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:

• Fort Smith/Queen Elizabeth Territorial Park
• Hay River Territorial Park
• Little Buffalo Falls Territorial Park
• Twin Falls Territorial Park

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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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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.