Good morning. I want to start off by thanking the organizers of Opportunities North for having me here today, and for putting together another successful conference.

Delivered on September 12, 2017

Good afternoon. It is a pleasure to be here today, joined by colleagues, neighbouring governments and community leaders from all across Western Canada. This conference is an important one as it brings our jurisdictions together for focused discussions on ways we can work together to achieve greater economic prosperity.

YELLOWKNIFE (September 5, 2017) – Premier Bob McLeod today announced the appointment of Bruce Cooper as the Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services (HSS) for the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT).

Mr. Cooper comes to the GNWT from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (GNL) with over a decade of experience as an executive in the public service, including five years as Deputy Minister of Health and Community Services. He is currently Deputy Minister of the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development for the GNL.

Welcome everyone. I am happy to be here this afternoon with Yukon Premier Sandy Silver and Nunavut Premier Peter Taptuna.

As the leaders of three territories that share in a unified vision for the North, our meetings today have provided us an opportunity to discuss how we can move forward to create the North our residents deserve.

YELLOWKNIFE, NT (August 31, 2017) – Premiers of Canada’s three northern territories met in Yellowknife this week to discuss how they are working together to ensure that northerners have increasing opportunities including good jobs close to home and sustainable communities.

Premiers spoke at length about indigenous cooperation and their support for reconciliation and partnership. Our modern land claim and self-government agreements are examples of positive change.

YELLOWKNIFE, NT (August 31, 2017) –  Premiers share an interest in ensuring that all northerners and northern communities have an optimistic outlook for the future, and that outlook requires advancement of educational attainment, business development and meaningful employment opportunities, many of which are tied to infrastructure development.

Premiers emphasize the particular importance of increasing the opportunities available to people living in Indigenous communities, and rural and remote communities.

YELLOWKNIFE (August 11, 2017) – Premier Bob McLeod issued the following statement on NWT Pride weekend:

“Pride weekend is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and support their human right to gender expression and gender identity, free of stigma, violence and prejudices. Today, I join in this celebration and applaud the organization for the leadership it has shown in representing the LGBTQ+ community across the Northwest Territories.

Check Against Delivery

Good morning everyone and thank you for the opportunity to share a few words.

The PNWER annual summit provides an excellent platform for insightful collaboration and I look forward to the discussions over the next few days.  

YELLOWKNIFE (July 17, 2017) – Premier Bob McLeod issued the following statement on the acquisition of Dominion Diamond Corporation by The Washington Companies:

 “Responsible resource development is  key to the social and economic future of the NWT.  The Government of the Northwest Territories  believes that it must be done with a strong view to environmental sustainability and northerners must share in the prosperity it brings. “

YELLOWKNIFE (May 26, 2017) – Premier Bob McLeod announced today that government negotiators have new land claim offers to both the Akaitcho Dene First Nation (ADFN) and the Northwest Territory Métis Nation (NWTMN) that incorporate recommendations from the Ministerial Special Representative, Tom Isaac. The two offers provide for flexibility so that the priorities of all parties can be achieved.