YELLOWKNIFE (September 10, 2012) – Residents, businesses and governments across the NWT are invited to take part in a discussion about their priorities for territorial programs and services. These discussions will build on the budget consultations from the last Legislative Assembly and are part of the GNWT’s commitment to seek Northerners’ opinions about the work their government should be doing.

“This is the first time we have taken our regular budget consultations to all of the regional centres,” said Finance Minister Michael Miltenberger. “We are asking for NWT residents’ advice and support to make the tough choices to build a strong, sustainable future for our territory. We need to have a frank dialogue about which programs and services are most important, how we can make our government more effective and efficient, and which strategic investments are required to develop a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities.”

Budget dialogue meetings will be held in:

• Inuvik - September 17, 2012 at the Mackenzie Hotel,


• Norman Wells - September 18, 2012 at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall,


• Fort Simpson - September 19, 2012 at the Deh Cho First Nations Office,


• Fort Smith - September 24, 2012 at the Pelican Rapids Inn,


• Hay River - September 25, 2012 at the Ptarmigan Inn,


• Behchoko - October 1, 2012 at the Tlicho Culture Centre, and


• Yellowknife - October 23, 2012 at the Tree of Peace.

 

The 17th Assembly is committed to a vision of strong individuals, families and communities sharing the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories. To achieve that vision, the GNWT’s fiscal strategy has been to limit the increases in spending, pay down short-term debt, and to invest in infrastructure in the last two years of the 17th Assembly (2014-15 and 2015-16).

The Budget Dialogue 2012 process will continue until October 24, 2012 and feedback can be sent by letter or email or by attending the public meetings. The discussion paper, contact information, and the latest meeting schedule are available on the Department of Finance’s website. 

For more information, contact: 

Megan Holsapple
Media Liaison
Office of the Premier and Executive Council
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 669-2302
Fax: (867) 873-0111