Mr. Speaker, last month I travelled to China with my colleague Mr. Robert Hawkins and   business delegates from the Northwest Territories as part of the Council of the Federation Trade Mission. The business representatives from the Northwest Territories were Don Bubar, President and CEO of Avalon Rare Metals, Mark Downey, CEO of Fur Harvesters Auction Limited, Verda Law, the Operations Manager of Yellowknife Tours, Huizhong Yang representing Blachford Lake Lodge, and Yanny Cordero, Project Development Consultant.

Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to update the Members on our fiscal situation.

I tabled the first budget of the 17^th Legislative Assembly in May, just five short months ago. Our commitment to protect programs and services has not changed. And our strategy of limiting new expenditure growth to ensure surpluses has become even more important as global economic instability persists.

Mr. Speaker, on October 10th the Government of the Northwest Territories was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for 2013. This places the GNWT among an exclusive group of Canadian employers who lead their industries in their commitment to employees and their ability to recruit and retain a committed and engaged workforce.

Mr. Speaker, one of the priorities for this Assembly is to strengthen awareness of our Northern identity and uniqueness by promoting our many diverse cultures. I am very pleased to advise this House that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment held a ceremony today to celebrate the tremendous contributions that people from all across this territory have made to keep our cultures vibrant and alive.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome Members back to the continuation of the Third Session of the 17^th Legislative Assembly.  I hope everybody was able to enjoy some time with family and friends this summer and has come back rested and ready to continue working on behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories.  It has been almost one year since we took office.  As we get started with this Session, I would like to look back at some of the things we have accomplished together this past year.

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Good afternoon to all of you here today and thank you for the invitation to speak to you on the last day of this conference.

We have a world of opportunity within our grasp – now, more than ever, is the time to pave the way to that opportunity, or the “Pathway to Prosperity” as this event is so aptly themed.

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I am very pleased to announce that the Government of the Northwest Territories has been selected as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. This prestigious competition recognizes private and public sector organizations that provide exceptional workplaces for their employees and lead the nation in attracting and retaining top talent. Our selection was announced nationally this morning in a special editorial section of the Globe and Mail.

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Thank you for inviting me to speak today. I am always pleased to support northern businesses in their partnerships to strengthen and diversify our economy.

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Thank you, I would like to welcome you to this conference on northern governance and the economy on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories. I am pleased to see so many people here with an interest in the long term economic and social well-being of the people of the Northwest Territories.

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