Delivered on March 9, 2017

The Government of the Northwest Territories made a commitment in its mandate to increase exports by promoting NWT products to international markets. I rise, today, to update my colleagues on recent activities supporting this commitment.

I am pleased to inform Members that following a long and concentrated lobby by our government and its partners, the Inuvialuit have been formally recognized under the Indigenous exception to the European Union’s seal products prohibition.

Delivered on March 9, 2017

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment and its partners across government, in industry, and education are all working together to ensure that NWT residents have the information they need to be well positioned to take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

Delivered on March 8, 2017

Mr. Speaker, investments in the NWT film sector are growing the strength and diversity of our economy while promoting the unique sights, sounds, and stories of our territory worldwide.

We have made the commitment to support the film industry through investments in skill development, infrastructure, marketing and communications.  We are fulfilling this commitment through the work of the NWT Film Commission and its ongoing implementation of our government’s film strategy.

Delivered on March 8, 2017

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made a commitment in its mandate to develop a territorial climate change strategy. I am pleased to provide Members with an update on the development of the NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework.

Delivered on March 8, 2017

Mr. Speaker today is International Women’s Day, a day recognized throughout the world as a chance to celebrate women’s progress towards achieving gender equality while identifying the challenges that still remain. In this spirit, I am pleased to discuss the Government of the Northwest Territories mandate commitment to support the delivery of workshops that help to get women into politics. In the Northwest Territories, women have largely been underrepresented in elected positions at all levels of government.

Delivered on March 7, 2017

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories made a commitment in its mandate to support mineral exploration and the mining sector by implementing the Mineral Development Strategy.  

I rise today to update my colleagues on our progress. Mr. Speaker, the Mineral Development Strategy has five pillars: creating a competitive edge; establishing a new regulatory environment; enhancing Aboriginal engagement and capacity; promoting sustainability; and enriching workforce development and public awareness.

Delivered on March 7, 2017

Mr. Speaker, in a couple of weeks, the Department of Lands will mark its third anniversary.  Tasked with managing and administering 1.15 million square kilometres of land in the NWT, the Department has been working to serve residents in a way that reflects NWT interests and priorities.

Our work takes us across the entire Northwest Territories and our staff works with various partners, governments and landowners to ensure we are managing land and resources in a fair and transparent manner.

Delivered on March 7, 2017

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce the Government of the Northwest Territories has partnered with the Government of Canada to provide more in-person services to the residents of the Northwest Territories, through our Single Window Service Centers.

Delivered on March 6, 2017

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce that I have directed that a foundational review of Aurora College be undertaken. 

The foundational review will help inform the government’s long term vision for Aurora College and position it to provide the necessary skills and knowledge our residents require to participate in, and contribute to the social and economic fabric of the NWT for decades to come. 

Delivered on March 6, 2017

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Infrastructure is committed to working in partnership with Canada to make strategic investments in highway infrastructure. Today, I am pleased to provide an update on our efforts to secure funding for various highway projects across the territory.