Congratulations to you all and thank you for the invitation to join you today.  It is a pleasure to be here in Hay River and to have a role in this event.  

Today we celebrate the opening of a new, federally-certified egg-grading station for the Northwest Territories. The GNWT, through its Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment here in Hay River is proud to have played a part in this project providing support and contributions totalling $100,000 under the Commercial Harvesting, Processing and Marketing of Fish and Meat Strategic Initiative.

I think we all recognize that today’s ceremony is about much more than the official opening of a new facility here in Hay River. 

This ceremony – in fact – marks a number of key milestones along our Territory’s economic path.   

First of all – it is a new beginning for egg production in the NWT.  This facility has been constructed and certified in accordance with the standards prescribed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.  The building itself, the equipment it houses - and the people that will work here all play important roles in ensuring Canada’s food inspection system and the resultant quality of the food being marketed is of the highest quality in the world.

In order for NWT eggs to be bought and sold at true market value, we must be able to prove that they have been handled, packaged and properly labelled in a certified environment.

The opening of this facility allows us to be able to meet that requirement. It is the final piece of the puzzle that we have been waiting on to facilitate the re-emergence of the Regulated Egg Marketing Industry here in the NWT.

The ability to complete egg grading in the NWT will allow us to put NWT eggs on the shelves in NWT stores and – more importantly from an economic point of view – sell NWT eggs into the full wholesale, retail and food service sector in the South.

The opening of this facility completes the NWT’s transition from the early days of egg marketing that were first established here by Frank Richardson, Gary Villitard and the K’atlodeechee First Nation.  Since those early days there have been many “highs and lows”.   Some painful - many unusual - but collectively, they have all contributed to the fully regulated, modern and orderly industry that we are witness to today.

We have a whole new way of doing businesses – and a whole new generation of egg producers. 

Today, we mark the fruition of a vision that was initiated by my predecessor - and now Premier Bob McLeod.   The steps we took as a Government and an industry beginning in 2009 are today paying off – and we have repositioned our Territory and the town of Hay River to benefit from the National Regulated Egg Marketing Program and the market opportunities it opens for us.

Much has been said about Regulated Egg Marketing over the years but the one consistent message heard throughout Canada’s agriculture sector is that the program provides for a reliable and sustainable economic base on which to build our agriculture industry.   

In 2009, the NWT’s egg quota remained unfilled. Today, almost the entire quota of approximately three million dozens of eggs is now placed into production - serving the table market in both the NWT and the South. 

Finally, today, we mark one of what I hope will be many, real and tangible examples of the GNWT’s commitment to develop a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices.

We cannot build our Territory on resource development alone. Healthy economic development hinges on diversity.  

We recognize that our small businesses and partnerships are also major contributors to growth – creating and maintaining jobs, providing goods and services and playing an essential role in the steady development of strong and sustainable communities.

The GNWT has promoted and supported regulated egg marketing for this purpose.

The priorities that underscored the GNWT’s Vision of Regulated Egg Marketing in the NWT back in 2009 are still reflected in the priorities that we have identified for our term as a Government.  

They are:

• promote the diversification of local economies – especially in our communities;


• enhance income and employment opportunities for all NWT residents;


• attract new capital investment in our Territory; and


• generate new markets and incomes for made-in-the NWT products.

 

The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to supporting these essential components of a vibrant and sustainable economy.

As we cut the ribbon and celebrate the official opening of this facility, we also celebrate the new capital investment that has been made here in Hay River.  We celebrate as many as 20 new jobs that this facility will create for residents of this Town – and we celebrate the launch of a nearly seven million dollar industry in our Territory’s agricultural sector. 

Congratulations to the town of Hay River – with your rich history of farming and agriculture – Mayor Elect Cassidy, councillors - we have a new economic sector for you to grow – I will leave that in your capable hands.

I am familiar with the strong and competent leadership of the Territorial Farmers Association – so I’m asking them to keep an eye on you… 

Congratulations to the members of the Egg Marketing Board – who under the capable leadership of Jackie Milne – have successfully guided and realized the re-vitalization of the egg marketing industry here in Hay River.

And finally. congratulations to

• John Penner


• Bruce Ramage, and  


• The Wallingtons – Glen, Mike, Kevin

 

Each of you embody the resilient entrepreneurial spirit that is the driving force behind our northern economy.

Thank you for taking an idea and transforming it into solid business plans – for identifying and supplying market demand, responding to change - and above all – for being prepared to take risks.

You are providing the type of energy and example that is serving to build the competitive and prosperous northern business environment that we are looking for – here in Hay River – and in our Territory.

Thank You