Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform this Assembly that the Northwest Territories Business Development and Investment Corporation is establishing a new subsidiary in Ulukhaktok in partnership with the Ulukhaktok Artists’ Association.
Ulukhaktok has a longstanding tradition of excellence in the creation of arts and crafts, particularly in the area of print-making. The new subsidiary will build on the community’s existing skills by providing a facility for print-making, carving and the production of qiviut or muskox wool products and by marketing these items across Canada.
The BDIC is mandated to promote economic development and employment across the Northwest Territories, especially in the smaller communities. The subsidiary in Ulukhaktok will create two full-time positions and 60 part-time or seasonal positions in the community. For this community of 400 people, this represents a significant influx of employment.
When they met on January 31, 2008, to approve the establishment of this new subsidiary, the BDIC board of directors also appointed a board of five individuals to provide administrative leadership and guidance for the new subsidiary. They are Mr. Louie Nigiyok, from the Ulukhaktok Artist Association; Mr. Joseph Perry, also from the Ulukhaktok Artist Association; Mr. Merven Gruben, the BDIC board member from Tuktoyaktuk; Mr. Paul Komaromi, the BDIC board member from Inuvik; and Mr. Pawan Chugh, the Chief Executive Officer of the BDIC.
Mr. Speaker, as the Members of this 16th Legislative Assembly we have identified the goals and priorities that will guide our work over the next four years. One of our goals is “a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices,” We have placed a priority on supporting sustainable local economic sectors, such as arts and crafts, and on reducing disparities between communities and regions.
The new BDIC subsidiary in Ulukhaktok will make a significant contribution to a sustainable, diversified economy in that community and also in the Inuvik region.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the support that this initiative has received from the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and both the current and former Nunakput Members in this Assembly. It is their commitment, together with the work of staff at both the BDIC and the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, that have allowed this project to become a reality.
