Mr. Speaker, tourism is the Northwest Territories’ largest renewable resource-based sector. Last year, approximately 76,000 tourists visited the territory – one of the highest visitor numbers we have seen in the last decade.

Today I would like to tell you about ways we have and will be improving our territorial parks and the positive outlook for our tourism industry.

ULUHAKTOK (May 29, 2014) – An expansion to the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) hide procurement program to include muskox hides has generated over $10,700 in new revenue for subsistence harvesters in the territory’s Beaufort Delta communities since April 1, 2014.

YELLOWKNIFE (May 26, 2014) – Fred Henne and Blackstone Territorial Parks made the list of “Best Family Campgrounds in Canada” in Today’s Parent Magazine. The article, published online in early May, is a timely piece according to Industry, Tourism and Investment Minister David Ramsay.

YELLOWKNIFE (May 22, 2014) – The grand opening of the NWT Diamond Centre takes place today in Yellowknife, the Diamond Capital of North America™. The Centre, owned and operated by Crossworks Manufacturing Ltd., is an added draw for tourists interested in seeing the journey diamonds make from mine to market. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay was in attendance for the opening.

YELLOWKNIFE (May 22, 2014) – Opinions on beach front supervision were divided, according to results from a survey asking local residents their thoughts about beach safety at Fred Henne Territorial Park.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Northwest Territories has a very exciting economic story to tell. And I, for one, am excited to be here today to tell you about it. I want to thank all of you today – and to your President, Jason McEvoy for the opportunity to speak with you today, at home.

We are now in a position to take a hands-on approach to growing and building our economy, our Territory and our future.

YELLOWKNIFE (May 21, 2014) – The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) has launched a new campaign to keep water safety top of mind at beaches in territorial parks for Northwest Territories’ residents and visitors.

“We have beautiful beaches in the NWT and I know everyone is looking forward to enjoying them,” said Minister of ITI David Ramsay. “This campaign is a reminder that people can have fun while being safety-conscious. We are encouraging people to have an open discussion with their children about water safety at home and at school.” 

YELLOWKNIFE (May 14, 2014) – Another spectacular camping season officially begins tomorrow when most Northwest Territories (NWT) campgrounds open their gates. Parks in the Beaufort Delta Region open June 1.

HOUSTON (May 7, 2014) – The Northwest Territories’ vast energy resources and the political and economic advantages of devolution were profiled by Industry, Tourism and Investment Minister David Ramsay at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC)  in Houston, Texas this week.

YELLOWKNIFE (April 29, 2014) – Today is National Canadian Film Day – an opportunity to raise awareness of the achievements of Canadian filmmakers and to encourage Canadians across the country to take time out and watch a great Canadian film.