Mr. Speaker, continuing to invest in our power system and looking for innovative approaches to meeting NWT energy needs will be critical to our efforts to reduce the cost of living for NWT residents and protect the NWT environment. I rise today to provide an update on how the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, or NTPC, is contributing to that work.
Mr. Speaker, transitioning away from expensive fossil fuels for home heating and electricity generation will be critical for reducing the cost of living for NWT residents and protecting the NWT environment, but it will take time, innovative approaches and continued investment. I would like to update Members on some of the work that Public Works and Services is doing this year to support the use of energy efficient technologies, as well as increase the production of renewable and alternative energy in the NWT.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made a commitment in its Mandate to develop a territorial climate change strategy and I wanted to tell Members about the work that is underway.
As you know, climate change is occurring at an accelerated pace in the Northwest Territories. We have no choice but to be leaders in addressing, and adapting to the impacts of climate change in our communities.
Mr. Speaker, the GNWT has made a commitment in its Mandate to continue to implement the Regional Recruitment Program to assist with increasing regional employment opportunities by linking residents with on-the-job training. In 2014, the GNWT introduced the Regional Recruitment Program to help increase regional recruitment and retention by providing a link between vacant regional positions and Northern residents seeking employment.
YELLOWKNIFE (October 14, 2016) – Premier Bob McLeod has issued the following statement on the tragic passing of former Alberta Premier and Member of Parliament Jim Prentice:
"I am shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Jim Prentice. Mr. Prentice was dedicated to making this country a better place for everyone, and spent much of his life working for Canadians in both the federal and provincial political spheres. He was a good friend of the Northwest Territories and vacationed here at every opportunity.
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to update the Members and residents on our fiscal situation.
The passage of the first budget of the 18th Legislative Assembly in June, just four short months ago, was the start of our commitment to three objectives in our fiscal strategy. First, we need to ensure we demonstrate discipline in our spending so that our expenditure growth is aligned with revenue growth. Currently this is particularly challenging as most of our revenues are based on federal transfers that are expected to have little growth in the medium term.
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome all Members back to the second session of the 18th Legislative Assembly. During this session, we will continue our work together to advance the priorities of the Assembly and the Mandate commitments of the Government of the Northwest Territories.
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Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.
It has been a pleasure to be a part of this event this week - and to have the opportunity to meet and engage with those of you who are the leaders and innovators of the mining and finance sectors.
It is an added privilege to be able to speak with you today on the subject of Future Mineral Development Opportunities.
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On behalf of Premier Bob Mcleod, and the Government and residents of the Northwest Territories, my congratulations today to DeBeers Canada, Mountain Province Diamonds and those of you who make up the great Gahcho Kué mine family.
The official opening of this mine marks the latest chapter in our proud 25-year history with diamonds in the Northwest Territories.
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Thank you all for taking part in this week’s celebration of business in the North, and in particular, the Northwest Territories.
My thanks to the NWT Chamber of Commerce for their work in organizing this conference, and for the opportunity to share some thoughts with you today.
The NWT Chamber has asked me to address the topic - What Lies Ahead?
