David Ramsay

We’re in the initial phase today. We want to ensure that we get the best strategy that we can and, much like the Mineral Development Strategy, the Economic Opportunities Strategy, an Oil and Gas Strategy has to be done in collaboration with industry, communities, Aboriginal governments, and we are going to set that up. My hope is that the Oil and Gas Strategy will be complete by the end of the life of the 17th Assembly. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that on Monday, November 3, 2014, I will move that Bill 38, An Act to Amend the Jury Act, be read for the first time. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, whether it’s agriculture... I know the Member is the chair of the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure. We’ve had a great deal of success in agriculture. We think we can do a lot more there. So, we’re poised to do some big things in agriculture.

On the tourism side, I just read a statement in the House earlier this week, talking about tourism numbers being up. The fact that we have put more marketing into our efforts in places like China is paying off, and we continue to see our numbers increase there. Also, the investment that we are making in the...

Mr. Speaker, each region in the Northwest Territories is going to get the required help and assistance. Of course, we do have that available. We do have regional offices around the Northwest Territories that are ready, willing and able to help communities and help regions develop plans. Our goal is to do just that. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too want to recognize some visitors in the gallery today. From YK1, I know we have Al Shortt. I think Ms. Bisaro referred to him as Al Cook, but it’s Al Shortt. Heather Clarke, as well, welcome. I also want to recognize Chief Leonard Kenny from Deline, Danny Gaudet from Deline, also Ed Sangris, chief of the Yellowknives Dene, and also David Wasylciw who is with us today as well. Welcome to all the visitors in the gallery today.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document, entitled “Annual Report on the Activities of the Rental Office, April 1, 2013, to March 31, 2014.” Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, that was the genesis of the whole Economic Opportunities Strategy, was to get that grassroots look, to build partnerships around the Northwest Territories. We have the Northern Aboriginal Business Association; we have the Chamber of Commerce; we’ve talked to communities; we’ve talked to the public. All of that work went into the development of the Economic Opportunities Strategy, and the implementation plan you see today reflects all of that good work that we put in the early days of developing the strategy that the Member talks of.

That work was done. That’s why we believe...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t have the detail the Member is requesting on what is going into each region. I do have figures on what the government is spending on the Economic Opportunities Strategy this year. It is just about $2.5 million. Last year it was $1.5 million. But for the detail, I can get that to the Member. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, wild fur from the NWT, branded and sold under our Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur label, is world-renowned for its high quality and obtains top prices at auction. Our trappers are experts in proper fur handling and preparation and have earned a reputation as some of the best in their trade. 

I would like to congratulate the recipients of this year’s Trappers Awards. These awards include four categories: highest sales, most pelts, and the senior and junior trappers of the year. I would like to recognize the talents of the trappers who received the awards for the highest number of pelts...

The department and the North Slave Correctional Centre are making every effort to fill this position. Thank you.