Mr. Speaker, mineral exploration and development is a cornerstone of the NWT economy. Ensuring the continuing health of this sector is critical if we want to grow our economy and achieve our vision of a strong, prosperous Northwest Territories. Last fall, this government reached a major milestone when it released the NWT Mineral Development Strategy. This is a comprehensive plan to ensure the long-term growth of a sustainable mining industry that will create jobs and economic opportunities for the people of the NWT.

Good evening everyone, tonight we are celebrating the success of our Hay River business community – a community that sees challenges as opportunities and creatively and willingly responds to change. These strengths are the key to a successful business. Ladies and gentleman, this event is always one of my favourites and I'm happy to have a chance to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship here with you this evening.

YELLOWKNIFE (February 13, 2014) – Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay is extending the role of the partnership that developed the NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy. 

“As we put the Economic Opportunities Strategy into action, the partners will oversee the process and play a vital role in ensuring actions are timely and publically-accountable,” said Minister Ramsay. “The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to fully addressing the Strategy’s 117 recommended actions.”

Mr. Speaker, last month I accompanied Premier Bob McLeod and Mr. Robert Hawkins, Member for Yellowknife Centre, along with delegates from our Territory’s business community on a trade mission to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. The business representatives from the Northwest Territories were Mr. Robin Goad, President of Fortune Minerals; Ms. Verda Law, Yellowknife Tours; Mr. Deepak Kumar, Deepak International; Mr. Fernando Alvarez, President of Jacques Cartier Clothier; and Mr. Mark Downey, CEO of Fur Harvesters Auction Ltd.

This news release is being distributed on behalf of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.

Government of Canada invests in NWT traditional economy

YELLOWKNIFE (January 28, 2014) – Resident NWT Olympians Michael Gilday and Brendan Green will be representing more than their sport and country at the Sochi Olympics. They will also be real-life models for the NWT’s rich cultural heritage and beautifully-crafted traditional arts and fine crafts.

In recognition of their personal and athletic accomplishments in making the Canadian Olympic team, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has gifted both athletes with traditionally-beaded moose hide gloves and slippers to wear outside of their competitions.

YELLOWKNIFE (January 27, 2014) – The Northern business community came together last week to celebrate the best and brightest at the Frozen Globe Awards held in Whitehorse, YT.

Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) David Ramsay offered his congratulations to NWT businesses recognized with nominations and awards.

YELLOWKNIFE (January 23, 2014) – Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay, and MLA Robert Hawkins promoted the NWT as a spectacular tourism destination in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong during the China Trade Mission.

HAY RIVER (January 21, 2014) – Recommendations to make Hay River Territorial Park beach safer have been released by the Lifesaving Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories. The Lifesaving Society performed a comprehensive aquatic safety audit on the unsupervised waterfront beach at Hay River Territorial Park in the summer of 2013. The purpose of the audit was to analyze and provide recommendations to maximize the safety of beach users.

Good morning and thanks for meeting with us today.  We have just come from Beijing and I have to say, I’m really pleased to see so much fur and fur trim on the high-end garments we have been seeing on the streets of China during our visit.  The heart of fashion really does beat strong here.