(January 17, 2013) - Ladies and Gentlemen – it is my pleasure today to address you on behalf of the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment on the important subject of economic opportunity in our Territory. As the Chair of the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure for the 17^th Legislative Assembly, local economic development is something I feel very strongly about.

YELLOWKNIFE (January 10, 2013) – The Economic Opportunities Strategy Advisory Panel is holding community meetings and engagements to solicit public input into the development of an Economic Opportunities Strategy for the Northwest Territories:

YELLOWKNIFE (January 7, 2013) The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is pleased to announce it has granted Deepak International Ltd  (DIL) with Approved NWT Diamond Manufacturer (ANDM) status. As an ANDM, DIL is qualified to purchase a portion of the 10% of NWT rough diamond production offered by NWT diamond producers to NWT cutting and polishing operations.

In addition, the GNWT and DIL have also signed a certification agreement and an exclusive polar bear trademark licensing agreement for the iconic POLAR BEAR DIAMOND™.

YELLOWKNIFE (December 19, 2012) - The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is seeking public input on a draft Prelude Lake Management Plan (PMP). The plan is in response to issues arising from the increased popularity of the park. The PMP seeks to address some of the major concerns that can affect park users’ enjoyment, including: parking space, all-terrain vehicle use, marina congestion and the need for additional camping space.  The PMP outlines suggestions to address these issues, both in the immediate and longer term.

YELLOWKNIFE (December 17, 2012) Ministers from the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and senior officials from the three NWT diamond mines met to discuss the contribution the diamond industry has made to the NWT, the GNWT’s programs and services aimed at supporting the successful participation of NWT residents in the industry, as well as collective efforts and future plans to grow participation in the diamond industry so benefits can be realized for residents and mining companies alike.

December 7, 2012

YELLOWKNIFE (December 6, 2012) - Public engagement and discussion in the development of a comprehensive economic opportunities strategy for the Northwest Territories begins this month. 

Good morning. First of all, I would like to thank the organizers of the Arctic Technology Conference for inviting me here, and a special thank you to the Canadian Consulate for giving me the opportunity to speak with you here this morning.

This is my second visit to Houston this year. I always enjoy meeting with my colleagues in the oil and gas industry to speak about a subject that is very important to me and our government: the prospects for development of the immense resource potential of the Northwest Territories.

YELLOWKNIFE (November 28, 2012) Over 120 participants came together to talk about energy at the 2012 Northwest Territories Energy Charrette. This three-day event was a collaborative process to outline how to meet the territory’s future energy needs and provide input on the development of the 2013 NWT Energy Plan.  

November 28, 2012