YELLOWKNIFE (December 17, 2012) Ministers from the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and senior officials from the three NWT diamond mines met to discuss the contribution the diamond industry has made to the NWT, the GNWT’s programs and services aimed at supporting the successful participation of NWT residents in the industry, as well as collective efforts and future plans to grow participation in the diamond industry so benefits can be realized for residents and mining companies alike.

Representatives from all of the NWT diamond mines including BHP Billiton Canada Inc., Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., and De Beers Canada Inc., were in attendance as well as Ministers from three GNWT departments including Industry, Tourism and Investment; Health and Social Services; and Education, Culture and Employment.

Plans were identified in moving forward to support economic development and improving social programming in communities. Key priorities discussed include:

• Ensuring federal funding continues for mine training in the NWT through a pan Northern training approach;


• Continue to grow employment rates of NWT residents through strong training partnerships between governments, industry and communities;


• The need for the GNWT to continue initiatives to reduce the cost of living, both to retain people who currently work in the mines and live in the NWT, and to attract people to work and live here;


• Collaborate on initiatives aimed at improving the health and wellness of community members,  enabling them to fully participate in the opportunities that both industry and government provide; and


• Working together on implementing the new adult financial literacy program developed by the GNWT.

 

“This meeting is another great example of the success we have had over the years collaborating on various social issues. Continuing to work together will ensure that the mines function at their best and also ensure the long-term sustainability of Northwest Territories communities. As a government we are fully aware of the many contributions made by the three diamond mines and they have continuously shown their commitment to providing meaningful, sustainable contributions to the communities in which they work. I know that we are committed to doing all we can to meet our goals, because now, more than ever, we have a pressing need to achieve results for the North,” said Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay, meeting Chair.

“The success that each of our respective mines have had in providing opportunities for NWT resident participation in and benefits from our mining operations has been significant,” said Glen Koropchuk, Chief Operating Officer of De Beers Canada Inc., who was in attendance along with Giles Hellyer, Asset President of BHP Billiton’s EKATI Diamond Mine, and Niels Kristensen, President and Chief Operating Officer of Diavik Diamond Mines Inc.  “While each of us has played an important role individually, when we focus our efforts on understanding and meeting the needs of communities in which we work,  our collective success is something we all share pride in.”

The mines and the GNWT have reiterated their commitment to coming together regularly in 2013 as leaders in the diamond industry with leaders in GNWT to ensure the health and sustainability of the communities in which we live and work through ongoing dialogue.  

For more information, contact:

Alayna Ward
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-8696

Cathie Bolstad
Director External & Corporate Affairs
De Beers Canada Inc.
Tel: (867) 766-7325

Deana Twissell
Superintendent of Community and External Affairs
EKATI Diamond Mine
BHP Billiton Canada Inc.
Tel: (867) 669-6107

Corey McLachlan
Manager Communities & External Relations
Diavik Diamond Mines Inc.
Tel: (867) 669-6508