OTTAWA, ONTARIO (April 1, 2015) – The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Premier Bob McLeod of the Northwest Territories joined residents of the territory in celebrating the one year anniversary of Devolution.

“It is a pleasure to mark today an important milestone in the history of the Northwest Territories,” stated Minister Valcourt. “One year ago today, on April 1st, 2014, the Northwest Territories Devolution Act came into force, marking the final step in the territory’s devolution process.”

YELLOWKNIFE (February 9, 2015) – The Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) Single Window Service Center model has been recognized for its innovative management by the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC). The Single Window Service Center model received bronze in Federal/Provincial/Territorial category of the  IPAC/Deloitte Public Sector Leadership Award for 2014.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Government of the Northwest Territories and its Single Window Service Center model has been recognized for its innovative management by the Institute of Public Administration of Canada or known as IPAC.

BEIJING (January 22, 2015 ) – As  a founding member of the Fur Institute of Canada (FIC), the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) advanced a proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the FIC and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).

TOKYO (January 21, 2015) – Premier Bob McLeod and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment  (ITI) David Ramsay are concluding their trade and investment mission to China and Japan this week with a focus on tourism. On January 20, they hosted a “Rare in Nature” reception and fashion show at the Canadian embassy in Tokyo, showcasing the NWT’s magnificent aurora and highly prized luxury resources.

Mr. Speaker, one of the aims of devolution was giving Northwest Territories residents the powers and authorities they need to turn Northern potential into prosperity for themselves and the country.

Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to creating prosperity for all our citizens and we recognize that residents of rural and remote communities have unique needs. We recognize that it can be difficult to communicate with government departments when people do not know who to contact or if they are not able to access on-line services.

INUVIK (May 9, 2014) – Premier Bob McLeod and NWT Association of Communities (NWTAC) President Tina Gargan will join with community leaders from across the Northwest Territories at the 48^th Annual General Meeting of the NWTAC in Inuvik today to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of Canadians during the 12-year military mission in Afghanistan.

YELLOWKNIFE (April 1, 2014) – The transfer of responsibilities for public land, water and resources in the NWT is now complete.

YELLOWKNIFE (February 27, 2014) – The Executive Council of the Northwest Territories has designated Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) David Ramsay as the Regulator of onshore oil and gas activities in the Northwest Territories outside of federal areas and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region effective April 1, 2014.