December 7, 2010 - Speaking at the 9th Annual Aboriginal Oil and Gas Forum today in Edmonton, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Bob McLeod, says the many partnerships and joint ventures Aboriginal people have struck, particularly in resource development, are creating economic growth in the NWT.

“Mining, together with ongoing petroleum resource exploration and development, has provided an opportunity for Aboriginal partnerships and joint ventures to meet the needs of our many partners in resource development,” said Minister McLeod. “It has changed the way we do business ─ the majority of southern participation in the northern economy is now through joint ventures.”

Citing examples such as the Aboriginal Pipeline Group, Dezé Energy Corporation and Discovery Air, Minister McLeod highlighted the benefits these Aboriginal equity business partnerships are providing, and will provide in the future. He also noted that these partnerships are enhancing Aboriginal self-sufficiency in the territory.

“Our Aboriginal residents, businesses and corporations are now looking beyond jobs and contracts that follow the boom and bust of construction seasons and exploration cycles,” says Minister McLeod. “Instead, they are finding ways to take a direct role in our region’s economic growth ─ as business owners, operators and investors.”

Through its support of Aboriginal equity partnerships such as the Aboriginal Pipeline Group and Dezé Energy Corporation, the Government of Northwest Territories is taking action to maximize opportunities for NWT residents, which is a strategic initiative of the 16th Legislative Assembly.

Click here for the Minister's full speech.

For more information, contact:

Darren Campbell
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Tel: (867) 920-8696