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Mr. Speaker, today, I want to talk about opportunity; opportunity that strengthens communities, creates pathways to employment and entrepreneurship, and positions Northerners to capitalize on the heightened national and international interest in the North. As the Minister of Finance said in yesterday’s Budget Address, a strong Northwest Territories builds a stronger Canada, and that strength begins with our people and the opportunities before them.

Across the Northwest Territories, people are looking for practical ways to build their careers, grow their skills, or start a business. They want to contribute to the future of the territory and to be part of the economic shifts underway. Our government is committed to clearing the path and ensuring that Northerners can seize the opportunities that Budget 2026 describes; opportunities tied to a changing global landscape, new economic pressures, and increasing national attention on the North’s strategic importance.

Entrepreneurs and small businesses are central to this work. They create jobs, deliver services, and bring forward ideas that keep communities vibrant and resilient. When local businesses succeed, they help ensure that Northerners, not outside forces, shape the story of the North.

As the Budget Address underscored, sovereignty is expressed through our people, and supporting northern businesses is one of the most direct ways to strengthen both our economy and our role in Canada’s future.

Mr. Speaker, advancing these pathways requires strong collaboration across government. That is why the Departments of Education, Culture and Employment; Industry, Tourism and Investment; and Prosper NWT are working together to support employment readiness, business development, and long‑term economic growth. Today, I am pleased to highlight two initiatives that reflect this integrated approach and align directly with the momentum described in the territorial budget.

First, Prosper NWT has increased its lending and investment limit from $2 million to $5 million per business enterprise in the priority areas of housing, critical minerals, large-scale infrastructure, and emerging technologies.

This increase is a major step forward; one that opens the door to bigger ideas, larger projects, and economic transformation. It responds directly to what businesses have told us for years: the North needs more capital to grow.

Second, Prosper NWT has secured $2.3 million over three years from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, to establish the AI–Driven Entrepreneurship and Business Support Centre. This Centre will help northern businesses adopt new tools, streamline operations, and access emerging economic opportunities.

It also supports the Budget’s focus on supporting a diversified economy and ensuring Northerners can participate fully in sectors that are rapidly evolving.

Mr. Speaker, these initiatives are not about programs alone. They demonstrate our government’s shared commitment, across departments and alongside partners, to build the conditions that allow Northerners to thrive. This work is about making practical changes that help people and businesses move forward together. It means we step back to look at how we do business, and step up to celebrate our neighbours.

The North is full of talent, drive, and creativity.  By working together across  governments, businesses, and communities, we can support that potential and turn it into real opportunities for Northerners and when we do, we build a stronger North and a stronger Canada.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.