Good Morning distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

It is a pleasure to be here today to speak to you about the Northwest Territories, land of the midnight sun, and spectacular Aurora borealis. A land with massive oil and gas reserves in a wilderness without apparent end.  A land that holds great significance for the rest of Canada; not only by responsibly developing the enormous resources but by embodying that very place your conference is about, the Arctic Border.

YELLOWKNIFE (June 19, 2015) – A delegation from Northwest Territories travelled to Europe from June 7-12 to promote the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link (MVFL). The delegation included Premier Bob McLeod, Minister J Michael Miltenberger, Minister Robert C McLeod, MLA Robert Hawkins, officials from the federal and territorial governments and a representative from the Northern Lights General Partnership, the contractor for the MVFL.

The delegation visited clients for both the MVFL and the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility (ISSF), including:

Northern Premiers’ Forum (June 16, 2015)—Premier Peter Taptuna, Premier Robert McLeod and Premier Darrell Pasloski met today in Kugluktuk, Nunavut where they discussed shared priorities and continued cooperation in building a better North. At the top of the agenda was territorial infrastructure, which is a key pillar of the Premiers’ joint document, A Northern Vision, and recognized by the three territories as a foundation of strong communities and resilient economies.

Mr. Speaker, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be holding its closing events from May 31 to June 3 in Ottawa. This is time to reflect and I would like to express my appreciation for the great work accomplished by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The work that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has done in the Northwest Territories and across Canada has been a critical step in the healing process for people suffering from the abuse and trauma of residential schools.

YELLOWKNIFE (June 8, 2015) – A delegation from the Northwest Territories will travel to Europe from June 7-12, 2015 to promote the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link (MVFL) to potential international clients and customers. The delegation includes Premier Bob McLeod, Minister of Finance J. Michael Miltenberger, Minister Robert C. Mcleod, MLA Robert Hawkins, Chair of the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure and officials from the federal government and Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT).

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices. Having an affordable, reliable and secure energy system that takes into account economic development and impacts to the environment is central to this goal.

YELLOWKNIFE (June 3, 2015)  – Northwest Territories Premier Bob McLeod offered the following statement on the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission today:

“The Government of the Northwest Territories wishes to thank the Commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and acknowledge the courageous contributions from all who participated in their important work, including the many residential school survivors and their families. 

Mr. Speaker, earlier today, I had the opportunity to recognize award recipients within the Government of the Northwest Territories and their collaborative partners from outside the public service with the Premier’s Awards for Excellence and Collaboration in a ceremony in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly. 

These innovative, engaged staff are essential in providing the best possible service to the people of the Northwest Territories, and I am pleased to announce the recipients of the 2015 Premier’s Awards. 

Award for Excellence – Individuals:

YELLOWKNIFE (June 2, 2015) – The Northwest Territories diamond industry took the stage at the industry’s premiere trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada this past weekend.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome Members back to the continuation of the Fifth Session of the 17th Legislative Assembly. We have been working together for almost four years now on our vision of strong individuals, families and communities sharing the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories.
We have made progress on that vision in our time together, and I thank Members for their support and guidance on the many projects and initiatives we have successfully introduced.