Northwest Territories News

YELLOWKNIFE (May 27, 2015) – Consistent with the fire ban implemented by the City of Yellowknife, a fire ban is in effect for Fred Henne and Yellowknife River Territorial Parks effective immediately.

Use of camp stoves and enclosed barbecues is permitted. Any device that uses propane to supply a burner for heating and or cooking is also permitted; such devices must be used within or on top of a fire pit in a campsite or wayside park.

Visit www.nwtfire.com  for more information on fire conditions within the NWT. Report smoke or fire to 1-877-NWT-FIRE (698-3473). Residents should contact their municipalities for information on fire bans within community limits.

Media inquiries:

Drew Williams
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-8696
Email: Drew_Williams@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (May 27, 2015) – Premier Bob McLeod offered his condolences to Ms. Lise Beaudry-Braden and the family and friends of Mr. George Braden today on news of his passing.

Mr. Braden was first elected to the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly as the Member for Yellowknife North in 1979. At the time of his election, the federally appointed Commissioner still had an active role in administering the Government of the Northwest Territories and chaired meetings of the Executive Council, which continued to include appointed members. Mr. Braden became one of the first elected MLAs to serve on the Executive Council of the 9th Assembly and was later selected by his colleagues to become the first Leader of the Elected Executive, a position that later became known as Government Leader and, now, Premier.

“Mr. Braden was a champion for responsible government in the Northwest Territories and blazed the trail we continue to follow,” said Premier McLeod. “His quiet leadership and diplomacy was instrumental in seeing political power in the Northwest Territories transfer from unelected federal officials to the elected representatives of the people and which culminated most recently in the devolution of responsibility for public land and resources in this government.”

As well as Government Leader, Mr. Braden served as Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister of Justice and Public Services, Minister of Priorities and Planning, Minister for the Status of Women and was co-chair of the NWT Special Committee on the Constitution, which argued for the recognition of Aboriginal rights in Section 35 of the Constitution.

Mr. Braden was Commissioner of the successful NWT pavilion at Expo ’86 and represented the NWT at the federal level as Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs following his term in office.

“Throughout his lifetime career as a politician and public servant, Mr. Braden was committed to the development of the Northwest Territories and defender of its interests,” said Premier McLeod. “The Northwest Territories had a good friend in him and I am sorry to hear of his passing.”

A public book of condolences has been placed in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly in Yellowknife, where members of the public can offer their own thoughts to the Braden family.

Media inquiries:

Roya Grinsted
Cabinet Communications
Tel: 867-669-2308
Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

Yellowknife (May 26, 2015) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) supports the Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s (NTPC) decision to submit a proposal in the upcoming competitive process for the Hay River electrical utility franchise.

On May 25, 2015, Hay River Town Council approved a decision to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Hay River electrical franchise. The  NTPC Board of Directors had previously approached the GNWT for support to participate in this anticipated competitive process. The GNWT supports the Town of Hay River’s process and the participation of NTPC in that process. 

“It is important that every opportunity to reduce the cost of living and the costs to local businesses in Hay River is pursued,” said Premier Bob McLeod, Chair of the Ministerial Energy Coordinating and Climate-Change Committee. “The GNWT believes the RFP process initiated by the Town of Hay River could potentially lead to lower electricity rates, and therefore supports NTPC’s participation.”

“We believe that this competitive process has the potential for electricity rate reductions for the residents of Hay River” stated J. Michael. Miltenberger, Minister of Finance as well as Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. “Should NTPC be successful in this process, there would be no material impacts with respect to the fiscal position of the Government of the Northwest Territories.”

Under the Cities, Towns and Villages Act, the Town of Hay River has exercised their right to seek proposals for the provision of electricity services in Hay River. NTPC intends to submit a proposal in response to the RFP. Expanding their sales base and improving upon their economies of scale is consistent with the strategic objectives of NTPC, as established by the NTPC Board of Directors.

Pursuing opportunities to reduce the cost of living is consistent with the priorities of the 17th Legislative Assembly, including a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices, and effective and efficient government.

Media inquiries:

Roya Grinsted
Cabinet Communications
Government of the NWT
Tel: 867-669-2308
Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (May 22, 2015) – Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) Jackson Lafferty has announced improvements to the licensed child care programs inspection process.

“The Department is always looking for ways to improve the systems we have in place,” said Minister Lafferty. “Enhancing the inspection system will increase transparency and provide parents with valuable information to make informed choices about their child care options.”

ECE has introduced a 3-tiered risk-based  system and online posting of inspection summary information for each licenced child care program in the NWT based on its  review of the inspection system. Information from licensing inspections completed after April 1, 2015 will now be posted to ECE’s website in a searchable format.

These improvements are part of the ongoing work by the Departments of Health and Social Services and Education, Culture and Employment on the Right from the Start Early Childhood Development Framework and Action Plan. Changes address Action 6 of the Action Plan to improve the quality of licensed early childhood education and care programs, supporting the goals of the Framework.

“We have communicated with all licensed child care programs on the changes, and also provided them information to share with parents,” stated Minister Lafferty.

Only six other jurisdictions in Canada provide online child care inspection summaries, putting NWT among the lead. The new inspection system came into effect as of April 1, 2015, with information on all new inspections now available online.

For detailed information please visit: rightfromthestart.ca or www.ece.gov.nt.ca.

Media inquiries:

Tami Johnson
Education, Culture and Employment
Tel: 867-920-6147
Email:  tami_johnson@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (May 15, 2015) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is inviting residents to talk about ways to grow the NWT’s agriculture sector.

A series of information-gathering sessions are being held in regional centres to help guide the development of an agriculture strategy for the NWT and to ensure it reflects the priorities of NWT residents and creates the economic opportunities this growing sector can provide for them.

“From small community gardens to commercial greenhouses and regulated egg production, our residents have shown us they are interested in participating in agriculture,” says Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay. “We want to support their vision with informed government actions and policy that will advance the increased production of fresh, healthy and more affordable locally-grown food choices.”

The need for an agriculture strategy was highlighted in the NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy released in 2013.

Motivated by high food costs, positive contributions to lifestyles, product diversity and increased awareness of nutritional values, participation in local food production is increasing in almost all NWT communities.

For more information, visit www.iti.gov.nt.ca/agriculture

Media inquiries:

Drew Williams
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-8696
Email: drew_williams@gov.nt.ca

Yellowknife (May 14, 2015) – The Government of the Northwest Territories has successfully completed the winter road resupply of fuel to nine communities served by the Department of Public Works and Services Fuel Services Division. A decline in the market cost of fuel made it possible for the department to reduce prices in the communities that receive fuel products via the winter road system.

Winter resupply communities saw fuel prices drop as much as 37 cents per litre.   The well-constructed and maintained winter road systems contributed to the efficient transportation of fuel. 

“This year we were able to purchase fuel products at lower prices and our excellent winter roads helped us get the fuel to our communities efficiently,” said Minister of Public Works and Services Tom Beaulieu. “These lower fuel prices will provide immediate benefits to our residents living in communities served by Public Works and Services’ Petroleum Products Program.”

Reducing energy costs is one of the priorities of the Government of the Northwest Territories and the department of Public Works and Services.  A focus on renewable and alternative energy solutions, as well as government-wide policies to encourage responsible energy consumption, remains key to achieving a lower cost of living and the vision of an environmentally sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories.

 Media Inquiries:

Roya Grinsted
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2308
Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

Backgrounder – Fuel Price Changes

Jan. 1, 2015 Price on

May 4, 2015 Total reduction Whatì (Heating Fuel)

Whatì (Diesel Motive)

Whatì (Gasoline) $1.74

$1.88

$1.72 $1.38

$1.52

$1.51 -$0.36

-$0.36

-$0.21 Gameti (Heating Fuel)

Gameti (Diesel Motive)

Gameti (Gasoline) $1.84

$1.98

$1.85 $1.47

$1.61

$1.62 -$0.37

-$0.37

-$0.23 Wekweeti (Heating Fuel)

Wekweeti (Diesel Motive)

Wekweeti (Gasoline) $1.99

$2.18

$1.99 $1.76

$1.92

$1.91 -$0.23

-$0.26

-$0.08 Jean Marie River (Heating Fuel)

Jean Marie River (Diesel Motive)

Jean Marie River (Gasoline) $1.60

$1.74

$1.52 $1.32

$1.46

$1.44 -$0.28

-$0.28

-$0.08 Nahanni Butte (Heating Fuel)

Nahanni Butte (Diesel Motive)

Nahanni Butte (Gasoline) $1.73

$1.86

$1.70 $1.46

$1.59

$1.59 -$0.27

-$0.27

-$0.11 Wrigley (Heating Fuel)

Wrigley (Diesel Motive)

Wrigley (Gasoline) $1.61

$1.75

$1.68 $1.42

$1.56

$1.49 -$0.19

-$0.19

-$0.19 Délįne (Gasoline) $1.78 $1.60 -$0.18 Trout Lake (Heating Fuel)

Trout Lake (Diesel Motive)

Trout Lake (Gasoline) $1.84

$1.90

$1.74 $1.66

$1.71

$1.62 -$0.18

-$0.19

-$0.12 Tulita (Gasoline) $1.87 $1.76 -$0.11

YELLOWKNIFE (May 14, 2015) – The 2015 camping season will officially begin this weekend as most Northwest Territories campgrounds open to the public.  Parks in the Beaufort-Delta Region near Inuvik will open on Monday, June 1st.

“People travel from across Canada and around the world to enjoy the natural beauty and surroundings of the award-winning word-class park system that exists in our backyard,” Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) David Ramsay notes.  “From thundering waterfalls to serene hiking trails and abundant wildlife and scenery, our parks are some of the most impressive tourist attractions in the country, but they also contribute enormously to the quality of life that we enjoy here in Canada’s North.”

NWT campgrounds attracted over 24,000 campers last year.  The Government of the Northwest Territories has committed to investing $2.5 million in upgrading and maintaining NWT parks infrastructure this year.

Planned improvements include new hiking trails in the Gwich’in Territorial Park and improvements to Prelude Lake’s marina and shoreline.

There is a new loop for campers to enjoy at the Fred Henne Park in Yellowknife and new shower buildings in the Hay River Territorial Park.  Beach safety programs, begun last year, will be continued at both of these facilities.

Media inquiries:

Drew Williams
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-8696
Email: drew_williams@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (May 14, 2015) – The men and women who will staff many of the NWT’s visitor information centres met last week in Inuvik to participate in interactive training.  The two-day skills development workshop included discussions and training on customer service, centre operations and the creation of ongoing interpretive programs for visitors.

“These important individuals are the NWT’s face to the world,” says Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) David Ramsay. “Staff at our visitor centres are often the first point of contact for tourists travelling to the Northwest Territories.  It is their actions and the facilities they operate that give character to the warmth of our northern welcome. The first impressions they provide set the stage for a positive and memorable travel experience in the NWT.”

About 15 participants took part in the workshop, including staff from Fort Simpson, Jean Marie River, Yellowknife, Tsiigehtchic, Inuvik and Fort McPherson, as well as staff from Dawson City, Yukon.

The training was sponsored by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment with support from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor). Tourism training and readiness opportunities that let staff learn from best practices and their counterparts across the territory are an essential pillar in developing a vibrant tourism environment and ensure continued positive growth in the NWT’s front-line tourism product.

Investments in the tourism sector reflect the 17th Assembly’s goal to promote a diversified economy that will provide all communities with opportunities and choices.

Media inquiries:

Drew Williams
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-8696
Email: drew_williams@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (May 12, 2015) – The Aboriginal Affairs Working Group (AAWG), composed of provincial and territorial Ministers of Aboriginal Affairs and National Aboriginal Organization (NAO) Leaders, met in Yellowknife today to review progress and explore future opportunities to be advanced in the priority areas of education, economic development, housing, ending violence against Aboriginal women and girls, disaster mitigation and emergency management in Aboriginal communities.

Ministers and NAO Leaders discussed the outcomes of the first National Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls held in Ottawa on February 27, 2015. Ministers and NAO Leaders called on the federal government to join in the development, implementation and funding of a prevention and awareness campaign aimed at ending violence against Aboriginal women and girls.  Delivering this campaign was a key outcome from the National Roundtable. Manitoba will also host in fall 2015 an inaugural meeting for law enforcement, prosecutors, and victim services, to explore best practices and better coordinate and share information on policing and justice responses to these cases. Ministers and NAO Leaders continued to support the NAO Leaders’ call on the federal government to hold a National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women and Girls.

Acknowledging that Aboriginal women continue to face barriers to gender equality, education and employability, Ministers and NAO Leaders discussed and directed continued development of a Socio-Economic Action Plan for Aboriginal Women.

Ministers and NAO Leaders also discussed the disproportionate number of Aboriginal children in care. The AAWG recognizes the important work being done by the working group on Aboriginal children in care and acknowledged the need for all governments to work in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples and communities to address the overrepresentation of Aboriginal children in care across the country.

Ministers and NAO Leaders endorsed continued co-operation to advance activities supporting First Nations (regardless of status or residency), Inuit and Métis communities, and renewed the invitation to the federal government to be a formal partner with AAWG to take action in building safe, vibrant and healthy communities and addressing socio-economic gaps. Ministers and NAO leaders noted the upcoming federal election presents an opportunity for all Canadians to engage candidates on key issues facing Aboriginal peoples.

The discussion and recommendations from today’s meeting will be shared with Premiers during the next meeting of Premiers and NAO Leaders on July 14-15, 2015, in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Ministers and NAO Leaders agreed to meet again in Early 2016 to review progress on these activities.

For more information, please see the Backgrounder.

Contact:                  

Roya Grinsted
Communications Officer
Office of the Premier/Cabinet
Government of the Northwest Territories
Phone: (867) 669-2308
Email: Roya_Grinsted@gov.nt.ca

Quotes:

“NWAC is pleased to see that critical issues such as violence, education, housing, economic development, disaster mitigation and Aboriginal children in care are being addressed by the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group (AAWG).  Continued efforts and collaboration between all levels of government –Federal/Provincial/Territorial (F/P/T) and National Aboriginal Organizations (NAOs) — is urgently needed to address the high number of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and for them to achieve equality with that of their Canadian counterparts.  The issue of violence against Aboriginal women is so complex that we need a comprehensive strategic approach and not the piecemeal band-aid solutions of the past if we are to address the grave violation of the basic human rights of aboriginal women and girls.”

Native Women’s Association of Canada, Interim President, Dr. Dawn Harvard

“The AAWG provides an ongoing intergovernmental forum for addressing issues of critical importance to Aboriginal peoples. It is important for us to keep applying ourselves to the task at hand and to create a collaborative environment that will lead to tangible results. I am pleased with progress on economic development and education and look forward to tackling issues related to improving the child welfare system and violence against children and women.”

Métis National Council Vice-President, David Chartrand

“It is imperative for us to work with the Provinces and Territories to ensure that the Metis people within the homeland are a part of solutions moving forward and that a Metis specific process will ensure the success of the collaborative initiatives. The AAWG gives us the opportunity to move forward with that focus.”

Women of the Métis Nation President, Melanie Omeniho

“The social and economic costs of maintaining the status quo costs First Nations and all Canadians, with First Nations children paying the highest price.  We can and must do better.  The focus must be on outcomes.  I told the Ministers of Aboriginal Affairs and Premiers in attendance that we need to reframe the work to create results for our peoples.  New investments and action are needed to close the gap in the quality of life between First Nations and other Canadians – to support Indigenous languages, to have access to adequate housing, to prevent violence against women and girls and to keep our children in safe and supportive homes and out of the child welfare system.  We agreed here that closing the gap is a priority for all of us and I look forward to the hard work of making that a reality.”

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde

“On behalf of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and our Board of Directors, I would like to acknowledge the ongoing work and commitment of the AAWG to advancing the rights of and opportunities for Indigenous people in Canada.  I was pleased to provide remarks about the importance of appropriate and accessible education for our Inuit communities. I was also proud to update the AAWG on the progress of ITK’s Amaujaq National Centre for Inuit Education’s strategy ‘First Canadians, Canadians First’ working to get Inuit children to school every day, on time, well-rested and ready to learn”

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President, Terry Audla

“In the Northwest Territories our experience is that we are stronger and more successful when we work together as partners. This has been at the foundation of our commitment to engage with Aboriginal governments and organizations in the spirit of respect, recognition and responsibility. As the Chair of the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group, I am encouraged by the progress we have made and the commitment of all provinces, territories and National Aboriginal Organizations to engage in collaborative and respectful dialogue. The Aboriginal Affairs Working Group will continue to work in partnership to develop solutions and build on successes that help to  improve the well-being of Aboriginal peoples across Canada.”

Honorable Bob McLeod, Premier and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, Northwest Territories

“The Aboriginal Affairs Working Group continues to be a productive and constructive venue for dialogue and I greatly appreciate the collaboration and leadership shown by the provinces and territories, as well as from the other National Aboriginal Organizations over the past six years. There is much work ahead for all of us in addressing Canada’s greatest injustice, the denial of the rights of Aboriginal Peoples. Working together, we can make a difference.”

National Chief Betty Ann Lavallee, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples

YELLOWKNIFE (May 11, 2015) –  Premier Bob McLeod and President James Wilson signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Capacity Building between the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the Gwich’in Tribal Council (GTC).

“Strong governments at all levels are critical to building a strong, prosperous territory that provides jobs and opportunities for all its residents,” said Premier McLeod. “This agreement and our ongoing partnership with the Gwich’in Tribal Council will help strengthen both our governments and encourages the employment of Gwich’in in the public service and public agencies. We are committed to working together with the Gwich’in Tribal Council to advance our common goals of recruiting, improving and retaining capacity in the Northwest Territories.” 

“This MOU represents an historic investment in Gwich’in workers and will serve to create another strong foundation for partnership between the GTC and the GNWT,” said President Wilson.

The Agreement is for a five year term and commits both governments to explore internship opportunities for Gwich’in employees in the GNWT.  The parties will develop a joint internship pilot project that will provide for full-time employment opportunities with the GNWT for up to a maximum of nine Gwich’in workers.  Interns will have the opportunity to gain work experience with the GTC and the GNWT for work placements of up to 12 consecutive months in each organization.

Media inquiries:

Roya Grinsted
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2308
Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

Patrick Tomlinson
Gwich’in Tribal Council
Tel: 867-777-7900

Premier and President Signing (left-right): Premier Bob McLeod and President James Wilson

GTC and NWT Signing (left-right): Minister of Human Resources Tom Beaulieu, Premier Bob McLeod, President James Wilson and Vice-President Norman Snowshoe

YELLOWKNIFE (May 8, 2015) – Yellowknife residents are encouraged to become “tourists in their own town” this month in a joint initiative designed to promote and increase awareness of the NWT capital’s tourism product.

“See Yellowknife through the eyes of a tourist,” encourages Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) David Ramsay. “Spend a weekend getaway at a lodge, visit one of its unique tourism venues, take a guided tour or shop at one of our local retailers.  It’s a great chance to enjoy what our capital city has to offer.”

“Tourism is identified as a key component within the City’s Economic Development Strategy,” said Mark Heyck, Mayor of Yellowknife. “Partnering with the Government of the Northwest Territories and NWT Tourism is a great opportunity for us all to work together to benefit the industry.”

“These kinds of partnerships provide excellent opportunities for residents to grow their own understanding of the world-class tourism product the NWT has to offer, and to see why so many national and international visitors travel great distances at great expense to experience the Northwest Territories,” said Cathie Bolstad, Executive Director of NWT Tourism.  “NWT Tourism’s participation is part of a larger initiative we will be introducing in all regions of the NWT as part of our national tourism week activities early in June.”

Until June 5th, Yellowknifers can redeem coupons for discounts, activities and free gifts at participating retailers and businesses. Each coupon will also serve as a ballot for one of four prizes to be drawn for on June 5th:

• A trip to Hearne Lake Lodge;
• A camping experience at Prelude Lake Territorial Park;
• A workshop for six at Old Town Glassworks; and
• A gift basket from Northern Frontier Visitors Centre.

Free coupon books are available at Yellowknife City Hall and the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre, and will be distributed at the ITI booth at this weekend’s Spring Trade Show.

Tourism plays a vital role in the NWT economy. In the 2013/14 fiscal year, the industry contributed $132.5 million in visitor revenue and attracted 90,000 visitors from around the world.

The NWT tourism sector holds the potential to create economic opportunities in every region of the NWT – and to contribute to the growth and realization of sustainable and vibrant communities as envisioned in the goals and priorities of the 17th Legislative Assembly.

Media inquiries:

Drew Williams
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-8696
Email: drew_williams@gov.nt.ca

Richard McIntosh
Communications & Economic Development Officer
City of Yellowknife
Tel: (867) 669-3424
Fax: (867)920-5649

Julie Warnock
Communications Officer
Northwest Territories Tourism
Tel: (867) 873-5007 Ext: 226
Email: julie@spectacularnwt.com

YELLOWKNIFE (May 8, 2015) – Premier Bob McLeod today announced that Ms. Bronwyn Watters has been named as the new Deputy Minister of Human Resources.

Ms. Watters is a longtime Northerner with a 35-year career in public service. She is a former Deputy Minister of Justice and has previously held senior positions in Education, Culture and Employment and Health and Social Services.

“I have worked with Ms. Watters for many years in my role as Premier and Deputy Minister,” said Premier Bob McLeod. “She is a committed and dedicated public servant who brings a wealth of Northern experience and professionalism to her new appointment. She is well known for her role in advancing many social programs and initiatives through a collaborative and consensus-building approach and I look forward to working with her again in her new role.”

Ms. Watters was a recipient of the Dave Ramsden award for career excellence in 2012, her appointment will take effect in June.

Media inquiries:

Roya Grinsted
Cabinet Communications
Government of the NWT
Tel: 867-669-2308
Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

HOUSTON (May 5, 2015)- Good afternoon. It is a pleasure to be here today, and to participate in this panel discussion on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, in Canada’s Arctic.

My comments today are titled “Unlocking OUR potential”. They could as easily be titled “Unlocking YOUR potential”.

You may ask how a small Canadian territory can presume to talk about unlocking the potential of the international oil and gas industry.

That is the question that I would like to address for you today.

I’d like to tell you about our potential, about what we are doing to realise that potential, and about what investors can gain from that potential.

To do that, I must first tell you a little bit about the Northwest Territories – and how we are positioned – both physically and economically – in North America’s energy marketplace.

Canada’s Northwest Territories – we call it the NWT – sits at the very top of North America.  Our vast, rugged and sparsely populated landscape is about twice the size of Texas.  It lies east of Alaska and the Yukon, directly north of the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. It stretches north from the 60th parallel all the way to the Arctic Ocean.

Threading through our territory, north to the Arctic Ocean, is the Mackenzie River.  It is the largest and longest river system in Canada. In North America, only the Mississippi is longer.  It runs over 1,000 miles before draining into the Beaufort Sea. Its delta is about the size of Texas. The river’s path through the Mackenzie Valley offers a natural corridor between Alberta and the Arctic coast. It is a route once followed by the voyageur fur traders who first introduced commerce to our North.

Ladies and gentlemen, Canada’s Northwest Territories may be vast and isolated – but we are teeming with economic potential.  One of the most dramatic things that you need to understand about the NWT is that what we lack in population, we make up for in resources and energy reserves.

The Mackenzie River corridor that I have described to you travels through vast, isolated regions of forest and tundra laden with minerals and energy potential. The Canol Shale deposit, alone, holds an estimated two to three billion barrels of oil. Canada’s oldest and most productive oil field continues to ship our crude to market along this corridor.

Much of our region is located within the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin and the Arctic Sedimentary Basin. While under-explored, we estimate that our territory sits atop an estimated 80 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and seven billion barrels of oil.

It is believed that the Arctic contains one-fifth of the world’s untapped oil and gas reserves.  These resources are the foundation of the proposed Mackenzie Gas Project. That project is planned and permitted to follow our Mackenzie River corridor North to South – bringing 1.2 billion cubic feet per day of stranded energy resources to market.

Finally, there is the potential of our offshore – beneath the waters of the Beaufort Sea – where we are focusing more and more on our robust energy reserves.  Based on geological analysis by both the U.S. Geological Survey and our own advisors, the Arctic waters off the Northwest Territories have the oil potential to rival the Gulf of Mexico. The Amauligak field just off of our northern shore line is thought to contain up to 250 million barrels of oil.

You can connect the dots yourself.

The world is looking for a reliable supply of energy resources to meet a growing demand.  The Arctic offers one of the best new and stable sources of energy on the planet.

From our part of the world looking south, we are at the furthest northern reaches of the Pacific Northwest Economic Trade Region. We’re about as far away from North American energy markets as you can get.

But looking north, we offer a gateway to the Arctic Ocean. Our vision of a combined energy, communications and transportation corridor along the Mackenzie Valley to the Beaufort Sea can be made ready – if we keep working one step at a time.

Together with the Government of Canada, we are completing the next leg of the Mackenzie Valley Highway that will, in time, follow this entire route. It will link many of our small and isolated communities to each other – and our country from coast to coast to coast. Over 600 people are working around the clock building the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway. When complete, it will increase opportunities for business development, reduce the cost of job-creating onshore oil and gas development, and strengthen Canada’s sovereignty in the North.

Meanwhile, we have begun the planning for the next leg of the highway, linking the resource-rich Sahtu region to the rest of Canada. This area is home to Canada’s oldest and most productive oil field. It continues to ship our crude to market along the corridor to northern Alberta from Norman Wells in the heart of the NWT. The new highway would provide year-round truck access to a region containing an estimated 2 to 3 billion barrels of oil, opening up new opportunities for exploration and development.

And work is underway to lay a fibre optic line along this path, linking satellite receivers at the top of the continent with data centres around the world and giving our small communities more tools to do business.  It will make us a leader in the remote satellite sensing field. High-tech and traditional businesses will look to us for the communications capacity they need in today’s connected world.

The combined energy, communications and transportation corridor will be a road to resources, opening up new exploration and development opportunities.  Once it is in place, it will form the backbone of energy development in our territory for decades.

Completing our corridor is in the global energy interest.  We are ready and willing to step forward as a full partner to make it happen – with creative and collaborative solutions that can benefit everybody.

We are investing in research through the Northwest Territories Geological Survey, evaluating resource potential, mapping bedrock and permafrost, and monitoring seismic activity. We are building the connections that will create our energy, communications and transportation corridor – the Mackenzie Valley Fibre Link will be over 1400 kilometres long when it is completed next year, and we are seeking the partnerships to complete the highway throughout the valley. And just last month we took the important step to introduce filing regulations for hydraulic fracturing operations. The new regulations will provide certainty for industry while meeting northern priorities related to surface and groundwater information, measures to address air quality, enhanced reporting, and public disclosure.

We must continue to prepare for future development opportunities, when oil and gas prices inevitably recover.  We need to be ready to make the most of development when it occurs. Our people, communities and businesses must be positioned to seize the opportunities that will come. We need to make the partnerships now for the major infrastructure investments that will support the development of our vast natural resources.

Thanks to our experience in diamonds, our people and businesses are already positioned to be competitive globally.   And our government is open for business.

We are ready to talk to socially and environmentally responsible companies that want to work and invest with us to develop our resources, build our economy, unlock our potential – and bring our resources to hungry markets around the world.

But as easy as it is to join these points in a speech – or on a map, the reality is that the cost of new infrastructure required to connect our resources to markets is about as enormous as our stranded potential.

Ladies and gentlemen, I believe the solution may lie in not only unlocking the potential of Canada’s Northwest Territories but that of Alberta and British Columbia.

Over the coming decades, production may decline in the United States. But, backed by the right technology, responsible northern production could sustain the North American supply. Now is the time to have these conversations. That is why I am here.

Global markets have shifted. Commodity prices have changed the discussion – in the short term.  This is the right time to create the conditions for investment.  Markets will rebound. We all know that.  Resource markets have ups and downs.  They always have, and they always will.  That is the way resource markets work – in cycles.

While we wait for the markets to rebound, we are building the partnerships to responsibly manage our resources, support scientific research, and protect our environment.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Northwest Territories is the key to opening western Canada to international oil and gas investors, explorers and producers.  We offer the next economic frontier and the foundation of sound economic expansion – investment attraction, job creation, and future prosperity.

Thank you.

HOUSTON (May 7, 2015) – Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) David Ramsay told delegates at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston this week that the Northwest Territories is looking to talk with socially and environmentally responsible companies willing to work with the Government of the NWT (GNWT) and invest in developing the NWT’s resources, building its economy, unlocking its potential, and getting stranded oil and gas resources to energy markets around the world.

“We offer the next economic frontier and the foundation of sound economic expansion: investment attraction, job creation and future prosperity,” Minister Ramsay said in a panel discussion on North American challenges and opportunities that shape the global energy outlook.

Minister Ramsay’s speech in Houston highlighted the wealth of NWT oil and gas resources that remain untapped.  He also pointed to the NWT’s growing communications, transportation and energy infrastructure needs – and the breadth and value of the potential and opportunity that exist for investors, corporations and even nations interested in partnering and investing in Canada’s North.

Founded in 1969, the Offshore Technology Conference is one of the foremost annual gatherings of energy professionals and investors in the world.

In the new post-devolution environment, the GNWT has greater ownership and authority to promote the potential of the NWT’s resource sector more directly.

By increasing awareness of the resource potential that exists within the NWT, ITI is helping to establish a strong and independent north built on partnerships, a goal of the 17th Legislative Assembly.

Media inquiries:

Drew Williams
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-8696
Email: drew_williams@gov.nt.ca

KÁTLODÉÉCHE FIRST NATION (May 7, 2015) – Minister Glen Abernethy will recognize Northwest Territories (NWT) volunteers on behalf of Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs Robert C. McLeod at the 2015 Outstanding Volunteer Awards ceremony on Friday, May 8.  These annual awards provide an opportunity to show our appreciation to volunteers and volunteer organizations for their outstanding contributions in communities across the territory.

“Volunteers play an important role in helping to build sustainable, vibrant communities all over the Northwest Territories, and the Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to supporting them,” said Minister McLeod. “Along with our partner, the NWT Association of Communities, we are pleased to celebrate and recognize those who selflessly devote their time and effort to building betters communities.

Recipients of the 2015 NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards are:

• Outstanding Elder Award                   – Florence Barnaby, Fort Good Hope
• Outstanding Youth Award                   – Renee Ekendia, Behchoko
• Outstanding Individual Award            – Marilyn Napier, Fort Smith
• Outstanding Group Award                  – Muskrat Jamboree Committee, Inuvik

MACA presents the Outstanding Volunteer Awards annually to individuals and groups who have helped improve the quality of life in the NWT through volunteerism.  For further details about the Outstanding Volunteer Awards, please visit MACA’s website at www.maca.gov.nt.ca.

Recognizing and celebrating volunteers who build sustainable, vibrant, safe communities is one way the Government of the Northwest Territories is working to advance the goals of the 17th Legislative Assembly.

Media inquiries:

David Maguire
Communications and Web Advisor
Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-3092
Email: david_maguire@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (May 7, 2015) – NWT Premier Bob McLeod would like to congratulate Alberta Premier-designate Rachel Notley on her win this week in the provincial elections.

“The Northwest Territories and Alberta share many close ties and common interests,” said Premier McLeod. “Ms. Notley’s interest in sustainable growth and economic diversification aligns with our own and I look forward to working with her to advance the shared interests of Albertans and Northwest Territories residents. I wish her all the best as she prepares for her new role as Premier and look forward to continuing our jurisdictions’ ongoing work to create prosperity and opportunities for our people and for Canada.

“I want to thank former Premier Jim Prentice for all the work we did together as governments, including the recent signing of a transboundary water management agreement.  I wish him all the best in future endeavors.”

Media inquiries:

Roya Grinsted
Cabinet Communications
Government of the NWT
Tel: 867-669-2308
Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (May 6, 2015) – Nearly 1,200 residents have participated in 19 morel mushroom information sessions hosted by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI).

Minister of ITI David Ramsay says the huge turnout is a reflection of the incredible interest that NWT residents have. “Sessions were not solely about enabling NWT residents to take advantage of this economic opportunity, but also reinforcing the message that if people want to take advantage of this opportunity, we want them to do it in a way that is safe, legal and respectful of the environment,” the Minister said.

Information sessions were held in communities that could see a bountiful mushroom crop this year, including Jean Marie River, Tlicho communities and communities  in the South Slave and North Slave Regions. The sessions included a presentation on morel mushrooms, the potential areas for harvesting, methods for harvesting and caring for morels and discussions on marketing.

Walking workshops will also be held beginning in mid-May to provide hands-on harvesting experience to interested participants.

In the 2014 season, Dehcho residents earned an estimated $750,000 by harvesting morel mushrooms in the Fort Simpson vicinity. Sales from the 2015 season could yield as much as $10 million for NWT residents. Supporting the development of sustainable industries in the NWT’s communities and regions is one way that the Government of the Northwest Territories is helping to diversify the economy to create jobs and opportunities for NWT residents.

The Morel Mushroom Harvesters Guide, as well as safety information and maps, can be found on the ITI website at: www.iti.gov.nt.ca/morels.

Media inquiries:

Drew Williams
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-8696
Email: drew_williams@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (May 5, 2015) – The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) and the Northwest Territories Association of Communities (NWTAC) have partnered to host the 2015 Good Governance Conference and NWTAC Annual General Meeting in K’atl’odeeche from May 6-10, 2015.

“Working with our partners at the NWTAC has allowed us to build a week filled with valuable opportunities for learning, leadership development, networking and important planning sessions for community governments,” said Robert C. McLeod, Minister of MACA.

“To partner with MACA and the fifth Good Governance Conference enables all NWTAC AGM delegates to compound the benefits of attending, and take valuable knowledge back to their constituencies,” said NWTAC President Charles Furlong. “Both organizations are committed to supporting our communities, and by working together we achieve more, connect more effectively, and provide the best possible service to our members.”

The Good Governance Conference is held biennially and supported by the GNWT and partner organizations, including the NWTAC and the Local Government Administrators of the Northwest Territories. It provides workshops, presentations, and opportunities for community government representatives to share best practices. The theme of this year’s conference is “Leading by Example”.

The NWTAC AGM is the yearly opportunity for community leaders to gather in the spirit of collaboration, information sharing and addressing key issues together. This multi-day event includes presentations, an information trade show, the passing of resolutions and diverse opportunities for delegates to liaise with elected officials and representatives from government and industry.

For more information, contact:

David Maguire
Communications and Website Advisor
Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
Phone: 867-920-3092
Email: david_maguire@gov.nt.ca

NWT Association of Communities
Shannon Crawley
Communications & Policy Coordinator
Tel: 1-867-873-8359
Toll Free: 1-866-973-8359
Email: shannon@nwtac.com

YELLOWKNIFE (May 5, 2015) – A report on the review of 2014 Fire Season Review was released today by Minister of Environment and Natural Resources J. Michael Miltenberger.

“The extraordinary extent of the 2014 fire season, with 385 fires, $56.1 million in cost and impacts on about 3.4 million hectares of forest resource, warranted a thorough review to determine lessons learned and identify areas where improvements can be made to our fire operations policies, practices and procedures,” said Miltenberger.

Key lessons and areas for improvement were identified and grouped into six themes: public engagement, safety, human resources, fire management strategy/policy, operations, and procurement and financial resources. Task teams were established to provide further analysis and identify actions to be completed this year in the three priority areas of safety, public engagement and human resources.

The review resulted in 27 key actions and associated timelines the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) will follow to make on-going operation improvements and address lessons learned from the 2104 fire season.

“While we responded effectively to the challenges of a difficult fire season with no serious injuries or fatalities to firefighters, residents or visitors,” added the Minister, “we recognize the need to constantly improve our operations to meet our mandate of protection of human life, property, natural and cultural resources from wildfire.”

A copy of the 2014 Fire Season Review Report can be found here. 

Media inquiries:

Roya Grinsted
Cabinet Communications
Government of the NWT
Tel: 867-669-2308
Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (May 1, 2015) – Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) David Ramsay congratulates BBE Expediting Ltd. and Global Storm IT for being recognized with Frozen Globe Awards at the 2015 award gala held Thursday in Iqaluit. Annie Steen of BBE Expediting Ltd. in Yellowknife accepted the award for Best Aboriginal Business and Kirby Marshall of Global Storm IT took home the award for NWT Entrepreneur of the Year.

The Frozen Globes are presented annually by Up Here Magazine to businesses operating in the NWT, Nunavut and the Yukon.  The Government of the Northwest Territories Department of ITI is a major sponsor of the event.

“The North can be a challenging place to run a business, but each of you is proof that it is not only possible to run a business in the north; it is possible to create and operate  successful, highly-respected and award-winning businesses,” Minister Ramsay told nominees prior to presenting the NWT Entrepreneur of the Year award.

In total, 22 NWT businesses garnered 26 nominations for awards this year. Ten NWT businesses were finalists.

“The GNWT is working to create and support a climate in which NWT businesses can succeed,” Minister Ramsay says. “The prevailing theme of striving for business excellence fits with our commitment to provide quality programs and services that promote and support NWT residents and their businesses and contribute to a diversified economy and prosperous, self-reliant territory for all residents.”

In October 2014, the GNWT adopted the NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy focussed, in large part, on advancing supports for NWT businesses and developing a growing, stable and attractive entrepreneurial environment. The partnered development and implementation of this strategy reflects the 17th Assembly’s priority to strengthen and diversify the NWT economy.

Media inquiries:

Roya Grinsted
Communications Officer
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2308
Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca