YELLOWKNIFE (January 10, 2013) – The Economic Opportunities Strategy Advisory Panel is holding community meetings and engagements to solicit public input into the development of an Economic Opportunities Strategy for the Northwest Territories:
- January 16: Yellowknife, Denendeh Investments Incorporated Opportunities Conference;
- January 18: Fort Resolution Public Forum, 12 noon - 3:00 pm at the Antoine Memorial Community Hall;
- January 28: Norman Wells Public Forum, 6:00-9:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion;
- January 31: Inuvik Public Forum, 6:00-9:00 pm at the Mackenzie Hotel;
- February 13: Yellowknife Public Forum, 6:00-9:00 pm at the Explorer Hotel;
- February 18: Fort Simpson Public Forum, 6:00-9:00 pm at the Fort Simpson Recreation Centre.
The advisory panel will also meet with local chambers of commerce, local governments and business owners during these community visits.
“In order to capitalize on the many extraordinary economic opportunities that exist in our territory, we need to know what they are and what is needed to translate them into jobs, investment, business growth, training opportunities, infrastructure development and growth for our communities and Aboriginal corporations,” said Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay. “An extensive public engagement process will ensure that all considerations are heard and that a completed Economic Opportunities Strategy will work as an effective guide for all regions in our territory.”
Public engagement is only a part of the overall process to develop an Economic Opportunities Strategy, which began with a review of major NWT economic studies and best practices in other regions. A completed strategy will also include the input of industry and economic experts, as well as the extensive experience and insights of the Economic Opportunities Strategy Advisory Panel and Economic Opportunities Strategy Governance Committee.
All NWT residents can participate in the NWT-wide engagement process by attending public forums or providing feedback online at www.nwtopportunities.com.
For more information, contact:
Drew Williams
Manager, Communications and Engagement
NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy
Tel: (867) 873-7272
Cell: (867) 445-3739
drew_williams@gov.nt.ca
Backgrounder: Economic Opportunities Strategy
The 17th Legislative Assembly has a goal of creating a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices. Completing an economic development strategies is one of their priorities.
Work to prepare this Economic Opportunities Strategy began last year under the guidance of a Governance Committee representing the NWT Chamber of Commerce, the Northern Aboriginal Business Association, the NWT Association of Communities, Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and the Government of the Northwest Territories.
A four-person Advisory Panel was appointed to engage NWT residents, the private sector, governments and other key stakeholders through a series of discussions.
Over 100 individuals and representative organizations in the NWT will be invited to meet, engage with and/or make presentations to the Panel.