David Ramsay

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document, entitled Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Motion 4-17(4), Federal Support for Sahtu Jobs and Economic Growth. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following three documents, entitled “Resource Exploration in the Sahtu Settlement Area: Opportunities and Challenges, May 2013,” “Growing Forward: Small Scale Foods Program 2012 Annual Report,” and the “Take a Kid Trapping and Harvesting Report, 2011-2012.” I would also like to table the following document, entitled “Corridors for Canada III: Building for Prosperity, June 2012.” Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Some of these recommendations include considerations and recommendations about legally enforceable mine reclamation and ensuring security policies are in place. Those are in the panel’s report as well.

I’m not sure if the Member had a chance to go over all those recommendations in there, but we believe this is just the beginning. It’s the beginning of the Northwest Territories getting out, seeking that investment in our territory. We have to get more investment, more exploration dollars here in the Northwest Territories so that companies can come here, find the next mines so that we can employ...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We want to open new mines here in the Northwest Territories. We have the resources here in the NWT and I know I’ve mentioned it numerous times in speeches I’ve given. I know the Premier mentioned it in a speech he gave yesterday. We’re not going to develop our resources at any cost and I think that has to be said again, Mr. Speaker. It has to be done in a sustainable, environmentally friendly fashion. We’re going to forge ahead. We haven’t opened a new mine, outside of a diamond mine, in the Northwest Territories for almost a quarter of a century and we’re out to try to...

Mr. Speaker, achieving our government’s vision of a strong, prosperous territory requires that adequate supporting infrastructure, such as the transportation system, is in place to effectively link communities to opportunities for social growth and economic prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, in March 2013, Canada announced details of its new infrastructure investment strategy under Canada’s Economic Action Plan. This new federal funding program includes a new Building Canada Fund, with $14 billion investments allocated over the next 10 years.

This new fund will provide our territory with an opportunity...

Again, in the Northwest Territories, we have not opened a mine, outside of a diamond mine, in almost a quarter of a century. We have to change that. We’ve got the resources here. We need the jobs for the people here in the Northwest Territories. It makes sense to develop our resources. This is an effort to get the investment back here, to have the exploration dollars come back here so we can find some more mines and open some more mines so we can get jobs and opportunities for people and local businesses here in the Northwest Territories. We are going to do that and we will continue our...

One of the main pillars of the panel’s report was sustainability and we’re certainly going to work toward that. I agree with the Member that we’re going to have to try to get more benefits for people who live here in the Northwest Territories. When we look at resource development here and specifically mining, I can point directly to the Member’s riding and the success of some companies. The Deton’ Cho run companies that have had a great deal of success from mining here in the Northwest Territories. We believe there are many more opportunities out there. We are going to continue down the path...

Mr. Speaker, the oil and gas activity in the Sahtu Region has the potential to grow and diversify the Northwest Territories economy, a key priority of this government. In the last few years, this potential has created many opportunities and challenges for the people, businesses, and industry working in the area.

We want to make sure development continues in a timely yet environmentally sustainable way, and that local residents and businesses benefit. Later today, at the appropriate time, I will be tabling the Resource Exploration in the Sahtu Settlement Area: Opportunities and Challenges...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize all the distinguished guests, the chiefs and others that we have in the gallery today. I wanted to specifically recognize Ms. Kathy Gray, president of the Northwest Territories Chamber of Commerce, and executive director Mr. Mike Bradshaw for all the work that they helped in contributing to the Economic Opportunities Strategy

As well, I wanted to thank the devolution team, Martin Goldney, Penny Ballantyne and the rest of the staff that have put in such a great effort in getting us the deal that we’ve got. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I am certainly honoured to speak in support of this historic motion in the House today.

This government is committed to creating jobs and economic opportunities for the people of the Northwest Territories. We want a strong, diversified economy that creates long-term sustainable prosperity for our residents. Devolution will finally give this government, those of us gathered in the Chamber here today and the many governments that come after us, the tools and authorities to make that happen.

Our natural resources are the source of our wealth and prosperity. We have...