June 4, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, our spectacular landscape, vibrant Aboriginal cultures, and beautiful arts and crafts are proving to be marketable attractions for visitors from around the world. With increased visitors, there are increased opportunities for our small and community-based business sector, which diversifies and strengthens our economy.  Today I would like to speak about the progress we have made towards developing authentic Aboriginal tourism products in the Northwest Territories.

June 4, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, this Assembly has a vision of strong individuals, families and communities sharing in the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories. Our vision includes persons with disabilities.

May 31, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to establishing a public service that is inclusive and representative of the population it serves.  Today I am pleased to provide my colleagues with an update on initiatives currently underway to achieve this important goal.

May 31, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, wildlife is valued by all people in the NWT and contributes to our well-being and economy. A new Wildlife Act is needed to effectively manage wildlife in the Northwest Territories. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has prepared a draft of the proposed new Wildlife Act for public review and comment.  This draft was developed with extensive input from Aboriginal organizations, wildlife renewable resource boards, residents, industry and other stakeholders.

May 31, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the Department of Transportation’s efforts to adapt to climate change.

May 30, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, we want a territory where a strong, diversified economy provides opportunities and choices to all our residents.  Socially responsible and environmentally sustainable development of our resources will be one of the keys to achieving that goal. The Northwest Territories is resource-rich and brimming with potential.  Today I would like to speak about some exciting developments in the oil and gas sector, and of the significant opportunities the development of resources can bring to our residents.

May 30, 2012 - The strategic framework Building for the Future: Northern Solutions for Northern Housing, released on April 16, 2012, outlines the direction that the Housing Corporation will be taking in delivering housing programs and services to NWT residents.

May 30, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, in 1997, the governments of Canada, the Northwest Territories, Yukon, Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan signed the Mackenzie River Basin Transboundary Waters Master Agreement.   When we signed, our governments agreed on the principles for co-managing the Mackenzie River Basin’s water ecosystems. We also  made plans for signing bilateral agreements between each of our provinces and territories.

May 29, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to advise this House that a ceremony was held today to celebrate the tremendous contributions that people across this territory have made to education.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment launched the Education Hall of Fame to recognize that we all play an important role in supporting the education of our children.  It reflects the valuable contributions that educators, volunteers, board members, administrators and other community members make. 

May 29, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, NWT artisans and filmmakers make a positive economic and cultural impact on our territory, and today I would like to highlight some initiatives to support and grow the arts, crafts and film sectors.