April 11, 2014 – I was saddened to hear of Francois Thibault’s passing. He was a highly-acclaimed northern artist and craftsman, whose unique designs, sculptures and creations have been commissioned for royalty and many clients over the years. His art helped generate interest in the Northwest Territories and he was also an advocate for northern artists.

On behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, I offer condolences to his family and friends.

YELLOWKNIFE (April 11, 2014) – People eager to book camping spots online will have a new, user friendly website to make the booking process smoother when www.nwtparks.ca opens for reservations on April 15, 2014.

YELLOWKNIFE (April 8, 2014) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs (GMVF) Program continues to build a strong and sustainable future for the Territory, with NWT trappers expected to see projected returns of approximately $700,000 in total sales to date this year.

YELLOWKNIFE (March 18, 2014) – The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment has launched an improved and rebranded NWT Arts Program that will provide the foundation for the future marketing and promotion of NWT arts and fine crafts to local, national and international markets.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is proud to support the NWT’s rich and varied NWT arts community through programs and initiatives delivered by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment and the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment. It is estimated that 20% of our population is involved in some element of arts and crafts production.

Mr. Speaker, mineral exploration and development is a cornerstone of the NWT economy. Ensuring the continuing health of this sector is critical if we want to grow our economy and achieve our vision of a strong, prosperous Northwest Territories. Last fall, this government reached a major milestone when it released the NWT Mineral Development Strategy. This is a comprehensive plan to ensure the long-term growth of a sustainable mining industry that will create jobs and economic opportunities for the people of the NWT.

Good evening everyone, tonight we are celebrating the success of our Hay River business community – a community that sees challenges as opportunities and creatively and willingly responds to change. These strengths are the key to a successful business. Ladies and gentleman, this event is always one of my favourites and I'm happy to have a chance to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship here with you this evening.

YELLOWKNIFE (February 13, 2014) – Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay is extending the role of the partnership that developed the NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy. 

“As we put the Economic Opportunities Strategy into action, the partners will oversee the process and play a vital role in ensuring actions are timely and publically-accountable,” said Minister Ramsay. “The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to fully addressing the Strategy’s 117 recommended actions.”

Mr. Speaker, last month I accompanied Premier Bob McLeod and Mr. Robert Hawkins, Member for Yellowknife Centre, along with delegates from our Territory’s business community on a trade mission to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. The business representatives from the Northwest Territories were Mr. Robin Goad, President of Fortune Minerals; Ms. Verda Law, Yellowknife Tours; Mr. Deepak Kumar, Deepak International; Mr. Fernando Alvarez, President of Jacques Cartier Clothier; and Mr. Mark Downey, CEO of Fur Harvesters Auction Ltd.

This news release is being distributed on behalf of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.

Government of Canada invests in NWT traditional economy