YELLOWKNIFE (MARCH 9, 2017) — Inuvialuit-created sealskin products will be an option for fashion-conscious Europeans combatting next year’s winter weather thanks to a long-standing lobbying effort led by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT).
The European Union (EU) has accepted the Northwest Territories’ (NWT) application to accept the Inuvialuit as a Recognized Body under the Indigenous exception to the EU seal products prohibition.
Delivered on March 8, 2017
Mr. Speaker, investments in the NWT film sector are growing the strength and diversity of our economy while promoting the unique sights, sounds, and stories of our territory worldwide.
We have made the commitment to support the film industry through investments in skill development, infrastructure, marketing and communications. We are fulfilling this commitment through the work of the NWT Film Commission and its ongoing implementation of our government’s film strategy.
YELLOWKNIFE (MARCH 8, 2017) — The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) today took another concrete action to support its foundational mineral exploration sector by extending a popular, effective program.
The Work Credit Program, originally introduced in 2015 to offset costs for mineral explorers during a downturn in commodity prices, will be extended for two years beginning April 1, 2017 in response to continuing challenges.
Delivered on March 7, 2017
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories made a commitment in its mandate to support mineral exploration and the mining sector by implementing the Mineral Development Strategy.
I rise today to update my colleagues on our progress. Mr. Speaker, the Mineral Development Strategy has five pillars: creating a competitive edge; establishing a new regulatory environment; enhancing Aboriginal engagement and capacity; promoting sustainability; and enriching workforce development and public awareness.
YELLOWKNIFE (March 3, 2017) – The Northwest Territories’ (NWT) first-ever Agriculture Strategy was released today setting the stage for actions, investments and the development of legislative tools that will advance the increased production of fresh, healthy, safe and more affordable locally grown food choices, and new economic opportunities for NWT residents.
HAY RIVER (February 27, 2017) – A Strategy to Revitalize the NWT’s Commercial Fishery was officially unveiled today in Hay River; the town that has been the hub of the territory’s fishing industry over the last 70 years.
Mr. Speaker, the last decade has seen our Great Slave Lake fishery hit hard by circumstances well beyond its influence and control. Commercial fishing in our territory has, as a result, declined significantly.
What has not declined is the number of fish in the lake, the quality of this food source, or the proven markets we can use to rebuild our fishery. They offer the opportunity to restore an industry that remains important and vital to our economy and to our territory.
Mr. Speaker, residents of the NWT have told us that they want to advance food production in their regions and communities. With the support of federal and GNWT funding, community-based gardens, greenhouses, farmer’s markets and other food-related businesses and associations are flourishing across the NWT.
Access to locally grown, locally sourced foods continues to increase for NWT residents. Small-scale entrepreneurial opportunities are becoming available through markets, festivals, and conferences.
Check Against Delivery
Thank you, Premier. We have talked a lot today about the challenges faced by our mining industry and what we can - and must do - to move tis industry forward.
These are tough times in mining and these have been important conversations for us to have, but it is important that we do not lose sight of the successes that we have had – as an industry and a territory.
We are the jurisdiction which put Canadian diamonds on the map.
Check Against Delivery
Welcome to NWT Night. It is a real pleasure to see so many people here tonight who recognize what my government knows; the NWT has huge mining potential, that if developed sustainably and economically, will drive prosperity for the NWT for generations to come.
