Good afternoon, I’d like to welcome you all to today’s devolution information session on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories. With me today are Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay and Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Michael Miltenberger. We are all pleased at the interest the Northwest Territories is receiving and are glad that you could join us here today.

You, probably better than most, know what kind of potential the Northwest Territories has.

Increasingly, Canada is recognizing that the North will play a major role in this country’s economic future and eyes are turning in our direction. With seven mines in various stages of development and predictions that our GDP could double by 2020, the Northwest Territories will be a key part of that future.

We are the third largest diamond producer in the world and have the largest reserves of rare earth metals outside of China. We have gold, silver, cobalt, bismuth, lead, copper and zinc. Much of it yet to be mined.

We have world class oil and gas reserves spanning the whole length of our territory, from the Beaufort Sea in the north through the Sahtu to the Cameron hills in the south. We have estimated hydroelectric potential of 11,500 megawatts – that’s more power than BC Hydro currently generates.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to creating prosperity and economic opportunity for Northerners, and for all Canadians. We have a vision of a strong, prosperous territory that contributes to the nation’s economy and gives our residents the tools, support and possibilities they need to succeed.

Responsible development of the Northwest Territories’ rich natural resources and a strong territorial economy are our path to prosperity. As the biggest sector of our economy and major creator of jobs and opportunities in the territory, a healthy mining sector will be vital to the future success of the Northwest Territories.

Our government remains committed to working with you so that together we can transform potential into prosperity and the people of the Northwest Territories can enjoy the sustainable, long-term benefits that will come from the responsible development of our rich reserve of natural resources.

The devolution of responsibility for public lands, resources and waters from the Government of Canada to the Government of the Northwest Territories on April 1, 2014 will create new opportunities for you and for us. For years, our government has worked with its partner Aboriginal governments – the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Northwest Territories Metis Nation, Gwich’in Tribal Council, Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated and Tlicho Government – to negotiate devolution. It has long been our shared goal to bring decision making over how the Northwest Territories’ land is managed, environment protected and resources developed home. It only makes sense that the people who know the land and potential of the Northwest Territories, who have its best interests at heart, are the ones who make decisions about its future.

Clear rules and expectations around environmental protection and resource management are critical for responsible resource development. Industry needs to know what the rules are and our people need to know that their government is committed to managing and protecting the environment according to Northern priorities and values.

Earlier this week, I appeared before the Parliamentary Committee holding hearings on Bill C-15, Canada’s proposed Northwest Territories Devolution Act. I reaffirmed our government’s ongoing support for an effective and efficient regulatory system serving the public interest. Creating and maintaining a predictable system of environmental regulation with timely reviews will be a priority for us as we implement devolution in the Northwest Territories.

We have been working closely with the Government of Canada to ensure that there will be a smooth and seamless transfer of responsibility on effective date. While much will change on April 1^st, much of it will be invisible to you. Much of the existing federal legislation governing development in the Northwest Territories will be mirrored by our Legislative Assembly, meaning the rules and requirements for working in the North will be familiar to you. You’ll probably even be doing business with many of the people you already know, as almost all of the federal staff in the programs being transferred to us have accepted jobs with the Government of the Northwest Territories.

We have worked out our organizational design, identifying exactly which new responsibilities and programs our departments – including a new Lands Department – will be assuming on effective date. We are putting our senior management teams into place and have already filled key positions. Come April 1^st, we will be more than ready to hit the ground running when we open for business.

Most critically, we have been working hard to clarify our thinking about our new authorities and what they mean in terms of our plans and priorities.

A year ago, Minister Ramsay was here at Roundup with the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines to kick off consultations on a first-ever mineral development strategy for the Northwest Territories. That strategy was released late last year and will guide our government as it works to support the growth of a strong mining sector in the Northwest Territories. Minister Ramsay also recently released our government’s Economic Opportunities Strategy, which takes a broader view to strategically growing a strong, diversified economy for our territory.

Minister Miltenberger, as Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, recently published the Northwest Territories Power System Plan. We know that access to affordable, reliable energy is a significant factor affecting resource and economic development. This plan looks at how we can make best use of the Northwest Territories’ hydro resources and expand and extend the hydro transmission network to better serve consumers and industry. A companion Energy Plan issued by myself, Minister Ramsay, Minister Miltenberger and Minister Tom Beaulieu will guide our government’s long-term approach to energy in the territory.

Shortly, our government will be releasing its land use and sustainability framework. This framework will be a critical policy piece for us, establishing a solid foundation for all our departments as they take on new responsibilities for land use, resource development and environmental management. It will outline the principles and approach we will follow as we engage in decision making around land in the Northwest Territories. Having a clear, consistent approach to how we make land use decisions will help ensure there are no surprises when it comes to dealing with our government and ensure we make sound decisions that are in the public interest as we begin to exercise our new authorities for land, resources and water.

Devolution is a game changer for the people and Government of the Northwest Territories. I know you must have many questions about what it will mean for you and we have many people here to provide answers this afternoon. We welcome the opportunity to take responsibility for our territory’s natural resources and economic future and have already put the elements for success into place. We’re looking to start capitalizing on all our planning and preparations beginning on April 1, 2014 and look forward to you joining us in creating a bright and prosperous future for yourselves and our territory.

Thank you.