Honourable members, thank you for the invitation to address the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. I am pleased to be here on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories to speak to you about Bill C-15, the Northwest Territories Devolution Act.

Devolution of responsibility for public lands, resources and water has been a priority for the people and Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories for many years.

YELLOWKNIFE (January 27, 2014) – Members of the Executive Councils of the Tłįchǫ Government and the 17^th Legislative Assembly met together today as agreed to in ‘Working Together – the Tłįchǫ Government/Government of the Northwest Territories Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding’(Working Together).

Areas of discussion included:

Good afternoon everyone, it is a pleasure to be here. Along with my colleagues from the Northwest Territories, we are enjoying our time at the Beijing Fur Fair and at the International Fur Trade Federation events.

I would like to thank Mr. Steven Hurwitz, Chairman of International Fur Federation, and Madam Deng Xiaolan, Honourary Chairwoman of International Fur Federation, Asia Region. Thank you for the invitation to join you today.

Good morning everyone. As Premier of the Northwest Territories I am proud to be here to represent the people of the NWT and I thank you for the invitation to participate in this forum on environmental protection in the fur industry.

I would like to thank Mr. Steven Hurwitz : Chairman of the International Fur Forum, Madam Deng Xiaolan, Honourary Chairwoman of International Fur Forum in the Asia Region, and Mr. Mike He, Chairman of Young Entrepreneurs Fur Committee. I would also like to recognize the Fur Harvesters Auction, and their CEO Mr. Mark Downey.

Good evening everyone. I am enjoying my VIP flight – there is no turbulence – only blue skies ahead for China and the Northwest Territories. On behalf of my colleagues and business associates here with me from the Northwest Territories, I would like to share our excitement at being at the Beijing Fur Fair with evening and thank the organizers, the China National Native Produce and Animal By-products Import and Export Company. Please allow me to introduce my fellow VIP passengers from the Legislative Assembly: Mr.

Thank you, I’m pleased to be here today to speak to you about the economic potential of the Northwest Territories in Canada’s Arctic.

The Northwest Territories is home to a rich storehouse of natural resources that are still largely undeveloped. In our territory we have a wealth of resources, including oil, gas, hydroelectricity, gold, bismuth, diamonds and rare earth deposits. We also have some of the best wild fur in the world.

OTTAWA, Ontario (December 17, 2013) – An important milestone has been reached yesterday in the community of Délı̨nę with the initialling of the Délı̨nę Final Self-Government Agreement (FSGA). This brings this community closer to having control over the decisions that affect their day-to-day lives, including how programs and services will be delivered.

YELLOWKNIFE (December 16, 2013) – The GNWT’s new service directory provides residents and businesses with a more effective and efficient way to find the government services they require.

“The service directory connects people, information, and services,” said Minister of Finance Michael Miltenberger. “Improving our use of technology will reduce red tape by making it easier for our residents to get government services.”

YELLOWKNIFE (December 12, 2013) – Members of Cabinet of the 17^th Legislative Assembly and the Gwich’in Tribal Council (GTC) Board of Directors met at the Legislative Assembly in Yellowknife and signed a Memorandum of Intent on Capacity Building. The agreement commits the GTC and Government of the

(December 9, 2013) - Northwest Territories residents can join other Canadians in signing Canada’s official condolence book for His Excellency Nelson Mandela, former President of the Republic of South Africa.

A link to the book has been posted on the Government of the Northwest Territories’ website.