cooking, but must be used within the confines of the fire-pit.
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The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is investing another $1 million in the future of mineral exploration in the NWT.
Nineteen projects will benefit this year from funding provided under the Mining Incentive Program (MIP). These projects were selected from 28 applications received, marking continuing interest in moving the territory forward.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is seeking input on actions to be incorporated into the new NWT Arts Strategy through facilitated engagement sessions happening across the territory.
Public online engagement launched on June 21 and, in conjunction with community meetings, will continue until August 9, 2019.
The new NWT Arts Strategy and Action Plan will provide the GNWT with renewed priorities that support artists and the arts industry, increase collaboration between all stakeholders and celebrate diversity.
Due to extremely dry forest conditions and the threat of wildfires, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) has closed the 60th Parallel Territorial Park until further notice.
Fire bans have also been put in place for the following parks effective immediately:
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Good morning everyone.
Before I begin, I’d like to take a moment to echo Premier McLeod’s sentiment about the importance of these types of meetings and having an opportunity to get together to discuss common challenges and goals, and find concrete ways to work together to find solutions.
Last week, I was in Inuvik for the Arctic Development Expo where I spoke a lot about some of the items we’ll discuss today.
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