Thank you for the invitation to join you again – and for this opportunity to say a few words.  It is always a pleasure for me to address the various Chamber of Commerce organizations across the NWT and today is no exception.

It’s been almost a year since our government formally took office with a commitment to doing business differently.  From the beginning, we have readily acknowledged that we do not have the resources or expertise to do everything ourselves. We recognize the importance and value of partnerships and good relationships.  And have said – many times in this first year – that it is only by working together that we will be able to realize the full potential of our territory and the kind of future we envision for our people.

Our Assembly has a vision of strong individuals, families and communities sharing the benefits and responsibilities of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories. We want to realize self-sufficiency that provides opportunities for all residents, communities and regions.  We want a territory where people are healthy, educated and free from poverty and addictions.   And we want a territory where we make the decisions about matters that affect us - like how we protect our land and develop our resources.  

I read an editorial in the Northern Journal in October that characterized the challenges that lay ahead for the recently elected municipal leaders in our Territory – including Mayor McGregor here in Norman Wells. It concluded with the sentiment: a small number of people in such a vast land - and with so much at stake - cannot afford to be fragmented.  “It is essential to combine purposes and forge a plan” 

I couldn’t agree more. As I indicated last night, I believe the approach that has evolved in this region to address the potential of oil and gas development will - in time - serve as a model to many more projects and initiatives in our Territory. Not only has Government come together here – but so have industry and business.  

During the Sahtu Exploration Readiness Session in September, it was great to see the Sahtu leadership here in full force alongside the GNWT and federal government – and to have the participation of so many of our industry partners in this region. It was what we had in mind as an Assembly when we took office a little over a year ago – and made the commitment to finding common ground - and to maintaining an ongoing dialogue that will enable our Territory to move forward.

We have made it a priority to invest in - and strengthen - the relationships that we need to find common ground and to maintain the ongoing dialogue and partnerships that will allow us to move our Territory forward. We cannot work on – or address – our potential, our challenges and our relationships individually.  Instead, our work must be interrelated.

Action on one priority will support action on other priorities.  To effectively address social issues, for instance, we need to have a strong economy.   

Here in the Sahtu, we can't talk about our incredible potential for Shale Oil without recognizing the need for a more streamlined regulatory environment.   Likewise, we cannot build our Territory’s economic future simply on resource development.  Healthy economic development hinges on diversity.  And so on. There has never been a more important time for us to look ahead, past the limitations that exist today, to envision a vibrant, diversified economy where entrepreneurship and risk are rewarded and there is a healthy balance between new and traditional economies.

I believe that we can create an environment in which investors and entrepreneurs have the incentives to innovate, the confidence to take risks and the tools to succeed.

In the next year, the Government of the Northwest Territories will be working closely with the NWT Chamber- as well as the Northern Aboriginal Business Association, the NWT Association of Communities and Can Nor - to advance an Economic Opportunities Strategy. I envision a plan that will allow us to keep pace with the incredible growth potential that our territory has, to ensure we are positioned to guide and manage this investment and growth, and use it to build capacity and self-sufficiency in our communities and our people.

Our work will also be developed in close partnerships with our Territory's leaders, stakeholders and organizations to ensure that it is balanced and responsive to the needs of the people we serve. An extensive engagement process will further ensure that all voices are heard and that– when completed – the strategy will work as an effective guide for all regions in our territory. A lot of planning has already been invested in the success of this strategy development process – and I want to take this opportunity to thank the NWT Chamber – President Graham in particular – for recognizing and championing this important work at this critical early stage.  

As this project moves forward, I thank each of you for taking the time to consider and contribute your regional and experienced-based input to this important process – And I look forward to receiving the completed work from your President and his Governance Committee colleagues next spring. Across our Territory, economic opportunities are on the horizon. From mining to transportation to oil and gas development; in construction and technology, energy and tourism - the prospects are bright. All of these opportunities translate into jobs, investment, business growth, training opportunities, infrastructure development and growth for our communities and Aboriginal corporations. 

I began my comments this afternoon by expressing my appreciation for the model that is available to us here in the Sahtu – specifically the focused and common purpose that proliferates your working relationships here. I think that our upcoming work on the Economic Opportunities Strategy will serve to grow and expanding this collective approach to our entire Territory.

I look forward to the future opportunities we will have to work closely with this Chamber to promote business and champion economic development across in the NWT – and to transforming our economic dreams into economic opportunities and realities.

Thank you