(Check against delivery. This event took place February 24, 2012.)

Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Thank you to Brian Lefebvre for the invitation to join you and for the opportunity to say a few words this evening. It is a pleasure for me to be here this evening. I hope this is the first of many opportunities I have to talk with members of the Hay River Chamber of Commerce.  I always enjoy coming here to Hay River, where you can feel a very strong entrepreneurial spirit that is evidenced by the people in this room.

Text of speech (check against delivery):

February 28, 2012

February 28, 2012 - Minister David Ramsay is in Ottawa today to meet with the federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for international trade. They discussed Canada’s international trade agenda and the need for trade diversification to ensure optimum benefits to Canadian workers and their families.

From left:

YELLOWKNIFE (February 27, 2012) -- A new website aimed at attracting outside investment and business to the NWT has recently been launched.  The site highlights the territory’s economic potential, the benefits of doing business in the Northwest Territories, and identifies prime areas for investment.

YELLOWKNIFE (February 17, 2012) -- Northwest Territories Tourism has released their 2012/13 marketing plan. It will guide tourism marketing efforts, promote key iconic attractions such as the Aurora Borealis and world-class natural wonders, and build upon the current Spectacular brand.

February 15, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, entrepreneurs and small business owners are a crucial part of the Northwest Territories’ economy.  They are essential to creating an economic environment that is strong and diversified providing each region with opportunities and choices.

February 14, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, today I would like to highlight work this government is doing to support the mining industry. We want to ensure we have a territory where exploration and development are undertaken in a responsible manner that benefits all Northwest Territories residents.

TUKTOYAKTUK (February 14, 2012) -- A traditional sealskin kayak constructed by the students of the Mangilaluk School is the newest display at the Tuktoyaktuk airport.

Construction took place over the past several months and local Tuktoyatuk resident Darrel Nasogaluak led the project. Mr. Nasogaluak is a strong supporter of incorporating traditional knowledge into local schools and taught the students how to build the kayak using traditional tools and materials.

February 13, 2012 - Mr Speaker, I am happy today to update my colleagues on the huge increases in pelt prices seen at the first wild fur auction of the year.

February 10, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, mining forms a major piece of the economic foundation of the Northwest Territories. Before mining can take place, we rely on the work of prospectors and exploration companies to identify potential mineral development opportunities. Today I am pleased to announce dedicated annual funding of $50,000 for the Prospectors Grubstake Program. This funding will be made available under Industry, Tourism and Investments Support to Entrepreneurs and Economic Development Policy.