November 25, 2011- The Honourable David Ramsay, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, was elected vice president of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) during the PNWER winter meeting in Victoria on November 18.
“I am pleased to have been elected and look forward to advancing the interests and concerns of NWT residents and business owners,” said Minister Ramsay. “We have a lot in common with the jurisdictions in this region. By collaborating, we can promote economic growth, deal with cross-border issues, and lobby the federal governments in both Canada and the US on issues of mutual benefit.”
The PNWER organization is over 20 years old and the NWT became a member in July 2009. As the vice president, Minister Ramsay is also part of the executive committee, the decision-making body responsible for reviewing all activities of the organization.
“I want to recognize Premier Bob McLeod for his significant efforts to get the NWT into PNWER in 2009 and for raising the profile of the territory in this economic region,” said Minister Ramsay. “Membership enables the NWT to build on existing trading relationships and makes our economy stronger by creating relationships with business, political and non-profit leaders throughout the region.”
PNWER is recognized by both the United States and Canada as the model for regional and bi‐national cooperation. Its goals are to promote greater regional collaboration, enhance the competitiveness of the region in domestic and international markets, leverage regional influence in Ottawa and Washington D.C., and achieve continued economic growth while maintaining the region's natural beauty and environment. Other members include British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska.
The Northwest Territories’ participation in PNWER exemplifies the Legislative Assembly’s goal: a strong north built on partnerships.
For more information, please contact:
Alayna Ward
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-8696