Northwest Territories News

YELLOWKNIFE (December 11, 2014) – Traffic is flowing safely and reliably across both Dempster Highway ice crossings. This is the first year highway service to the Beaufort-Delta region has been interrupted for only a short time during freeze-up.

“For the first time ever, we have provided near-continuous highway service to Inuvik during freeze-up,” said Minister of Transportation Tom Beaulieu. “We operated both ferries 24 hours a day while constructing the ice bridges. This investment significantly increased access to the region. It lowered the cost of living, improved mobility and provided more secure energy resupply to the Beaufort-Delta during what has always been a time when reliable highway access was not possible.”

The bridges are now at a capacity to serve commercial traffic and bring cargo to and from local communities. The department is continuing the work that will bring them to their maximum load capacity.

Ice bridges are vital connections linking northerners to each other and delivering essential freight. In previous years, the Dempster Highway was closed while ice crossings were built over the Peel and Mackenzie Rivers. These closures lasted up to 28 days for light traffic and 41 days for heavy traffic. This winter, the highway was closed for eight days while ice channels were cut. The ferries then operated 24 hours per day in the channels while ice bridges were built nearby. The GNWT used a similar process at the Highway 3 crossing at Fort Providence in the last few years before the Deh Cho Bridge was opened.

Investments in transportation infrastructure support the priorities of the 17th Legislative Assembly by connecting northerners to each other and increasing their well-being and prosperity. Northerners, industry and tourists depend on ice crossings to move around safely, securely and reliably. Improved highway access to communities strengthens and diversifies the NWT economy, making northern businesses more competitive and lowering the cost of living.

Media inquiries:

Megan Holsapple
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
Department of Transportation
Tel: (867) 873-7712
Email: megan_holsapple@gov.nt.ca

YELLOWKNIFE (December 9, 2015) – The Department of Health and Social Services’ annual Drop the Pop campaign will soon begin in schools across the NWT.

This is the 10th year of the pan-territorial campaign, which is part of the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) commitment to support Healthy Choices. Schools across the North that participated last year were eligible to be acknowledged with a cash award for their efforts to promote healthy eating and healthy lifestyles.

A total of 15 NWT schools are being recognized as winners for their activities from the 2014 campaign. The theme for last year was Healthy, Traditional Drinks. Schools were asked to choose healthy beverages, such as teas and broths made from traditional, natural sources.  There were many wonderful examples of activities on this theme sent in by the schools. The winning schools will share a total of $16,000 in cash prizes. List of winning schools

“Congratulations to all the winners as well as everyone who participates in the campaign every year,” said Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy. “Prevention and education, starting with our children, are the best ways to help create healthy, supportive environments for our schools, families and communities and deliver on the Legislative Assembly’s goal of healthy, educated people.”

These awards kick off the 2014-2015 Drop the Pop campaign, which will celebrate its 10th year by revisiting a past theme, Water, Right from the Tap!, as a way to promote the best, most traditional drink in the north.

The Department of Health and Social Services works closely with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment to provide health promotion and prevention initiatives that encourage healthy eating.

Sugary drink consumption – including pop and energy drinks – is very high in the NWT.  Too much sugar leads to high rates of dental diseases such as cavities.  Drinking too many sugary drinks also leads to childhood obesity.

For more information, visit the Drop the Pop website at www.dropthepopnwt.ca, the Health and Social Services website at www.hss.gov.nt.ca or the Healthy Choices website at www.choosenwt.com

The Healthy Choices Framework is the GNWT’s initiative to encourage NWT residents to make the right choices to protect their health, safety and well-being.  Healthy Eating is one of the pillars of the Framework intended to help meet the priority of the 17th Assembly to ensure a fair and sustainable health care system by investing in prevention, education, and awareness.

For more information contact:

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

YELLOWKNIFE (November 5, 2014) – More than 100 delegates from across the Northwest Territories came together in Yellowknife over the past two days to hammer out an action plan to combat poverty in the NWT.

Participants in the Second Annual Northwest Territories Anti-Poverty Roundtable included representatives from community organizations, Aboriginal and community governments, non-government organizations and the private sector, representing every region of the NWT.  The event was hosted by the Department of Health and Social Services.

Minister of Health and Social Services Glen Abernethy, who also chairs the Social Envelope Committee of Cabinet, said that the purpose of the roundtable was to develop a territorial, multi-stakeholder action plan to combat poverty.  “Government is part of the solution but government can’t be the entire solution – we can beat poverty by creating partnerships, creating relationships and working together.”  Discussions at the session built on work initiated at a roundtable held in November 2013, following the publication of Building on the Strengths of Northerners:  A Strategic Framework toward the Elimination of Poverty in the NWT.

MLA Alfred Moses, Chair of the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Social Programs, congratulated the gathering for a productive two days.  “With the passion and energy in the room, the expertise of people who have done great things in their communities and the attention of the leadership who are listening, we can make great progress.”

Meeting Co-Chair Jim Antoine noted that an important theme was the sense of partnership, collaboration and cooperation.  Common themes that emerged from the discussion focused on homelessness, food security, the need for on-the-land programs, early childhood and wellness.  The commitments to action from the group will be incorporated into a draft territorial action plan document early in 2015.

The meeting began with a tribute to Chief Minnie Letcher of the Liidlii Kue First Nation in Fort Simpson, who served as co-chair of the Minister’s Anti-Poverty Advisory Committee until her unexpected death last month.

Media inquiries:

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

YELLOWKNIFE (December 4, 2014) – Seven Northwest Territories residents were recently certified to deliver the FirstHost Tourism Program to those working in the territory’s emerging Aboriginal tourism sector.

Developed by the Native Education College in British Columbia and modified by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) for delivery in the NWT, the training program focused on developing front-line skills and techniques to enhance customer service excellence and celebrate Aboriginal culture.

Janet Kanoyuk from Ulukhaktok; Gerry Antoine, Fort Simpson; Rachenda Weyallon, Behchoko; Pearl Leishman, Fort Providence; Kayley Mackay and Be’sha Blondin, Yellowknife; and Bryanna Modeste, Délįnę; completed the  training session held for the first time last month in Yellowknife.

“Congratulations to all participants who received the certification,” said ITI Minister David Ramsay.  “Our industry needs trained hosts who understand how to deliver this product in a manner that both promotes and respects the integrity of the cultures and traditions that we are sharing. Increasing capacity in this area will help our government deliver on its commitment to growing a diversified economy that provides opportunities for residents in all regions and communities.”

ITI is open to invitations from communities who are interested in hosting the program.

Investments in tourism training reflect the ongoing implementation of the NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy identified by the 17th Assembly to fulfil its priority of strengthening and diversifying the economy.

Media inquiries:

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

YELLOWKNIFE (December 3, 2014) – A new book documents the history of the Mackenzie River, the people of the region and the crossing at Fort Providence.

Bridging the Dehcho explores the ancient history of the region and describes the arrival of Sir Alexander Mackenzie, the fur traders and missionaries. It describes the construction of the Mackenzie Highway and tells the stories of the crews who built the ice bridge and ran the ferries for over 50 years before the Deh Cho Bridge was opened. The book also documents the evolution and construction of the bridge project and paints a portrait of the community of Fort Providence.

“The Mackenzie River and the people in the region surrounding the Deh Cho are important parts of our heritage,” said Minister of Transportation Tom Beaulieu. “Long before highways were built through the NWT, the river provided a critical connection for cultural and economic activities. We carry on that tradition today and we tell the stories of those who worked along the crossing.”

The 92-page, full-colour hardcover book has been over three years in the making, with principal photography and writing by Yellowknife author Bill Braden. It was commissioned and published by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT).

“It’s a story that anyone who has ever sailed on the ferries or driven the ice bridge will enjoy,” said Braden. “It was part of the way we lived for over 50 years. And now with the completion of the bridge, it’s a book the visitor will also enjoy.”

Strategic investments in the Deh Cho Bridge and other transportation infrastructure support economic growth and improve GNWT services in communities. Since it opened on November 29, 2012, the Deh Cho Bridge has provided year-round access to the territory’s capital, strengthening northerners’ connections to each other and the rest of Canada.

Bridging the Dehcho will be for sale at several retail outlets. Braden will be signing the book on December 3 in Fort Providence and on December 6-7 at the Northern Frontier Visitors Centre and Book Cellar in Yellowknife.

Media inquiries:

Megan Holsapple
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
Department of Transportation
Tel: (867) 873-7712
Email: megan_holsapple@gov.nt.ca

Bill Braden
Tel: (867) 445-8953
Email: billbradenphoto@gmail.com

Yellowknife (November 28, 2014) – The new Wildlife Act for the Northwest Territories (NWT) comes into force today.

The new Act provides the tools needed to manage and conserve wildlife for the benefit of current and future generations in the NWT and reflects the interests of all residents of the NWT.

“This new legislation is the result of a collaborative process between our government, wildlife co-management boards, Aboriginal governments and extensive consultation and public engagement,” said Environment and Natural Resources Minister J. Michael Miltenberger. “It promotes cooperative and collaborative working relationships for effective wildlife management at the local, regional and territorial levels and recognizes Aboriginal and treaty rights and the rights contained in land claim and self-government agreements.”

Regulations needed to implement the new Wildlife Act are being developed in three phases using the same collaborative process.  Phase one regulations, which deal with immediate changes required to bring the legislation into place and ensure people can continue to harvest and use wildlife in a safe and sustainable manner, have been completed.

Work on phase two of the regulations will begin in the next few weeks.  These regulations will address changes needed to implement some of the new concepts in the Act, such as requiring developers to have wildlife management and monitoring plans and requirements for harvest reporting and harvester training.

Phase three will be ongoing and will deal with new regulations, as required.

A copy of the new Wildlife Act for the NWT can be found on-line at: http://www.justice.gov.nt.ca/pdf/ACTS/Wildlife.pdf.

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

YELLOWKNIFE (November 27, 2014) – I was saddened to hear of the Yukon’s Alex Van Bibber passing away.  Van Bibber was known all across the north and, up until he was 96, was an outfitter, miner, residential school survivor and honoured veteran. He continued to promote a responsible and thriving trapping industry in the north by teaching northerners how to use more humane trapping methods and the importance of protecting wildlife habitats.

Alex Van Bibber traveled all across the north and at one time he ended up taking a 500-mile trek breaking trail through the Mackenzie Mountains for the American army to what would become Norman Wells and the Canol Oil Pipeline project. Van Bibber kept a small vial of the first crude oil to arrive in Whitehorse from Norman Wells which he later donated to the Yukon Transportation Museum.

A firm believer in passing down his indigenous knowledge, Alex Van Bibber taught youth about the outdoors and worked as a trapping instructor for the Yukon government for 37 years. He was one of the founding members of the Yukon Outfitters Association and he took great pride in his Clay Pugh Memorial Award for Sportsman of the Year from the Yukon Fish and Game Association in recognition of his work with the youth of the Yukon.

It is said that Alex Van Bibber believed that the outdoors, fresh air, lots of exercise and a good night’s sleep is what keep him active as a trapper and hunter. In his words, “I’m a full time trapper and trapping instructor. I tell my students that I’ve been trapping since I could bend over and put my snowshoes on and I’ll be trapping until I can’t bend over and put the snowshoes on.”

I met and worked with Alex when I was on the board of the Fur Institute of Canada. His contributions during Canada’s negotiations with the USA, Russia and European Union on humane trapping standards were invaluable. The north has lost a man of many talents but most of all we’ve lost a man, that for most of us signifies what the north once was and what we hope it will continue to be, a place where, with hard work and self-sufficiency, a man can make his mark. My deepest condolences to the Van Bibber family and to the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations on their loss.

Distinguished guests, Chiefs, honoured colleagues, thank you for the invitation to join you today.  It is an exciting time in Canada’s oil and gas sector and in particular, in the Northwest Territories.  I am honoured to be here representing Government of the Northwest Territories and participating in this panel.

Building capacity to ensure our residents and communities are prepared for development and the effects of that is a major priority for our government.

Experience has shown us that when development occurs, having the capacity to deal with this and make the most of it – is crucial. And more importantly, our people, communities and businesses must be positioned to seize the opportunities that will come.

To set the stage before our panel discussion, I would like to take the few minutes I have to give you some background on the North’s tremendous petroleum potential and the importance of responsible development. Then I would like to highlight the partnership approach our government has taken with our Aboriginal partners and communities that is central to successful development, and also share some of our government’s strategic initiatives that we are undertaking to help build capacity. 

I just want to take a moment to note the major governance change for the Government of the Northwest Territories that just recently took effect – and what that means for resource development. On April 1st of this year, our territorial government took over administrative control and management of public lands, resources and waters from the Government of Canada.  This transfer of authorities is referred to as ‘Devolution’ and essentially means that we now have the authority for managing the land and environment, and to manage our natural resources effectively and efficiently for the benefit of our residents – all according to Northern needs and priorities.

A portion of resource revenues will now flow directly to the
Government of the Northwest Territories. Our government has committed to share up to 25% of its resource revenues with Aboriginal governments who are signatories to the Devolution agreement – this is an unprecedented sharing arrangement in Canada.

Devolution gives us the necessary tools and authorities to develop the territory’s significant natural resource potential in a responsible way and to promote investment and economic development. We can also focus on building and strengthening the capacity our territory so desperately needs to make the most of our resource potential.

One thing is certain at this time in our political evolution:  our government will continue to work with industry, the regulatory authorities and Aboriginal governments to help ensure the successful, long-term development of our Arctic reserves.

These resource reserves have helped our economy, our people, and our communities grow and prosper. Though small in population, the Northwest Territories is a potential energy giant.  Just yesterday, the National Energy Board released an Assessment of Discovered Conventional Petroleum Resources in the Northwest Territories and Beaufort Sea and the results are encouraging.  The overall resources assessment for our territory is larger than previously thought and our natural gas estimates are up 40 percent over previous National Energy Board assessments.

We are home to world-class oil and gas reserves in the Dehcho, Central Mackenzie, Mackenzie Delta and Beaufort Sea. Our territory is sitting on 80 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and seven billion barrels of oil.

The potential undiscovered nearshore reserves in the Mackenzie Delta include an additional 10.5 billion barrels of oil, 87 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, and 4 billion barrels of natural gas liquids.

What is really drawing attention is our untapped petroleum reserves.  Estimates conclude that Canada’s Arctic contains one-fifth of the world’s untapped oil and gas reserves.  The United States Geological Survey estimates that the area north of the Arctic Circle has an estimated 90 billion barrels of undiscovered recoverable oil, 1,670 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas and 44 billion barrels of recoverable natural gas liquids in 25 geologically defined areas thought to have potential for petroleum.

Our untapped energy resources is a large reason why we are experiencing a renewed interest in the Arctic and in Canada’s North.

However, these resource reserves will remain untapped without the proper capacity to responsibly and sustainably develop them.

Our territory is resource rich – but as you all know, without the right capacity – transportation capacity, human resource capacity, business capacity – resource development cannot happen.

Let’s take transportation capacity. We know a comprehensive transportation network is needed to better connect our communities and provide easier access for resource companies. We are working with the Federal government to ensure our territory is connected from coast to coast.

For instance, the second construction season of the Inuvik-to-Tuktoyaktuk Highway is well underway, with as many as 600 people back at work at the peak of construction – 70 per cent of whom are Northwest Territories residents.

The new highway is the most northern section of the envisioned Mackenzie Valley Highway, which will eventually connect Canada’s road network from coast to coast to coast. When this road is built, it will decrease the cost of living by enabling goods to be shipped to communities year-round by road, increase opportunities for business development, reduce the cost of onshore oil and gas exploration, and strengthen Canada’s sovereignty in the North.

Although the capacity for improved transportation infrastructure is very much on our radar, so too is building of our labour force capacity.

Enhancing resident training, education and skill levels to meet industry employment standards are priorities we are always looking to do more of, and to do it better.

A key way we do this is our emphasis on collaboration. We operate under a consensus government system, and this approach to working together translates to how we work with industry, communities, and Aboriginal governments and groups to create effective programs, services and initiatives that are made-in-the-North and will benefit our economy and its people.

Gathering input at the community level is of paramount importance to hear from residents what they need. Our government just completed a community Needs Assessment. We canvassed our communities to identify the employment potential.  We consulted with local governments and businesses to identify the challenges before us to prepare our people to qualify for jobs.  We are working in partnership to ensure capacity building starts from the ground up.

Another example of how we are collaborating with Aboriginal governments is through the Intergovernmental Council.  This Council provides mechanisms for cooperation with respect to the management of lands and resources in the territory.

It also explores ways for parties on the Council to harmonize their respective land and resource management practices, share capacity, and avoid duplication.

Another effective partnership model is the Sahtu Partnership.  This working group was created in 2012 and provides the Aboriginal parties, the federal and territorial governments, and industry, with an opportunity to examine and discuss potential impacts and benefits associated with unconventional oil and gas development, including hydraulic fracturing.

Collaboration is the name of the game in the Northwest Territories.  You cannot build capacity without it.  As a government, we have some strategic initiatives in the works to increase and enhance capacity. A major key to building capacity at the community level is our territorial Economic Opportunities Strategy, released just last year.

History tells us that when we look for common solutions to existing challenges, we benefit from collective insights and wisdom.   As we developed this Strategy, we drew in the expertise and experience from Aboriginal business, community representatives, and regional and territorial organizations to create a solid plan to expand and diversify our economy for the next three years.  We will be following a similar approach this year as we embark on the development of an Oil and Gas Strategy that reflects northern values and northern perspectives.

This collaborative approach used to develop both of these strategies will help to ensure that our people and communities have the capacity to handle increased resource development activity.  And it will help to ensure that we are able to respond to the needs of residents and businesses when this development happens.

Our efforts to build capacity are paying off.  For example, the number of Aboriginal-owned businesses in Tulita – a small town in the Sahtu Region of the territory where exploration companies have been active for the past several years – rose from six businesses in 2010 to 34 in 2014. We are also seeing an increase in the number of residents enrolling in the GNWT’s Apprenticeship Program, with impressive results.

Over the last ten years, registration in apprenticeships increased by 21 percent.  Moreover, our apprenticeship completion rates are higher and completion times are faster than the rest of country.

These are some examples of how our government is building capacity at the community, regional and territorial level.  They fall into three major areas of focus, or ‘The Three C’s’: Collaboration, Community-level consultation, and Consensus. We will continue to work with our Aboriginal partners, industry, the public and private sector, and our residents to ensure we have the capacity to make the most of the opportunities that responsible resource development will bring to the Northwest Territories.

Thank you and I look forward to our panel discussion this morning and welcome any questions you may have.

YELLOWKNIFE (November 27) – The Government of the Northwest Territories welcomes Diavik’s announcement yesterday that they are proceeding with the development of pipe A21.

Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay noted that the project will bring benefits to local communities that will translate into economic opportunities for residents and businesses across the Northwest Territories.

“Mining is one of the key drivers of our economy, and this announcement reflects Diavik’s belief in the long-term prospects for the Northwest Territories diamond industry and their commitment to continued sustainable growth in the sector,’ said Minister Ramsay. “Diavik has a strong history of ensuring local communities benefit from development and we are pleased with the focus on creating local employment and business benefits through the development of pipe A21.”

Diavik Diamond Mine

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

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

(Check against delivery)

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