Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The discovery of diamonds at Lac de Gras in 1991 marked the beginning of a new economic era for the Northwest Territories. Since then, the mining industry has become the backbone of our economy, creating over 2,600 direct jobs and an annual economic impact of over $750 million. However, we have not had a comprehensive plan in place to ensure we make the most of our mineral resources. Today I would like to talk to you about this government’s plan to develop a mineral development strategy.
First, I would like to mention that this is NWT Mining Week. We celebrate the substantial contribution this industry makes to our territory. On behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, I would like to thank the people whose efforts ensure the continued success of the mining industry and encourage everyone to take part in Mining Week activities put on by the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines.
Mineral exploration and development has driven our NWT economy and offered unprecedented opportunities for investment, employment and business development. This has been especially true for our northern Aboriginal community. Our approach, to date, has been to maximize the benefits of our resource development by building business capacity in our communities, corporations and businesses.
We are also investing in the education and skill development of our youth who will eventually empower and guide its growth. We have had success in these areas, but there needs to be a long-term plan. Our vision is to realize, responsibly and sustainably, the full potential of our rich resource base and use it to ensure lasting prosperity for NWT residents and their communities.
A mineral development strategy will allow us to do this and will guide decision-making for development of this resource into the future.
This mineral initiative complements our work on a comprehensive sustainable economic development strategy. And, like the work we are completing on that project, this strategy will be a collaborative effort. We will work in partnership with the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada to develop this strategy, with the GNWT as the lead.
The next step towards realizing this mineral development strategy is the development of a discussion paper and project charter that will set the stage for full regional and stakeholder engagement.
Throughout the process, we will be seeking input from Members of this Legislative Assembly. The collaborative approach that we have identified will also incorporate input from Aboriginal governments, communities, industry, small businesses and NWT residents to ensure its long-term success.
This extensive engagement process will ensure that all voices are heard and will result in a strategy and action plan that reflects the needs and potential of all regions of our territory, one that is responsive as economic circumstances change and which meets the standards set by the GNWT’s sustainable development policies.
Through the comprehensive communications plan that will accompany our work, we will increase awareness of the value and importance of mineral development in the NWT and greater understanding and support for effective, planned and responsible mineral development projects.
Moreover, the development of a mineral development strategy will send a clear signal of the value we place on our mining sector. It will demonstrate certainty and stability during this time of devolution negotiations and transition, and it will serve to increase industry confidence as well as exploration expenditures in our region.
The mineral development sector employs hundreds of NWT residents and results in more than half a billion dollars in annual purchases from NWT businesses. The work that we are doing to create this mineral development strategy will build on this success.
It will ensure that mineral exploration and mining industries have the opportunity to provide sustainable economic investment, activity and employment in the NWT for many years to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The honourable Minister of Human Resources, Mr. Abernethy.
