Ministers' Statements and Speeches

2012 Summer Safety

Mr. Speaker, the 17th Legislative Assembly set a goal of achieving sustainable, vibrant and safe communities. Today I would like to take a moment to recognize personal safety on our roads and waterways.

The Department of Transportation consistently works to raise public awareness of safety issues. Now that summer is here again, it is important to keep these safety messages in mind.

Deh Cho Bridge

June 6, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, the Deh Cho Bridge is a major piece of public infrastructure that will serve the people of the Northwest Territories for years to come. This government intends to finish the bridge and have it open to traffic this year. I rise today to update Members and the public on steps the Department of Transportation and Ruskin Construction are taking to make our commitment a reality.

Modernizing Recruitment

June 6, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to highlight some of the new tools and resources that the Government of the Northwest Territories is using to modernize and update our recruitment practices and better communicate with job seekers in the Northwest Territories.

Rapidly changing technology gives us faster and more cost-effective ways to provide information about our programs and services, to promote the benefits of working with the territorial public service, and to recruit new employees.

Traditional Economy

June 5, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, the traditional economy is an important source of income for many Northwest Territories residents and one of the sectors that this government supports as part of our goal of a diversified economy.  Today I would like to tell you about the remarkable sales of Northwest Territories wild furs this year and the government initiatives that support and promote this important economic sector.

Official Languages Planning

June 5, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, our languages make us who we are as individuals and as a society.  Today I would like to talk about service improvements and revitalization efforts for the Northwest Territories official languages.

Recently we concluded the consultation phase of the French Languages Plan.  The Fédération Franco-ténoise is reviewing it and we hope to share it with Members of this Assembly very soon. 

Devolution Update

June 4, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that we continue to make progress on devolution, one of this Assembly’s major priorities.

Recently we saw the leaders of the Sahtu step forward to re-engage directly in devolution negotiations with the Government of the Northwest Territories, Canada, the Inuvialuit and Northwest Territory Métis Nation by signing the Agreement in Principle.

Aboriginal Tourism Forum

June 4, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, our spectacular landscape, vibrant Aboriginal cultures, and beautiful arts and crafts are proving to be marketable attractions for visitors from around the world. With increased visitors, there are increased opportunities for our small and community-based business sector, which diversifies and strengthens our economy.  Today I would like to speak about the progress we have made towards developing authentic Aboriginal tourism products in the Northwest Territories.

Disability Awareness Week

June 4, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, this Assembly has a vision of strong individuals, families and communities sharing in the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories. Our vision includes persons with disabilities.

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