Thank you to Consul General Rick Savone and the members of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, for hosting us today. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year!

It is my pleasure to be here in Shanghai to speak on behalf of the Northwest Territories during our Trade Mission to China. Events like these provide us with an opportunity to continue to expand our networks and deepen our productive relationships in an effort to develop trade and investment opportunities between Canada and China.

Good afternoon everyone, it is a pleasure to be here. Along with my colleagues from the Northwest Territories, we are enjoying our time at the Beijing Fur Fair and at the International Fur Trade Federation events.

I would like to thank Mr. Steven Hurwitz, Chairman of International Fur Federation, and Madam Deng Xiaolan, Honourary Chairwoman of International Fur Federation, Asia Region. Thank you for the invitation to join you today.

Good morning everyone. As Premier of the Northwest Territories I am proud to be here to represent the people of the NWT and I thank you for the invitation to participate in this forum on environmental protection in the fur industry.

I would like to thank Mr. Steven Hurwitz : Chairman of the International Fur Forum, Madam Deng Xiaolan, Honourary Chairwoman of International Fur Forum in the Asia Region, and Mr. Mike He, Chairman of Young Entrepreneurs Fur Committee. I would also like to recognize the Fur Harvesters Auction, and their CEO Mr. Mark Downey.

Good evening everyone. I am enjoying my VIP flight – there is no turbulence – only blue skies ahead for China and the Northwest Territories. On behalf of my colleagues and business associates here with me from the Northwest Territories, I would like to share our excitement at being at the Beijing Fur Fair with evening and thank the organizers, the China National Native Produce and Animal By-products Import and Export Company. Please allow me to introduce my fellow VIP passengers from the Legislative Assembly: Mr.

Thank you, I’m pleased to be here today to speak to you about the economic potential of the Northwest Territories in Canada’s Arctic.

The Northwest Territories is home to a rich storehouse of natural resources that are still largely undeveloped. In our territory we have a wealth of resources, including oil, gas, hydroelectricity, gold, bismuth, diamonds and rare earth deposits. We also have some of the best wild fur in the world.

Good afternoon everyone. As the Minister of Tourism for the Northwest Territories, I would like to echo Premier McLeod’s sentiments about how excited we are to host Chinese visitors to our spectacular territory.

Shortly, Ms. Kelly Kaylo will be giving a presentation about all of the amazing things to see and do in the Northwest Territories – things such as exploring our vast wilderness, dining on authentic northern food, or experiencing our traditional cultures.

Thank you and Good Morning. This is my fifth trip to China and I am very happy to be back. As Premier of the Northwest Territories I’m pleased to talk to you about tourism opportunities in the Northwest Territories. I’d like to thank the Canadian Tourism Commission for hosting this event and for the work it does to help promote Canada as a tourism destination around the world and especially here in China.

This is an important day for the Western Arctic, for the Northwest Territories, and for Canada.

(December 6, 2013) - Good evening everyone, and thank you for joining us here at Canada Place this evening.

To many Canadians, the Northwest Territories is the great white north, land of polar bears, snow, ice, and minus 40 temperatures.  But there is so much more to our territory than that.

I have lived in the Northwest Territories for almost two decades, but I never get tired of viewing the Aurora Borealis in the winter skies. I want to share a story with you about one of these times.