Check Against Delivery

Good Morning and thank you to those of who you have joined us this morning.

The message this morning is that Northerners support the responsible development of our resources. Mining has played a large part in the history of the Northwest Territories and our residents know how vital this sector has been, and will continue to be in our territory.

It is a sector that benefits our residents, but focusing on just one detail doesn’t tell the whole story. We need to look at the whole picture including royalties, benefit agreements, direct employment, contracting opportunities for northerners, economic spin-off, and much more.

This is why NWT residents - like those in Nahanni Butte are in support of these projects - they will bring employment and business opportunities to their people.    

At the same time, we know that companies like NorZinc want to invest in areas that will provide a positive social effect but also a good return on investment.

The coming together of these objectives is the type of collaboration and partnership that sets our territory apart. 

The GNWT has a strong history of fostering relationships between Indigenous and public governments and responsible developers to ensure that NWT residents and their communities benefit from the resource development that is happening. And its announcements and events like this one that demonstrates how together we can achieve mutually beneficial success.

I’d to thank you again for allowing us to be part of this.

Thank you.