OTTAWA (January 31, 2013) - Premier McLeod  met with Prime Minister Stephen Harper yesterday to discuss ways their governments can work together to achieve their shared vision of a North in which self-reliant individuals live in healthy, vital communities, manage their own affairs and shape their own destinies.

"A strong North will benefit our people, contribute to the national economy and create opportunities for all Canadians," said Premier McLeod. "We want to partner with the federal government, the business community and NWT residents to realize our potential."

The Premier and the Prime Minister discussed several topics, including devolution, the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway and the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link. All Cabinet ministers, MLAs, Aboriginal leaders and Northern business leaders are in Ottawa this week to meet with federal ministers and stakeholders. The meetings focus on seven priority areas where there is potential to substantially advance joint NWT/federal interests:

. Devolution;
. Regulatory improvement;
. Responsible stewardship;
. Hydro initiatives;
. The Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk portion of the Mackenzie Valley Highway;
. Mackenzie Valley Fibre-Optic Link; and
. Sustainable housing.

The delegation received a warm welcome in Parliament on Wednesday and was recognized by the Hon. Andrew Scheer, M.P., Speaker of the House of Commons. Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for the Yukon delivered a statement welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Government of Canada. Western Arctic MP Dennis Bevington also delivered a statement marking NWT Days.

Later that evening, delegates met with federal ministers and stakeholders at a gala hosted by Premier McLeod, where the Premier and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development John Duncan both spoke about the importance of partnership in achieving a shared vision for a strong, prosperous North.

NWT Days continues in Ottawa with additional meetings and cultural displays.   
 
For more information, contact:
Brenda Norris
Media Liaison
Office of the Premier and Executive Council
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 669-2302
Fax: (867) 873-0111