August 17, 2011 - Minister of Indutry, Tourism and Investment Bob McLeod officially welcomes members from the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) to the Legislative Assembly. Minister McLeod will host and chair the 2011 PNWER Capital Visit and Arctic Caucus in Yellowknife. MLA for Kam Lake and Chair of the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure David Ramsay will also be attending.

Mr. Speaker, we are joined today by members of the Executive Committee of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region or PNWER.  They are here to visit our beautiful territory and capital city and take part in the PWNER Capital Visit.  I want to welcome our delegates and speakers from Alaska, Yukon, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Alberta, British Columbia and more.  I would also like to recognize the President of PNWER, Mr. Michael Schaufler.

Mr. Dave Ramsay, MLA for Kam Lake and I will be joining the delegates in their deliberations over the next few days and I hope they all enjoy their time here and take away a deeper understanding of the economic potential of the Northwest Territories.

The story of the North is still unfolding.  We are a crucial part of the solution to many of the challenges facing Canada and North America today, from reinforcing our sovereignty, to climate change, to generating extraordinary opportunities for job creation and economic growth for future generations.

The Northwest Territories participation in PNWER exemplifies the Government of the Northwest Territories ongoing commitment to maximize northern opportunities for economic development, as envisioned in the Northerners Working Together plan.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.