(February 15, 2013) - On behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, I would like to thank Mr. Duncan for his interest in and support for the Northwest Territories, especially on the devolution file, which is close to conclusion. We look forward to working with the Hon. James Moore in the interim, until the Prime Minister appoints the next Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development.

(February 14, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to the success of Legal Aid’s Aboriginal Court Work Program. This program has existed for over 30 years, and the Court Workers were brought into the public service over a decade ago. Our nine court workers are present in the Visitor’s Gallery today.  

(February 14, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is committed to strategic communications, coordinated program planning and delivery, and strong working relationships with its partners.   

(February 14, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories has long been recognized as a land rich in resource potential. One of the priorities of this Assembly is to strengthen and diversify the economy and, as part of that priority, we identified the need to have a comprehensive, environmentally sustainable Mineral Development Strategy in place.

(February 13, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, the 17th Legislative Assembly identified the need for an economic development strategy to strengthen and diversify the Northwest Territories economy.

Our strategy will respond to changing circumstances in the North and address business opportunities in all regions of our Territory.  

(February 12, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, 15 Youth Ambassadors, representing seven NWT communities, travelled with us to Ottawa recently to promote the Northwest Territories at Winterlude as part of NWT Days.

(February 12, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is a proud sponsor of the 2013 Indspire awards.  Formerly known as the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, Indspire promotes the development, education and professional advancement of Aboriginal people in Canadian society.

I will be attending the awards this week in Saskatoon.  It gives me great pleasure to announce that two Northwest Territories residents will receive awards this year.

(February 11, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, we are accepting participants into a new pilot healing program in Yellowknife for men who use violence in their lives against their intimate partners. This voluntary program is key to helping communities be sustainable, vibrant and safe. It is based on this Assembly’s main goal of believing in people and building on the strengths of northerners.

(February 11, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, our government believes NWT residents can reach their potential and be healthy, educated people free from poverty. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment continues to work with industry stakeholders to improve the opportunities for training, education and employment across the Northwest Territories.  

(February 8, 2013) - Mr. Speaker, last week I was honoured to represent the people and the potential of the Northwest Territories on the national stage at NWT Days.  Since becoming Premier I have often said wouldn’t it be great if we could all go to Ottawa together, and Mr. Speaker, I can say with complete confidence, it was great.  The Government of the Northwest Territories strengthened our presence in the nation’s capital and provided an opportunity to focus Canada’s attention on our priorities, potential and vision for the future.