INUVIK (January 11, 2012) -- The GNWT has concluded government-to-government meetings with the Beaufort-Delta Regional Council (BDRC).

All GNWT ministers were in attendance to speak to BDRC leaders about issues of mutual interest and concern, including the government-to-government relationship, devolution, energy initiatives, education, housing, and health and social services.

"These meetings are critical in developing and maintaining our government-to-government relationship," said Premier Bob McLeod. "My Cabinet colleagues and I are committed to developing a renewed relationship with Aboriginal governments and community leaders. They are our partners in almost all territorial initiatives, and we continue to work closely."

"The regional council meetings have been held over the past 20 years and we were pleased that all Cabinet members were able to attend and address our regional and community issues," said Nellie Cournoyea, CEO and Chair of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. "The Council, with the support of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, presented our research findings, recommendations and priorities to the Premier and his colleagues, with a view to working with the GNWT to improve the conditions in the communities, including education, housing, health, and strengthening our culture and language."

The Beaufort-Delta Regional Council's priorities are:

1.      Addictions and mental health research
2.      Social housing and income support
3.      Education
4.      Culture and language
5.      Devolution and self-government

The GNWT's priorities are outlined under the theme Believing in People and Building on the Strengths of Northerners. They include making progress on improving our economy, making investments in infrastructure, creating employment opportunities for Northerners, balancing development with environmental stewardship, addressing the cost of living in all of our communities, ensuring that NWT residents have adequate housing and concluding devolution negotiations.

"We have made progress in our discussions because of our shared priorities," said Premier McLeod. "We agree that our priorities are interrelated: we cannot address social issues like poverty and dependence if we do not have a strong economy, and for a strong economy, we need healthy, educated people. Investments in the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk highway will support sustainable development, and we agree on the need for a fibreoptic link to improve program and service delivery and increase economic opportunities throughout the valley.”

All Cabinet ministers remain in Inuvik, attending government-to-government meetings with the Gwich'in leadership.

For more information, contact:

Bob Simpson                                              Megan Holsapple
Regional Coordinator                                 Media Liaison, Premier and Cabinet
777-7040                                                   669-2302