Check against delivery

It is an honour to be here with everyone to celebrate excellence in mining and exploration.

I would like to recognize the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines, the NWT Geological Survey, and the many staff and volunteers who make this event possible each year.

Our government is pleased to be both partner and sponsor of the Annual Yellowknife Geoscience Forum and this evening’s awards. 

All of us here recognize that the history of the Northwest Territories cannot be separated from mining and exploration.

Mining is part of my own personal history, too. My father was a diamond driller, and my brother and his family continue this important work today.  

From the kitchen table to the board room, I have had the good fortune to meet and learn from family friends who are now regarded as our territory’s pioneers.

Last year at this event, I had the pleasure of presenting an award recognizing Gren Thomas for his distinguished service to the NWT mining community.  It was an emotional occasion for me.  Gren was not just a builder and shaper of our mining sector, but also a good family friend.    

Mining is the NWT’s number one industry and many of our residents and their families depend on it for jobs and security. Unfortunately, our number one industry is facing challenges. They’re challenges I feel personally.

My family came to Yellowknife 56 years ago, and I have seen this city transition from gold town to diamond capital. I have seen the prosperity mining brings when it is strong, and I have seen the downs the people of this territory experience when it weakens.

When I put my name forward to be Premier, I talked about the need to act fast to ensure jobs for today and jobs for tomorrow.

All residents, I said, want to know that prosperity, jobs and property values are secure for the long term. 

The mineral resources sector is an important part of that long-term future, and our government recognizes the importance of actively supporting it.

Mining has also been recognized by the 19^th Legislative Assembly in the priorities document all Members agreed to last month, which states that we will increase resource exploration and development. We also set related priorities that will benefit mining, like making strategic infrastructure investments, and reduce the cost of power.

Cabinet is still working on a mandate to advance these priorities, and making sure that we support mining will be an important part of that final mandate.

The good news is we have a lot to build on.           

We have mineral potential rivalling just about anywhere in Canada, or around the globe.

We are well positioned to provide the technology metals that the world will need as it continues to advance clean technologies.

We have a history of leading the way with Indigenous participation.

And of course, we have you — the talented, driven, experienced professionals in this room, with a collective century or two of leadership in our industry.

We are early in this government and we’re still establishing our mandate for the term, but I can tell you this.

In the next four years, we will do everything we can to create prosperity for all NWT residents, in big and small communities. Delivering on that commitment obviously includes mining.

Those looking to support and advance responsible and ethical mineral development in the Northwest Territories have an ally in my office.

I would like to thank each of you for your continued commitment to our territory, and your service to our most important industry.

Here’s to four years of collaboration and progress. Enjoy the evening.