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Good afternoon and thank you for being here today for the signing of the memorandum of understanding between our two governments. It’s good to be back in Inuvik for the 2019 Arctic Development Expo; and here for this event today.

This is an important event and the Premier sends his regrets, as he is unable to attend today’s signing.

I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge Grand Chief Bobbie Jo Greenland-Morgan, our emcee David MacMartin and all the staff who are here to witness this today.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories made a mandate commitment to develop a northern manufacturing strategy in collaboration with industry and the NWT’s Manufacturers Association.

I am pleased today to table the Northwest Territories Manufacturing Strategy for diversifying our economy.  The Strategy was developed with extensive input from the public, Chambers of Commerce, businesses and, most importantly, the NWT Manufacturers Association.

 Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Wally Schumann outlined the plan at a launch event for the NWT’s first Manufacturing Strategy in Hay River this morning.

 This strategy is focused on four objectives:

Mr. Speaker, this is tourism week in the Northwest Territories and is an opportunity to celebrate the unprecedented growth that we have nurtured and witnessed during our time as the 18th Legislative Assembly.

 During the life of this Legislative Assembly, visitor numbers in the NWT have increased by more than 30%. This includes a 61% increase in Aurora tourism.

 Our tourism sector is now worth over $203 million, a 48% increase in spending over the last five years; and led by a 75% growth in spending by leisure travelers.

Mr. Speaker, in the Northwest Territories, responsible resource development is at the core of who we are. It drives our economy, has generated billions in opportunities for northern and Indigenous-owned businesses and provides thousands of jobs to residents.  

 Our natural resource wealth is not limited to minerals.  We also have some of the world’s largest reserves of natural gas and oil, both onshore and offshore and these resources, developed safely and responsibly, will result in significant long-lasting benefits and returns for NWT residents.

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Good morning everyone and thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today about LNG potential in the Northwest Territories.

In the Northwest Territories, responsible resource development is at the core of who we are. It drives our economy, has generated billions in opportunities for northern and Indigenous-owned businesses and provides thousands of jobs to residents.  

Gates will swing open at most parks across the Northwest Territories this week as camping season officially gets underway. 

Parks in the South Slave, North Slave and Sahtu began welcoming overnight guests on Wednesday, May 15^th, 2019. All NWT parks will be open by June 1^st, 2019.

With more than $7 million in planned and continuing investments in world-class parks infrastructure, NWT park users will notice improvements completed and underway – all of which are being done to improve experiences for visitors and residents alike.

Last month, a report from expert Canadian scientists showed that Canada is warming at twice the global rate and that the North is warming at three times the global rate. People in the Northwest Territories are feeling the impacts of climate change in their communities. Canadians want to fight climate change, to be part of the solution, which is why Canada and the Northwest Territories are working together to reduce pollution, create good jobs, and support healthy communities.

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Good afternoon and thank you for inviting me to speak to you today during the 43^rd AGM Luncheon.

As members and stakeholders of the Northern Air Transport Association, you each understand that aviation is an important industry to Northern Canada. 

Economic diversification and job creation are key to ensuring a strong and resilient economy in the North. This is why the Government of Canada is investing $2.7M in nine economic development projects in the Northwest Territories (NWT).

This announcement was made today by Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CanNor.