As the territory positions itself to meet the energy and mineral needs of the future, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Caroline Wawzonek, spoke at the 21st annual Arctic Energy & Resource Symposium in Calgary, highlighting the GNWT’s work towards attracting environmental, social and governance (ESG) conscious investors and project developers.

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This would have been my first opportunity to attend this annual event.

I understand the scope of the conference has been expanded this year - beyond arctic oil and gas - to include the broader energy and resource potential of Canada’s North.

This wider focus is one more-closely matched to the true potential of today’s Northwest Territories and I am pleased to be able to offer some comments this morning.

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Mr. Speaker, the past two years have been a difficult time for us all as we endured the challenges associated with a world-wide pandemic. We now face a period of economic uncertainty, due in part to the war in Ukraine and its global implications on the availability of, and cost of, goods and services.

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Mr. Speaker, education is very valuable and important in creating long-term success for our residents. To address ongoing shortages of qualified trade workers in NWT communities, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation is committed to supporting training for apprentices.

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As announced previously by Health and Social Services Minister Julie Green, the Public Health Emergency and associated public health orders will be lifted on Friday, April 1st at 12:00 a.m.

Throughout the pandemic, the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) has implemented legally binding measures to protect residents of the NWT from COVID-19 and to swiftly respond to the evolving needs of the health care system. On April 1st, these measures will shift to recommendations and residents will make choices based on their own risk assessment.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) wants residents to be ready for emergencies when they happen. With spring flood and wildfire seasons approaching, the territorial government has launched a new campaign to help residents prepare.

A marketing campaign is being launched using radio, newspapers, community-focused print products, and social media advertising.

The campaign focuses on important things to know when preparing for emergencies, including: 

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Mr. Speaker, the floods of 2021 were extraordinary, and they caused life-altering hardship for so many residents, families, and communities. I am very pleased to advise that the majority of those who were impacted are now back in their homes.

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Mr. Speaker, twice a year we all adjust our clocks by one hour. First we move them forward, and then we move them back. People have always questioned the wisdom of this annual tradition, but in recent years a number of jurisdictions have taken concrete steps towards eliminating seasonal time change. On Monday, April 4, the Government of the Northwest Territories will begin a six-week public engagement to help us determine when and how we will eliminate seasonal time changes.

The Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) is beginning its 50th anniversary celebrations with a new name and updated visual identity as part of the Strategy for Renewal of the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.