Mr. Speaker, wild fur from the NWT, branded and sold under our Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Label, is world-renowned for its high quality and obtains top prices at auction. Our trappers are experts in proper fur handling and preparation and have earned a reputation as some of the best in their trade.

Mr. Speaker, in the 2013/2014 fiscal year, there was a tremendous increase in the number of visitors and visitor spending in the Northwest Territories, and today I would like to share details of this exciting growth with Members.

Last year, we welcomed over 90,000 visitors. This is our highest number of visitors in the last decade and an increase of 20 percent from the previous year.

Visitor spending also rose by 24 percent to $132.5 million.

YELLOWKNIFE (October 23, 2014) – Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay today issued a call for nominations for oil and gas development on Territorial Reserve Lands north of 60° in the Central Mackenzie Valley and the Mackenzie Delta/Arctic Islands. All Aboriginal sub-surface lands established pursuant to land claim agreements are excluded.

All nominations must be received by 4:00 p.m. (MST) on November 21, 2014.

Mr. Speaker, now that the Government of the Northwest Territories is responsible for administering the territory’s onshore petroleum resources, we are looking ahead to effectively plan and manage the NWT’s world-class oil and gas potential for the benefit of all residents.

To encourage future exploration and responsible development of oil and gas reserves in the territory, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is preparing for its first-ever Call Cycle for Oil and Gas Exploration Rights.

Mr. Speaker, responsible mineral exploration and development strengthens our territorial economy and helps to provide each region with opportunities and choices.

Mr. Speaker, small businesses and entrepreneurs are the backbone of our community and regional economies.

To encourage economic diversity and sustainability, the Government of the Northwest Territories has long supported the interests and growth of this highly valued segment of the North’s economic community through a variety of programs and services.

YELLOWKNIFE (October 20, 2014) – October 19-26 marks Small Business Week in Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is highlighting services and programs available to local businesses.

YELLOWKNIFE (October 9, 2014) – The Northwest Territories’ (NWT) most productive trappers for the 2013/14 season were formally announced today. Individual trappers in each of the NWT’s five regions are recognized annually in four categories: highest sales, most pelts, and the senior and junior trappers of the year.

FORT SIMPSON (October 7, 2014) – New developments at the Prairie Creek Mine will increase employment opportunities and promote economic growth in the Dehcho Region.

Responding to today’s announcement by Canadian Zinc Corporation (CZN) regarding the start-up of the Prairie Creek underground program as it moves towards full production, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) David Ramsay says he is pleased with what the development of a producing mine will mean for the residents of the Dehcho Region.

YELLOWKNIFE (October 2, 2014) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is increasing the price it pays for seal skins under its Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs (GMVF) Hide Procurement Program.

Beginning next season, the price paid to NWT harvesters per seal skin will climb from $55 to $70.