Hay River South

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 72)

The intent is to definitely keep the visitors' centre in operation going forward. This is a file that involves not just the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment and the Northern Frontier Visitors' Centre; it also involves the City of Yellowknife, who plays a big part and who is the biggest beneficiary of the centre. As I have said, we were going to sit down and work with them. Hopefully, the Northern Frontier Visitors' Centre can work with us and identify a delivery model that meets the needs of visitors over the long term for the City of Yellowknife and residents of the Northwest...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 72)

Mr. Speaker, as residents considering their future, our economy is top of mind. As both a promoter and contributor to the NWT economy, our government is working to spark economic growth across all sectors and to foster an environment in which companies and individuals feel confident investing in northern opportunities and jobs. Our agenda for economic development is threefold: we are working to responsibly unlock the potential of our non-renewable resources in a way that will both power and sustain the economic future of our territory and its communities; we are supporting companies and...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 72)

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to waive Rule 74(2) and have Bill 26, An Act to Amend the Revolving Funds Act, No. 2, moved into Committee of the Whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Unanimous consent granted

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 72)

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following two documents entitled "NWT Mineral Development Strategy Annual Report for 2015-2016" and "2017-2018 Corporate Plan NWT Business Development and Investment Corporation."

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 72)

As I have said, we want to identify a model that meets the needs of the visitors over the long term, for the residents of Yellowknife and the tourism sector that comes to the Northwest Territories. We are open to all ideas and considerations moving forward, and we will look at anything that is proposed to us.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 72)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As this House is well aware, the Northern Frontier Visitors' Centre had to be shut down due to structural issues with their building. We have met with them, along with the City of Yellowknife, to have discussions. A short-term fix to this situation, agreed upon by all parties, is to move into the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, which is going to be taking place today and tomorrow. The visitors' centre will be open on June 1st of this month. That is a short-term solution. Moving forward in the long term, we will be sitting down with the City of Yellowknife and...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 71)

This is the first I've heard of this situation. I want to sit down with the Member after session today and get the details on it. I believe 15 months definitely is too long to hear back on an issue.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 71)

As I said last week in this House, I think we anticipate the launching of the ferries in a timely manner, as it normally is the first or second week of June. Like I say, we are doing some painting. We are doing inspections. We are doing some maintenance on the vessels. I do not know if the loaders and stuff are out fixing the approaches right now, as they could be soft still from the water levels just recently receding. I can check into it and update the Member.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 71)

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories made a commitment in its mandate to capture opportunities by securing funding for three new transportation corridors. Investing in the Tlicho All-Season Road, Slave Geological Province Access Corridor, and the Mackenzie Valley Highway will support sustainable communities while strengthening our economy. Each project will create significant job and training opportunities, helping develop our northern workforce. As more communities are connected to the highway system, essential goods and materials can be delivered more effectively, and the...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 71)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, we've heard certain challenges from certain people in the manufacturing sector in the Northwest Territories. That's why we're coming forward with a manufacturer's strategy and, in the life of this government, we will address those in particular. As I've said, we have a very robust procurement system in the Northwest Territories; probably better than any province or territory in Canada. We will continue going down that road to help northern businesses meet the procurement to the Government of the Northwest Territories.