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I’d like to take a moment to reiterate what many of my colleagues have also addressed over the last few days, and that’s that I know this is an anxious time, and many of us are unsure and worried about what the future holds.

The situation with COVID-19 is evolving quickly, and in times like this, what many people want most are answers. They want to know that their physical, and financial wellbeing are being looked out for. That their governments understand these pressures, and are doing everything they can.

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It was only eight days ago, last Thursday, that the Legislative Assembly was part way through our winter budget session. Eight days ago the full Assembly came together, took stock of the growing risks of the COVID-19 pandemic and took action by deciding to end our winter session early. This past Monday, all 19 members of the Assembly supported the passage of an interim appropriation to provide a temporary budget for the functioning of the Government of the NWT until we can reconvene at the end of May.

La priorité absolue du gouvernement des Territoires du Nord‑Ouest (GTNO) est la santé et la sécurité des Ténois, et nous prenons des mesures proactives pour être prêts à répondre à la situation de la COVID‑19 au fur et à mesure qu’elle évolue.

À l’heure actuelle, aucun cas de COVID-19 n’a été signalé aux Territoires du Nord‑Ouest (TNO), et le risque de contracter le virus aux TNO et au Canada demeure faible.

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Good Morning and thank you for being here with us today.

It’s so great to have Invest Canada North taking place this year during PDAC – it will inevitably open up opportunities for our Northern territories, in a way that we’ve not previously experienced at this conference.

Across the North and in the NWT we recognize that competition for exploration and development dollars is strong, but I believe we offer unique benefits for those looking to do business, and I am going to tell you what those are.

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Good afternoon, and welcome again to everyone.  

Before I start, I’d like to welcome my Ministerial counterparts and all the stakeholders and Indigenous representation both in the audience and on stage with us this afternoon.

This is my first PDAC experience as Minister of ITI and Infrastructure, and I am pleased that my first PDAC speaking engagement is at an important one like this.

Mr. Speaker, making strategic investments in our transportation system is one of the priorities of the 19^th Legislative Assembly. Investing in airport improvements will keep our communities connected while reducing the cost of living and supporting economic opportunities.

Given our vast territory and dispersed communities, air travel is essential for Northern residents, businesses, and tourists.

Mr. Speaker, making strategic infrastructure investments that connect communities, expand the economy, and reduce the cost of living is a priority of this government. Infrastructure projects bring skills, training, and economic opportunities to our communities and their residents. Infrastructure plays a very important role in the longevity and health of the people of the Northwest Territories.

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Good evening everyone, and welcome.  

Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and  Tsleil-Waututht First Nations.

I would also like to take a moment and extend regrets from the Premier of the Northwest Territories, Caroline Cochrane for not being able to join us this evening.

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Good afternoon everyone.

I’m excited to be here today for this event and in Vancouver for Roundup, with our partners like Cheetah Resources and Nahanni Det’on Cho.

As many of you now, the NWT was built on mining.

But mining is not just our history. It’s our future and today, we celebrate an exciting new chapter. 

L’ordre de santé publique délivré par le Bureau de l’administrateur en chef de la santé publique (ACSP) des TNO le 17 mai 2019 pour l’immeuble à logements Mackenzie Place de Hay River reste en vigueur afin de protéger les résidents contre les risques pour la santé.