Northwest Territories News

YELLOWKNIFE (November 27, 2014) – Northwest Territories (NWT) geoscientist Gary Vivian is the first resident North of 60 to receive the Canadian Professional Geoscientist Award from Geoscientists Canada.

Mr. Vivian is the President of Aurora Geosciences Ltd. in Yellowknife and Vice President of the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines.  He has valuable experience and a long career working in Canada’s north.

Geoscientists Canada announced that Mr. Vivian was the recipient in July, with the official presentation taking place at the 42nd Annual Geoscience Forum in Yellowknife this week.  Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay was in attendance to recognize Mr. Vivian.

“Congratulations to Gary Vivian on his success and this well-deserved national award,” said Minister Ramsay. “He has a long history of dedicated work North of 60 and I would like to thank him for being a champion for NWT geoscience and for exemplifying professionalism and perseverance. The work of Mr. Vivian and people like him is key in the responsible development of the NWT’s mineral resources and the continued prosperity of our territory.”

The award is provided annually by Geoscientists Canada, the national organization of provincial and territorial regulatory bodies governing Canada’s professional geoscientists. It recognizes the achievements of an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the development and practice of professional geoscience and who has advanced public recognition of the profession in Canada in his or her capacity as a registered professional geoscientist.

Media inquiries:

Leslie Campbell
Senior Communications Officer
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Tel: (867) 920-3343
Email: leslie_campbell@gov.nt.ca

(Check against delivery)

Good morning ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, fellow speakers, and respected Aboriginal leaders.

It’s an honour to be invited to the annual Aboriginal Oil and Gas Forum to discuss actions the Government of the Northwest Territories is taking to address transportation infrastructure needs in our territory.

It’s been almost 50 years since the federal government started constructing an all-weather highway through the Northwest Territories to the Arctic coast as part of its Road to Resources Strategy.  A highway through the Mackenzie Valley was central to the federal government’s vision of a strong and prosperous Canada.

But construction stopped near Wrigley in 1977 after the release of the Berger Inquiry and the resulting moratorium on Northern oil and gas development.

Now, almost forty years later, the political and economic considerations that suspended the highway’s construction have changed.  Northerners are now enthusiastic partners in the exploration and development of our wealth of natural resources.

An all-weather highway through the Mackenzie Valley corridor from Wrigley to Tuktoyaktuk is a cornerstone of the Government of the Northwest Territories’ plan for present and future economic development – the means to achieve our vision of a strong and prosperous territory.

Estimates indicate the NWT could hold as much as 81-trillion cubic feet of natural gas and nearly 7-billion barrels of oil.  But right now, development activity is limited to seasonal access gained through a publicly constructed winter road from Wrigley to Fort Good Hope.

Since 2000, the governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories invested more than $120 million in improvements along the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road.  We’ve installed permanent structures at water crossings to increase the window of operation, to facilitate increasing resource exploration activities, and to provide cost-effective community resupply.

These investments are strategically located on the alignment of the proposed all-weather highway, a corridor that’s also shared with the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Optic project.

The improvements we’re making to the winter road are investments leading to our long-held Northern vision of year-round access to the Mackenzie Valley.  We also combine efforts with industry to maximize the winter road’s operating season to enable large, industrial resupply and equipment mobilization activities in the corridor.

The winter road is a temporary snow and ice solution for investors, petroleum producers, and community residents alike.  The permanent solution to year-round access is an all-weather highway spanning the length of the Mackenzie Valley.  Investing now will ensure resource exploration and development activities can proceed in a more attractive business environment resulting in numerous opportunities for residents of the NWT and the rest of Canada.

I’m very pleased to say the Government of the Northwest Territories is proposing a $700 million investment partnership with Canada to extend the Mackenzie Valley Highway from Wrigley to Norman Wells and construct a $70 million bridge across the Bear River near the community of Tulita.  This 313-kilometre all-weather highway will connect Mackenzie Valley resources to southern Canada through Alberta or British Columbia.

Commitments to continue investing in basic infrastructure in the Mackenzie Valley corridor are necessary for Canada to fully realize the benefits of the region’s economic potential and to maintain a competitive edge in the global marketplace.  Innovative investment partnerships between government and industry could make this strategic Canadian corridor a reality.

Our proposal to build an all-weather highway to Norman Wells is a bold step forward and one that we’re taking in partnership with Aboriginal communities, their leadership, and the government of Canada.  These inclusive partnerships lead to maximized local involvement, input, and control of the planning process resulting in a common demonstration of support for the project.

The northern-most section of the Mackenzie Valley Highway is already under construction between Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk.  Early in 2014, our government initiated the construction project with Canada’s support confirming the strategic benefits of building permanent transportation infrastructure where none currently exists.  This four-year core infrastructure project is promoting economic growth, supporting job creation, and increasing productivity.  This winter alone, the project will directly employ up to 600 people at the peak of the construction season bringing us closer to our goal of improving the lives of Northerners and Canadians.

Once complete, the highway will increase the viability of upgrading the port at Tuktoyaktuk to serve as a supply base for future oil and gas exploration activities in the Beaufort Sea and Mackenzie Delta leading to economic opportunities for residents and businesses.

Continued investment in transportation infrastructure by the GNWT, Canada, and industry are necessary to realize the full economic potential of the NWT.  I’m very pleased to say the federal government’s New Building Canada Plan will provide opportunities for renewed investments in our transportation system.  I’m looking forward to working with Canada and initiating partnerships to continue investing in upgrades and improvements to NWT highways, community and regional airports, bridge rehabilitation and replacement, safety enhancements, and extending winter roads.

These projects will deliver improvements to sections of our highway system in need of rehabilitation or reconstruction to accommodate increased traffic loads associated with resource development activities in the Beaufort Delta region, the Central Mackenzie Valley, the Dehcho Region and the North and South Slave regions.  Like the Deh Cho Bridge, the projects will connect our communities, enhance safety for our residents, and help to send a clear message to industry that the NWT is ready to do business.

I will conclude my remarks by reiterating that our government is committed to improving transportation infrastructure through collaborations with our residents, other governments, and industry to continue contributing to self-reliant communities and a strong and prosperous Canada.

Our territory has the potential to fuel nation building projects that will have profound impacts, north and south of 60, today and for generations to come.

Northern development benefits not just our territory, but all of Canada, and we look forward to continued partnerships to advance our shared vision of a territory that provides jobs and economic opportunities to its residents and to all Canadians.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Redistributed on behalf of the Species at Risk Committee

News release- SARC to assess wolverine and western toad_26 November 2014

YELLOWKNIFE (November 26, 2014) – World-class geoscience information will be made available to the public through the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) plans to build a Geological Materials Storage Facility.

The GNWT geological collection includes approximately 12,000 mining industry drill core boxes and thousands of rock, stream sediment, lake sediment and glacial till samples from field research programs and donated industry collections. Historic documents from mining properties and advanced mineral exploration projects also form part of the GNWT collection.

Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay made the announcement at the 42nd Annual Geoscience Forum.

“This collection has tremendous value, both financially and in terms of the knowledge it contributes to exploration, mining and reclamation projects – now and in the future,” said the Minister. “It forms a reference library that has been obtained over decades and will be an excellent resource for industry and the public.”

The facility will provide valuable information to prospectors and exploration companies that can lower their costs, instill investor confidence in projects and reduce the environmental footprint of exploration.

Minister Ramsay stated this is an exciting time for minerals and petroleum development in the NWT, specifically in a post-devolution climate.

Supporting responsible resource development is one way the GNWT is working to create a strong, prosperous and sustainable NWT that provides opportunities for residents and business alike. The development of a Geological Materials Storage Facility aligns with the NWT Mineral Development Strategy and contributes to realizing the vision of the 17th Legislative Assembly.

Media inquiries:

Leslie Campbell
Senior Communications Officer
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Tel: (867) 920-3343
Email: leslie_campbell@gov.nt.ca

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Good evening, everyone.

It is great to be here at the 42nd annual Geoscience Forum and to see how much this event has grown over the years. First of all, I would like to thank the talented Lee Mandeville for his great performance tonight.  I would also like to recognize the Northwest Territories (NWT) and Nunavut Chamber of Mines and staff of the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment for organizing this important event each year and for the invitation to speak here tonight.

First of all, I would like to start by congratulating the award winners who were honoured at today’s opening ceremony.

Mr. Gary Vivian, the president of Aurora Geosciences received the 2014 Canadian Professional Geoscientist Award. He is the first resident North of the 60th parallel to receive this award, which recognizes the achievements of an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the development, practice, and public recognition of professional geoscience in Canada. Congratulations Mr. Vivian on your success and well-deserved award. 

The 2014 NAPEG Professional Award of Merit in Geoscience was awarded to Mr. Bob Gannicott. This award is given to an individual who exemplifies and promotes excellence in engineering and geoscience in the NWT and Nunavut. With over 40 years’ experience in the mining industry, this award is very well-deserved. I know we are all wishing Mr. Gannicott well.

In addition, I would like to recognize the recipients of the Geoscientists Canada Fellowships. These included Mr. David Watson and Mr. Peter Thompson, and honourary recipients: Mr. Peter Bengts, Mr. Terry Brookes, Mr. Lloyd Henderson and Mr. Grenville Thomas. The fellowships recognize the contributions and service to the profession of geoscience.

Please join me in once again congratulating all of the award winners.

I am sure we all agree this is an exciting time for minerals and petroleum development in Canada’s north and this evening I would like to talk to you about innovation.

Innovation is the catalyst for growth.  It means applying better solutions to meet new requirements or existing market needs. As the Government of the NWT works to improve and advance the minerals and petroleum industries in the territory, we are looking at innovative solutions, like those that will highlight a majority of the meetings and presentations over the course of this Geoscience Forum.

In the Northwest Territories, we are innovative. Our landscape and climate often challenge us to think outside the box. There have been two major developments for this industry in recent weeks: increased funding for geoscience research in the NWT and the establishment of a Geological Materials Storage Library.

In a territory that sees temperatures often below minus 30 Celsius and occasionally lower, we took what we knew and found a way to learn from it. I’m talking about permafrost.  Apparently, it has more uses than serving as the year-round community freezer in Tuktoyaktuk.

Our NWT Geoscience Office has developed a collaborative regional study to determine the detailed glacial history and permafrost conditions of the central Slave Geological Province. This study is unprecedented in size and scope and will establish the NWT as a world leader in understanding surficial materials and permafrost characteristics in a large, economically important region. Ultimately, we want to stimulate the next round of diamond and metals exploration in the Slave Province, and to collect permafrost and geotechnical data to inform future infrastructure development and regulatory decision making.

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) recently announced financial support for this two year study through its Strategic Initiatives in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program.

Funding from CanNor, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and Industry and University partners, totals $5.3 million towards this geoscience research.

As I shared with many of you this morning, as part of the devolution process, the Government of the NWT also plans to create a Geological Materials Storage Facility.

This facility will house the NWT’s vast collection of thousands of core boxes, tens of thousands of geological samples, and thousands of maps and reports with valuable information.  This collection forms a reference library that has been obtained over decades and represents millions of dollars of industry and government expenditures.  The NWT drill core collection includes the best and most extensive collection of kimberlite materials anywhere in the world.

Core storage and sampling facilities will enhance the competitive edge of the NWT as a preferred jurisdiction for mining and exploration.  Re-use of existing core by industry is a proven economic development driver. By accessing existing samples, companies will be able to save on drilling costs and gain confidence in their projects.  This information is in demand globally as companies and investors search for new opportunities and will help lead them to our doorstep.

The data and research stemming from both of these major projects will be available to governments, academics, prospectors and companies and enhance awareness of geological potential across the Northwest Territories. No one knows better than the people here tonight that a good geoscience knowledge base represents a significant competitive advantage for jurisdictions that want to grow.

It is through the innovation of the people attending this forum and working in the NWT minerals and petroleum industry, that we will see true advancement, economic benefits and new opportunities for our residents. There is immense potential in these industries and with all of us working toward common goals, I am confident that we will realize this potential.

Thank you and enjoy the rest of the Geoscience Forum.

YELLOWKNIFE (November 25, 2014) – The Minister Responsible for Women, Premier Bob McLeod, issued a statement marking the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

“Today is an opportunity for us to consider how we can make a difference in the lives of women in our communities,” said Premier McLeod.  “As Secretary-General to the United Nations Ban Ki-moon said, ‘Everyone has a responsibility to prevent and end violence against women and girls, starting by challenging the culture of discrimination that allows it to continue.’

“The  Northwest Territories (NWT) has the second highest rate of family violence in Canada and a majority of victims of family violence are women and children.

Violence against women occurs across all cultures, regions and countries and affects women and their families from all socio-economic groups. What they all have in common is that they are victims of discrimination and the denial of their fundamental human rights.

“The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to supporting sustainable, vibrant and safe communities. Much of the work we do focuses on educating and supporting our residents so they can participate in and benefit from the economic and social prosperity of the NWT.

“Today and every day, NWT residents can support  and encourage women to participate in leadership, recognize the value of women and the contribution they make to our territory and to speak up when women are being treated with disrespect. Today is also an opportunity to speak with our young men and boys about their role and place in a healthy, vibrant NWT.”

For more information, contact:

Brenda Norris
Media Liaison
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2302
Email: brenda_norris@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (November 25, 2014) –Working on Wellness (WoW) has officially launched in the NWT. The initiative is designed to help employers support their employees in making healthy lifestyle choices. WoW’s long-term goal is to reduce preventable cancers and other chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

“We are very excited about the WoW program and its innovative approach to achieving our vision of the best health for NWT residents,” said Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy. “A large part of our day is spent in the workplace. WoW provides workers with the knowledge and ability to lead healthier lives both in and outside of the workplace.”

Five NWT sites have signed on to pilot the program in their workplaces: De Beers Group of Companies, Dominion Diamond Ekati Corporation, Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) and the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). Representatives from the five different stakeholders met to mark the beginning of the WoW program as it works to improve the health of people across the NWT.

“De Beers has always recognized that healthy employees are the foundation for a safe workplace. The Working on Wellness initiative is one more way that we are supporting De Beers and contractor employees to eat well, be active and enjoy healthy lives on the job and at home,” said Glen Koropchuk, Chief Operating Officer for De Beers in Canada.

“The WoW program represents an unprecedented opportunity for the Dominion Diamond Ekati Corporation (DDEC) to collaborate and conduct joint program delivery with the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission. It brings together for the first time a proactive partnership between the diamond mines and the public sector.   This initiative positively impacts the short and long term health needs of our employees and contractors, who are, beyond a doubt, a core asset to the company and a critical component to the success of the overall organization,” said Dominion Diamond Ekati Corporation President and Chief Operating Officer, Chantal Lavoie.

“Health and wellness has always been valued at Diavik where we provide a variety of nutritional choices and fitness activities. By partnering on the Working on Wellness initiative, we are expanding how we promote health and wellness. The program partners will be sharing ideas which will educate, promote, and support improving the health of our employees, contractor employees, and their families,” said Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc. President Marc Cameron.

“WSCC is excited to be part of the Working on Wellness program which emphasizes the importance of healthy lifestyle choices.  At WSCC we encourage our staff to take advantage of the program and to view wellness as a contributing factor to overall workplace safety.  We hope our commitment to this program encourages others to see the importance healthy lifestyle choices play in reducing workplace injuries and disease,” said WSCC’s Chief Executive Officer Dave Grundy.

“The participation of these five major employers in the NWT demonstrates the wide interest of employers in improving the health of people here,” said Minister Abernethy. “Being healthy doesn’t begin at home or end at work; it can become part of our daily lives. Initiatives, such as WoW, make it easier to get started.”

Working on Wellness is funded by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC), Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and Health Canada through the Coalitions Linking Action and Science for Prevention (CLASP) initiative. The initiative is based on WellnessFits, an existing promising practice.  Participating worksites have undergone a workplace assessment and, based on employee interests, will provide support to employees in areas such as increasing physical activity, improving healthy eating or speaking to mental health in the workplace.

The Working on Wellness Program is an initiative of the Healthy Choices Framework, a Government of Northwest Territories program to promote health through appropriate choices. Healthy Choices supports the goals of the 17th Assembly to have a strong and independent north built on partnerships and a healthy and educated population.

For more information on Working on Wellness and other Choose NWT programs please visit: http://choosenwt.com/programs/working-on-wellness-wow/.

Media inquiries:

Damien Healy
Manager Planning and Communications
Department of Health and Social Services
Tel: (867) 920-8927
Email: Damien_healy@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (November 25, 2014) – Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Jackson Lafferty met last week in Toronto with his federal, provincial and territorial counterparts at the Forum for Labour Market Ministers (FLMM) meetings to build on their efforts around labour market initiatives and progress.

Topics discussed included the provincial and territorial Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDA), the Canada Job Fund and Canada Job Grant, apprenticeship programs for Red Seal trades, providing more comprehensive labour market information, labour mobility and recognizing qualifications from foreign jurisdictions.

“These meetings and discussions are critical to developing our Northern workforce,” said Minister Lafferty. “We have signed three labour market agreements in the last year to enhance and create new employment and training opportunities for Northerners and meet the needs of both our residents and employers. The North will be experiencing significant economic growth over the next several years, and the Government of the Northwest Territories is taking steps to ensure our people are well positioned to take advantage of the opportunities that will come with it.”

Minister Lafferty used last week’s meetings to share perspectives on labour market needs and opportunities gained from meetings with Northern industry and training partners in September. This information will help ensure the labour market agreements provide new employment and training programs that are targeted at creating opportunities and jobs for Northerners.

“At the end of the day, we are responsible for addressing any challenges to creating a sustainable and open labour market in the North,” said Minister Lafferty. “We want to improve employment success for NWT residents, close skill gaps for in-demand NWT jobs, and more effectively respond to NWT employer and industry needs to support a strong and prosperous Northern economy.”

For more information, visit Career and Employment and Apprenticeship, Trades and Occupation Certification.

Media inquiries:

Jacqueline McKinnon
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Tel: (867) 920-6222
Email: jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (November 24, 2014) – Two employees of the 60th Parallel Territorial Park have received the 2014 Parks Hospitality Award.  Vi and Eric Bartlett received multiple nominations and were acknowledged for their generosity, friendliness and exceptional service.

Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) David Ramsay highlighted the outstanding contributions of the award winners. “For many people, the 60th Parallel Territorial Park and Visitor Centre is the first stop in their NWT travels and Vi and Eric Bartlett ensured that it was a positive first experience for all who came their way,” said the Minister. “They went above and beyond to welcome guests, answer questions and maintain the grounds.  Congratulations to both recipients on a job well done and thank you for representing our parks with courtesy and care.” 

The award winners were announced at a gala dinner that closed the NWT Tourism Conference and Annual General Meeting, which was hosted in Yellowknife
November 18-20.

The Parks Hospitality Award was created in 2005 to recognize people who exhibit extraordinary hospitality and service in NWT parks and visitor centres.  Parks and visitor centre staff are nominated by visitors to the territory, who fill out nomination forms at visitor centres, parks and campgrounds.

Media inquiries:

Leslie Campbell
Senior Communications Officer
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Tel: (867) 920-3343
Email: leslie_campbell@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (November 24, 2014) – A Northwest Territories educator received national recognition last week with an Indspire Guiding the Journey: Indigenous Educator Award. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) Jackson Lafferty presented the Indigenous Education Partner Award in Toronto to ECE’s Director of School and Instructional Services John Stewart.

Mr. Stewart received the award for his work on The Residential School System in Canada: Understanding the Past – Seeking Reconciliation – Building Hope for Tomorrow. The curriculum resource was developed in partnership with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the Legacy of Hope Foundation and Government of Nunavut for the grade 10 Northern Studies curriculum in the Northwest Territories and the Social Studies curriculum in Nunavut.

“This material is a tremendous resource for both schools and communities across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut,” said Minister Lafferty. “The approach is unique, in that the teachings come from residential school survivors’ voices and stories. It is very powerful and has stimulated important conversations in our schools and communities, and across Canada. This is information all Canadians should have and will help build on the tireless work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Legacy of Hope Foundation.”

The curriculum resource includes a teacher’s guide, a DVD with pictures, audio and video footage and an historical timeline of the residential school system in Canada. The package covers topics ranging from the history and legacy of residential schools, traditional education and learning, colonialism, assimilation, the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, the Federal apology, the TRC and what reconciliation may look like.

Guiding the Journey: Indigenous Educator Awards recognize educators who work to transform and improve Indigenous education across Canada by advocating for updated resources and more cultural teachings in the curriculum; having innovative teaching practices; and helping Indigenous students reach their fullest potential. The Indigenous Education Partner Award is presented to a non-Indigenous educator who has made a significant contribution to furthering K-12 Indigenous student success.

For more information on The Residential School System in Canada: Understanding the Past – Seeking Reconciliation – Building Hope for Tomorrow, contact Mindy Willet, ECE’s Northern Studies curriculum coordinator at mindy_willet@gov.nt.ca.

Media inquiries:

Jacqueline McKinnon

Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Tel: (867) 920-6222
Email: jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (November 19, 2014) – Minister of Justice David Ramsay today thanked volunteers from across the Northwest Territories who have made the NWT’s restorative justice programs one of the most active in Canada.

“I’d like to take the opportunity during this special week to open the nominations for the Ministerial Restorative Justice Award 2014”, said Minister Ramsay. “We know there are people in our territory who have demonstrated through their work or lifestyle choices, ways of transforming human relations by promoting healing between people in conflict. This award is one small way of recognizing their contributions to justice and community”.

The recognition of volunteers is part of Restorative Justice Week, November 16 –23, 2014. Restorative Justice Week is celebrated by federal, provincial and territorial governments across Canada.

“This year’s theme for Restorative Justice Week “Inspiring Innovation” is appropriate for the NWT,” said Mr. Ramsay. “This theme encourages restorative justice programs to celebrate and share their experiences and leading edge examples in delivering restorative justice based services.”

More than 100 volunteers across the NWT deliver the majority of the restorative justice activities through local committees or other community initiatives.

“Without our diverse group of volunteers we would not have the community justice system we have today,” said Mr. Ramsay. “Their dedication and work is creating safer communities and helping to create a justice system that reflects our cultures and values.”

The GNWT’s restorative justice program helps communities develop alternative ways of dealing with criminal justice issues. This includes referring offenders to community justice committees rather than the courts, forging links between communities and offenders in correctional facilities and crime prevention activities with youth.

To access the nomination forms for the Ministerial Restorative Justice Award, visit www.justice.gov.nt.ca

For more information contact:

Sue Glowach
Senior Communications Advisor,
Department of Justice, GNWT
867- 920-3130

YELLOWKNIFE (November 19, 2014) – Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy announced today thatStanton Territorial Health Authority (STHA) has  received accreditation for the next four years under Accreditation Canada’s Qmentum accreditation program.

“Stanton Territorial Health Authority had to meet the high standards set by Accreditation Canada and underwent a rigorous review to receive accreditation,” said Minister Glen Abernethy. “The standards look at governance, leadership, infection prevention and control, medication management and specific types of services, conditions, and populations. By going through this process, we continue to improve the overall performance of the health system and, more importantly, the health outcomes of our patients.”

Accreditation Canada is an independent, not-for-profit organization that sets standards for quality and safety in health care and accredits health organizations in Canada and around the world.  Following a comprehensive self-assessment, trained surveyors from accredited health organizations conduct an on-site survey to evaluate the organization’s performance against Accreditation Canada’s standards of excellence.

In September 2014, an Accreditation Canada survey team met with patients, staff, the Public Administrator and various stakeholders to review Stanton’s operations and compliance with accreditation standards.   The accreditation report indicated that Stanton is in compliance with 91.3% of the applicable Accreditation Canada standards. Of the unmet standards, 65.9% are not considered high priority by Accreditation Canada.   As part of the accreditation report, STHA is required to provide evidence of compliance with several of the unmet standards.

“Congratulations to all the staff and physicians working at Stanton,” said Minister Abernethy “The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to meeting the healthcare needs of NWT residents now and for the future. The hard work put into providing safe, high quality health services is part of our ongoing efforts to deliver on that commitment and should be celebrated and commended.”

Beaufort Delta Health and Social Services Authority, Fort Smith Health and Social Services Authority and Hay River Health and Social Services all received accreditation in 2012 and will be going through the process again in 2016.

Damien Healy
Manager, Planning and Communications
Department of Health and Social Services
Tel: (867) 920-8927
Email: Damien_healy@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (November 14, 2014) – Trout Lake residents and visitors now have access to a wider variety of travel and shipping options with the opening of the community’s new airport.

The original airport was constructed in 1987 and had a 2,632-foot runway. The new runway, stretching 3500 feet, will increase the capacity to handle a wider variety of aircraft, including larger airplanes and pressurized air services.

Trout Lake is serviced by a winter road, generally from mid-December to early April. For the rest of the year, residents, industry and tourists depend on aviation services for reliable, safe and secure travel and goods transportation. The new airport will also improve mobility, training, and employment opportunities.

This new airport will make Trout Lake and other remote and small communities in the area less isolated and better able to sustain themselves by reducing the cost of living and increasing connectivity. 

Quick Facts

• The governments of Canada and Northwest Territories provided a joint contribution of $9.3 million toward the eligible costs of this initiative through the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund.

Quotes

“The North is critical to Canada’s current and future prosperity and investing in modern, safe and efficient public infrastructure will help create a sustainable and vibrant Northern economy. We are pleased to work with our territorial partners to expand air services in the North, such as through the new Trout Lake Airport, to improve Northerners’ quality of life, enhance their access to goods and services, and stimulate investments and economic development in the region.”

The Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Infrastructure, Communities, and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

“Since 2006, our Government has been committed to supporting projects that play an important role in creating jobs and strengthening our economy. Our investment in this important project will help improve the region’s access to safe and efficient transportation options, and deliver on our commitment to building safer, healthier and stronger Northern communities.”

 The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council

 “This new airport makes the Dehcho region more accessible, encouraging sustainable development and economic growth. Our small community airports are a lifeline for everything from critical supplies to medevacs, and are especially important when there is no winter road access. Strategic investments in transportation infrastructure support our economy and improve GNWT services in communities.”

Tom Beaulieu
Minister of Transportation, GNWT

 “I wish to congratulate the residents and community of Trout Lake, who truly played a big role in building this new airport. They should be very proud.”

 Kevin Menicoche
Member of Legislative Assembly for Nahendeh

Associated Links

 Canada’s Economic Action Plan Gets Shovels in the Ground in the Northwest Territories: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/media/news-nouvelles/2009/20090910yellowknife-eng.html

 To learn more about the federal Provincial—Territorial Base Fund, visit:  http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/prog/ptbase-finbasept-eng.html

For more information about the Northwest Territories Department of Transportation, visit: http://www.dot.gov.nt.ca/_live/pages/wpPages/home.aspx

For additional information on the New Building Canada Plan, visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/plan-eng.html.

To learn more about the Government of Canada’s focus on jobs and the economy consult Canada’s Economic Action Plan at http://www.eap.gc.ca.

 Contacts

 Vincent Rabault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-943-1838

Megan Holsapple
Communications
Department of Transportation
Government of the Northwest Territories
867-873-7712

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
media@infc.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter at @INFC_eng

YELLOWKNIFE (November 14, 2014) – November 14th is World Diabetes Day (WDD) and Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy is urging Northwest Territories residents to choose a healthy lifestyle to help prevent diabetes and other chronic diseases.

“Diabetes is a major public health issue in both the Northwest Territories and Canada,” said Minister Abernethy. “The Government of the Northwest Territories is working towards creating a health care system that will support people in making healthy choices and ensure the best possible care for residents when they need it.”

On average, there are approximately 200 new diagnoses of diabetes among NWT residents aged one and older each year.

Obesity is a significant risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Between 2002/03 and 2008/09, the prevalence of diabetes in the Northwest Territories has increased steadily from 2.9% to 4.4%.

The Department of Health and Social Services is working towards helping residents maintain good health and preventing and detecting diabetes early with several initiatives.

Working in conjunction with the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Department recently developed and implemented NWT-specific clinical practice guidelines for screening and diagnosing Type 2 diabetes.  These guidelines will also help people to recognize their own personal responsibility for their health.

The Department has also developed a healthy eating questionnaire, a healthy eating booklet and a series of nutritional fact sheets, to help people make healthy food choices and reduce their risk of developing diabetes. Visit www.choosenwt.com for more information on the healthy eating booklet and questionnaire. Additional information on healthy eating and proper nutrition is available in our NWT Nutritional Fact Sheets.

The World Diabetes Day campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation and its member associations. This year’s WDD theme is Healthy Living and Diabetes.

Damien Healy
Manager Planning and Communications
Department of Health and Social Services
Tel: (867) 920-8927
Email: Damien_healy@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (November 13, 2014) – Northwest Territories businesses and entrepreneurs can use a new online database to obtain information on a variety of funding programs and services from the Government of the Northwest Territories and other governments and agencies. Increased awareness of available financial programs is expected to help NWT businesses to better access financial support.

“This new database is the first step of many the Government of the Northwest Territories will take this year to strengthen government programs and services for NWT businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay. “These are important programs that are helping to support our business community, and we are pleased to offer businesses and entrepreneurs a valuable tool to learn more about them.” 

The database, recommended in the NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy, allows users to search funding options by agency or by sector. The InvestNWT.com website also links NWT businesses and potential investors with key economic information about the NWT, sector profiles and statistical data and analysis.

The ongoing implementation of the NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy contributes to achieving the 17th Legislative Assembly’s priority of strengthening and diversifying the NWT’s economy.

Media inquiries:

Leslie Campbell
Senior Communications Officer
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Tel: (867) 920-3343
Email: leslie_campbell@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (November 10, 2014) – The Government of the Northwest Territories is enhancing its online services with new security features that protect NWT residents’ personal information while improving access to government services.

“The next time you renew your vehicle registration, book your driver exam, or print your driving record online, you’ll sign in more securely than ever before,” said Minister of Transportation Tom Beaulieu. “Over time, residents will be able to access more GNWT services online with the same user IDs. The new secure sign-in process will eventually be used for a wide variety of online services for residents, businesses and visitors.” 

The new secure GNWT logins are similar to those used by the Government of Canada. Residents who do not want to create new GNWT IDs and passwords can sign in securely with their banking credentials. Both provide access to all GNWT online services as they are developed.

Secure, confidential access to enhanced online services provides new choices for residents in all communities, expanding driver and motor-vehicle services to remote communities without local issuing offices. Government Services Officers in small communities have been trained to help elders and others use online driver and motor vehicle services. These services continue to be available in person at 15 issuing offices across the territory and by phone, fax or e-mail.

Providing residents with easy, secure and trusted sign-in systems is part of the GNWT’s Service Innovation Strategy to support the 17th Assembly’s goal of effective and efficient government by putting more services online.

Media inquiries:
Shaun Dean
Director, Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 669-2304
Email: shaun_dean@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (November 6, 2014) – Minister of Lands Robert C. McLeod announced today that the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has approved Dominion Diamond Ekati Corporation’s surety bond as security for approximately $253 million under its Ekati water licence. The surety bond will account for all security currently required under the water licence.

“This action on the part of the Government of the Northwest Territories demonstrates our ability to make timely and sound decisions that support responsible, sustainable resource development in the NWT,” says Minister McLeod. “With our new devolution responsibilities, we are protecting the environment, prudently managing public funds and promoting economic opportunities in a way that balances NWT interests.” 

In reaching its decision, the GNWT’s Departments of Lands, Finance and Environment and Natural Resources completed a rigorous review of Dominion Diamond’s surety bond. The departments’ work confirms that the terms of the security bond are acceptable to the GNWT.

A surety bond is an acceptable form of security under the Waters Act, subject to the GNWT’s acceptance of the terms and conditions of the bond. It is intended to protect the health and safety of the public and the environment and is an important tool to address the potential for environmental damage.  The surety bond also allows Dominion Diamond to continue to invest and develop its project, bringing tangible economic benefits to the NWT economy.

Responsibility for the Waters Act and the NWT land and water management regime it is part of transferred to the GNWT with devolution. The GNWT is now responsible for addressing Dominion Diamond’s outstanding security requirements under their Type “A” Water License W2012L2- 0001 and determining the acceptable terms and conditions for the surety bond.

• Backgrounder – Surety Bonds

Media Inquiries
Shaun Dean
Director, Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2304
Email: shaun_dean@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (November 6, 2014) – The Government of the Northwest Territories confirmed today that it is no longer in discussions with Yellowknife Education District #1 (YK1) and the Commission scolaire francophone (CSF) on a school swap.

“Whatever YK1 decides regarding the use of their schools will not have any impact on the appeal that the GNWT has decided to pursue respecting the court ordered expansion to Ecole Allain St. Cyr,” said Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Jackson Lafferty.

The opportunity to look for alternative arrangements to accommodate the court ordered expansion has come and gone and YK1 was advised of that in February 2014.

The GNWT is not asking YK1 to give up a school and it will be their decision alone on how to manage the schools they own.

Discussions about facility usage currently planned are entirely at the discretion of YK1 and are unrelated to the court ruling. Responsibility for any decisions taken respecting the use of its schools as a result of these discussions will rest solely with the board of trustees of YK1.

For more information please see the attached backgrounders:

• School Swap Update – Yellowknife (November 2014)
• School Swap Facts – Yellowknife (April 2014)
• School Exchange Backgrounder – Yellowknife and Hay River (March 2014)

Media inquiries:
Shaun Dean
Director, Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2304
Email: shaun_dean@gov.nt.ca

Mr. Speaker, entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Northwest Territories are committed, passionate, and extremely hard working.

I would like to take the opportunity to recognize a particularly dedicated business owner, Mr. Francis Anderson.  Mr. Anderson has been the owner and operator of Saville Enterprises, a thriving hardware store in the Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk, since the age of 19.

Maintaining a business in one of the most northern communities in the Northwest Territories may have its challenges, and Mr. Anderson’s business is a great example of how they can be overcome. His work to provide the products, services and knowledge needed by his community is renowned. 

Mr. Anderson opened his business over 30 years ago, and his is a success story and part of the foundation of the made-in-the-NWT business community.

Business people like Mr. Anderson empower the entrepreneurial spirit of the Northwest Territories. Those who are starting in business or thinking of following the path to entrepreneurship will benefit from his leadership.

With the construction of the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk highway, access to these communities will improve and opportunities to invest and grow our economy will be realized, particularly in our small business and tourism sectors.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, as a result of devolution, much of the lands and waters of the Northwest Territories are now the responsibility of our government.  We had prepared for this eventually by getting our policy house in order through the development of the NWT Water Stewardship Strategy and its Action Plan.  We built these documents collaboratively with our partners, in particular the Aboriginal governments of the NWT. They represent a huge success, and they demonstrate how innovative we are here in the North.

I am very pleased to report another critically important success.

Our post-devolution responsibility for water, and our commitment made in the NWT Water Stewardship Strategy, was to negotiate Transboundary Water Management Agreements with our neighbouring jurisdictions in the Mackenzie River Basin.

As of yesterday, our negotiating team has reached a stable Intentions Document with Alberta.  This is following having reached agreement on an Intentions Document with British Columbia earlier this year, in June.  So, we have now accomplished a critical stage with the two key jurisdictions upstream of us.  These two agreements cover over 85% of the Mackenzie River Basin.  With these two agreements in place we can confidently say that we are protecting the vast majority of the Mackenzie River Basin, and, because the Mackenzie River Basin is about 20% of the land mass of Canada, these agreements are of also national and international significance. 

Both Intentions Documents meet the strategic outcomes for these agreements that were approved by Cabinet in 2012.

First and foremost, they are ecological agreements that protect the health of the aquatic ecosystem while allowing for development by both parties.  This has only been negotiated in one other place in the world, in Australia, and in the face of drought they were not able to maintain their commitments to the aquatic ecosystem.  Because we will absolutely fulfill our commitments, we will be the first jurisdiction in the world to demonstrate how to truly protect the health of the aquatic ecosystem while allowing for development.

Further, the Alberta and BC Intentions Documents also create an adaptive framework for cooperative management of transboundary waters, set out cooperative decision-making processes and create clear notification, consultation, and information-sharing requirements.  With these agreements in place, we will no longer find out about upstream developments and events in the newspaper. We are building a much closer, more productive working relationship with our Mackenzie River Basin neighbours.

Throughout the negotiating process, the opinions and values of Aboriginal governments and other stakeholders were critical. Environment and Natural Resources has engaged deeply with Aboriginal governments over the last seven years as we worked together in meetings and regional workshops throughout the NWT to develop the NWT Water Strategy, and we worked even more closely over the last three years as negotiations proceeded.

We continued to engage repeatedly with Aboriginal governments, updating and briefing them, and then revising our positions to take into account their views.  The NWT Water Strategy Aboriginal Steering Committee was also updated regularly on the progress of the negotiations.  Just last month, on October 6 and 7, we brought all Aboriginal groups to Yellowknife to consult on the NWT-BC Intentions Document, and we received strong support that we will continue to build upon as we work with Aboriginal governments in implementing the agreements.  Following that meeting, we met with regulatory boards and NGOs from both within and outside of the NWT.

Traditional and local knowledge workshops and community-based monitoring have added valuable information to the engagement and consultation process.  People in the NWT are experts on the place where they live and work and we have and will continue to ensure they have a voice and opportunity to speak during this process.

We have discussed different elements of the Intentions Documents with governance and ecosystem science experts from across Canada.  They have all expressed strong support for what we have accomplished.

Aboriginal consultation and public engagement regarding the BC and Alberta agreements are coming to an end.  A Highlights document that includes the comments and concerns we heard during consultation meetings and responses to those concerns is currently being distributed to Aboriginal groups.  A FAQ document has been published recently to provide residents of the NWT with additional information to better understand concepts included in the Intentions Document.

We will continue to pursue Transboundary Water Management Agreements with Saskatchewan and the Yukon and are also planning on beginning the discussion with Nunavut.

Both Alberta and British Columbia are committed to signing these agreements in February after they have completed their consultations.  This will be a highly anticipated celebration, one we hope to host here in Yellowknife.

I want to recognize our small but very powerful and effective water team that got us these agreements, one of the best water teams in the country.  They drove the process and showed the other jurisdictions just how things are done here in the North.

Mr. Speaker, we are on the verge of taking a major step towards achieving the vision we developed for the NWT Water Stewardship Strategy: to develop transboundary water agreements that ensure the waters of the NWT will remain clean productive and abundant for all time.  We did this by working together.  I am proud of the work we have done and I believe that this work will be a legacy for future generations.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.