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Minister Speeches (Archive)
Speech Archives: 16th Legislative Assembly - Hon. Bob McLeod, Minister Return to Current
Minister McLeod speaks about “Today’s Vision, Tomorrow’s Prosperity” at the Northern Aboriginal Business Association Conference
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Wednesday, October 12, 2011)
“As northerners we are resilient and we are resourceful, and we have to be. Our future is not an easy one to secure but with the right vision we can not only secure our future, we can bring prosperity and opportunities to our entire territory .” read more
Minister McLeod welcomes attendees to the signing of the Prairie Creek Socio-Economic Agreement
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Monday, August 22, 2011)
“I believe that the signing of this Agreement is an important step toward accomplishing sustainable economic development in the Dehcho. The Prairie Creek Mine will be the first industrial project in this region in many years and we congratulate all those involved for their commitment and vision to a sustainable economic future for the people of the Dehcho.” read more
Minister McLeod speaks on New Era in the NWT Mining Industry at PNWER Annual Summit
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Thursday, July 21, 2011)
“I want to speak to you today about current mineral exploration and mining climate in the Northwest Territories, how we got to where we are, and the incredible potential that I believe our PNWER partners are well positioned to benefit from.” read more
Minister McLeod welcomes attendees to ArtsEnergy reception
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Thursday, July 14, 2011)
“I am pleased to see the excitement and energy here tonight. We need energetic and devoted people like you to engage the community, build partnerships, and to help bring our artistic visions to fruition. ” read more
Minister McLeod speaks to delegates at Inuvik Petroleum Show
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Tuesday, June 14, 2011)
“Today I will speak about three important aspects of the Mackenzie Gas Project: the recent endorsement of the National Energy Board; the importance of key partnerships between different levels of government and private industry; and the impact the Mackenzie Gas Project will have not only on the north, but on the world's energy supply.” read more
Minister McLeod speaks at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Tuesday, May 3, 2011)
“My job this morning is to speak about the extensive oil and natural gas reserves in the Northwest Territories, the need for a clean, secure form of natural gas, and our plans to bring this gas to the North American market.” read more
Minister McLeod speaks to attendees at the NWT Chamber of Commerce AGM
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Tuesday, April 19, 2011)
"The past few years have been a challenging time for business. The Northwest Territories did not emerge unscathed from the global economic recession. But Northwest Territories business owners are resilient people and I am encouraged by the growth I have seen this past year." read more
Minister McLeod discusses economic potential of the NWT at the Arctic Gas Symposium in Calgary
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Wednesday, March 2, 2011)
"It is wonderful to see important players in the oil and gas industry and northern communities come together. This Symposium provides a great platform to discuss opportunities and challenges in North American Arctic Gas development." read more
Minister McLeod speaks at the CDETNO Territorial Awards Gala
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Saturday, January 29, 2011)
"ITI Minister McLeod spoke to attendees at the CDETNO Territorial Awards Gala about the important contributions Francophones make to NWT businesses." read more
Minister McLeod speaks at the 9th Annual Aboriginal Oil and Gas Forum
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Tuesday, Dec 7, 2010)
"ITI Minister McLeod spoke to attendees at the 9th Annual Aboriginal Oil and Gas Forum about the positive impact Aboriginal equity partnerships are having in the NWT." read more
Minister McLeod recognizes economic impact of Community Futures organizations
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Wednesday, Dec 1, 2010)
"ITI Minister McLeod spoke to attendees at the Akaitcho Business Development Corporation AGM about the great work they do in supporting small businesses in the territory." read more
Minister McLeod highlights new opportunities at NWT Tourism AGM
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Tuesday, Nov 25, 2010)
"ITI Minister McLeod spoke to delegates at the NWT Tourism AGM and Conference about emerging opportunities for the industry." read more
Minister McLeod provides opening remarks at NWT Tourism AGM
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Tuesday, Nov 25, 2010)
"ITI Minister McLeod highlighted the GNWT's commitment and investment to the tourism industry at the opening of the NWT Tourism AGM and Conference." read more
Minister McLeod addresses attendees as 2010 Yellowknife Geoscience Forum about the importance of the Mining industry
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Tuesday, Nov 16, 2010)
"In a video address delivered to attendees at the 2010 Yellowknife Geoscience Forum, ITI Minister Bob McLeod spoke about the importance of geosciences to the mining industry." read more
Minister McLeod lauds the contribution of Northern Economic Development Practitioners at conference
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010)
"ITI Minister Bob McLeod spoke to attendees at the 2010 Northern Economic Development Practitioners Conference about the contribution they make to a diversified and sustainable NWT economy." read more
ITI Minister McLeod delivers message on GNWT support for businesses at 2010 Prospects North
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Tuesday, Oct 5, 2010)
"ITI Minister Bob McLeod spoke to attendees at the 2010 Prospects North conference about GNWT support for NWT businesses and the importance of working together for a prosperous economic future." read more
ITI Minister discusses the NWT's energy priorities at 2010 World Energy Congress
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Wednesday, Sept 16, 2010)
"Industry, Tourism and Investment Minister Bob McLeod talked about the NWT's energy priorities during a roundtable session with Canada's energy ministers at the 2010 World Energy Congress in Montreal." read more
Minister Bob McLeod promotes the NWT’s hydrocarbon potential at the World Energy Congress
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Wednesday, Sept 15, 2010)
"Industry, Tourism and Investment Minister Bob McLeod spoke to attendees of the 2010 World Energy Congress on September 14, 2010 about the NWT’s hydrocarbon potential and what to happen for that potential to be realized..." read more
Minister Speaks to Attendees of 2010 Inuvik Petroleum Show
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Wednesday, June 23, 2010)
"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. It's a pleasure to be in Inuvik today and it's a pleasure to be at the Inuvik Petroleum Show as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Once again, the Town of Inuvik and its staff have done a fantastic job putting on this event ─ keeping us informed, keeping us entertained, and extending to us once again that warm Inuvik hospitality we've come to expect from this town..." read more
Minister Speaks to House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Thursday, June 17, 2010)
"Thank you, Mr. Chairman and committee members for giving the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) the opportunity to appear before you and speak about its perspectives on an issue that is on the minds of so many Canadians these days ─ emergency responses to drilling for oil and natural gas in the offshore..." read more
Minister Speaks to American Gas Association in Washington
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Monday, June 14, 2010)
"Today I am going to talk about something ─ the Mackenzie Gas Project ─ that fills residents of the Northwest Territories with hope and optimism. It is also a project that holds much promise, not just for our region, but for the North American continent..." read more
Minister Celebrates the Expansion of Trout Rock Lodge
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Friday, June 11, 2010)
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for the opportunity to say a few words today at Enodah Wilderness Travel's grand opening on its expanded and modernized Trout Lake Lodge. As we can all see, the North Arm of Great Slave Lake is a spectacular location and I am assured by owners Ragnar and Doreen..." read more
Minister McLeod Speaks to Attendees at 2010 Start Your Engines Conference
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Tuesday, May 18, 2010)
"Ladies and gentlemen, moving goods, materials and people has always been a challenge in our territory. Our land is vast. Our climate is sometimes harsh. Our population is small and spread out. But thanks to the resourcefulness of our people, we have always found a way to get the job done..." read more
Minister McLeod Speaks at Canadian OTC Press Conference in Houston
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Tuesday, May 4, 2010)
"The project presents this continent with a unique opportunity. If approved and built, it would provide North America with a secure supply of gas and provide needed jobs. It would also represent a new way of doing business with the Aboriginal people who call the Northwest Territories home, as they are one-third owners in the project..." read more
Minister Speaks on Mackenzie Gas Project at 2010 Offshore Technology Conference
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Monday, May 3, 2010)
"My job this morning is to talk to you about the Mackenzie Gas Project. And what I will focus on is what this project could mean to North America in terms of jobs, in terms of energy supply, and in terms of supporting a shift towards the use of cleaner, greener fuels to keep our nation’s respective economies growing..." read more
Minister promotes NWT outdoor adventure tourism in Vancouver at Canada’s Northern House
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Saturday, April 17, 2010)
"Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, we would like to welcome you to this reception celebrating outdoor adventure tourism in our territory. Joining me today is Mr. Norman Yakeleya, MLA for the Sahtu region and his Worship..." read more
Minister addresses NWT Chamber of Commerce about the state of the NWT economy
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(Wednesday, April 14, 2010)
"Good afternoon ladies and gentleman, and on behalf of myself and the Deputy Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Mr. Peter Vician, I’d like to thank the NWT Chamber of Commerce for giving us the opportunity to speak with you today. The past two years has been a challenging period for businesses...." read more
Metal Mining Opportunities Workshop
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
Detah, NT
(Friday, March 30, 2010)
"...Good morning ladies and gentlemen, it’s a pleasure to speak with you today here in Detah at this beautiful and energy efficient convention centre. Before I go any further in my remarks, I would first like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation..." read more
Diavik's Underground Opening Ceremonies
Peter Vician
Diavik Mine
(Friday, March 26, 2010)
"...Deputy Minister delivers speech at ceremony marking Diavik Diamond Mines transition to a fully underground mine...." read more
Discovery Air Grand Opening
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
Discovery Air Opening, Yellowknife, NT
(Tuesday, March 2, 2010)
“...Ladies and gentleman, thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today ─ a day that I think is a very good one for Discovery Air and for the Northwest Territories.
And it is a good day because the grand opening of Discovery Air’s headquarters in Yellowknife can be summed up in one word: opportunity..." read more
NWT Day Opening Remarks
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
Northern House, Vancouver, BC
(Friday, February 19, 2010)
“...Canada’s Northern House, which has welcomed over 70,000 visitors since it opened its doors and over 50,000 during the first week of the Games, is part of our efforts to showcase the NWT. But we also have visual and performing artists, youth ambassadors and Arctic sports athletes at the Games. They are all here to give you, and the world, a glimpse of what our territory has to offer..." read more
Tourism Days Reception
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
Northern House, Vancouver, BC
(Monday, February 8, 2010)
“...Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the Northwest Territories’ Tourism Days. It is a pleasure for me, Mr. Dave Ramsay, MLA for the Yellowknife riding of Kam Lake, and Ms. Jenni Bruce, Chair of NWT Tourism, to be with you tonight as we celebrate our tourism industry. Tourism Days is a partnership between the Government of the Northwest Territories and NWT Tourism and this partnership has resulted in an outstanding lineup of programming here at Canada’s Northern House..." read more
Rare In Nature Gala Remarks
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
Rare In Nature Gala, Vancouver, BC
(Thursday, February 4, 2010)
“...To many Canadians, the Northwest Territories is the great white north, land of polar bears, snow, ice, the aurora borealis and minus 40 temperatures. But there is so much more to our territory than that, and here at Canada’s Northern House, we are showcasing the “more” ─ our culture, our people, our art, our land and our business opportunities ─ to the world...." read more
Mineral Exploration Roundup Reception
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
Mineral Exploration Roundup, Vancouver, BC
(Monday January 18, 2010)
“...It is interesting that the theme of the 2010 Mineral Exploration Roundup is “Go for the Gold and Everything Else.” It is interesting because “Everything” is a word I think describes the mineral resources we have in the territory..." read more
Marking the Opening of Canada's Northern House
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
Northern House Grand Opening, Vancouver, BC
(Friday January 15, 2010)
“...I’d like to thank you all for coming here today as we celebrate the official opening of a facility the Government of the Northwest Territories is very excited about: Canada’s Northern House...." read more
Mackenzie Gas Project Opportunities and Challenges
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
Calgary Oil and Gas Reception for Industry, Calgary, AB
(Tuesday, December 15, 2009)
“...I am here tonight to tell you that while some may have lost faith in the project, the Government of the Northwest Territories has not. And I have come to Calgary this week to reinforce our support for the Mackenzie Gas Project and to point out how critical the project is to the NWT, Alberta and the nation..." read more
Reflections On Resource Development
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
Canada School of Energy and Environment, Calgary, AB
(Thursday, October 22, 2009)
“...In the Northwest Territories we know that resource development can stimulate the economy and present opportunities. Our experience also tells us that this does not happen automatically. If the Northwest Territories is to benefit from the development of its resources it will require care and attention. ..." read more
Building a Stronger Future
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
Strategic Northern Infrastructure Symposium, Yellowknife, NT
(Thursday, October 15, 2009)
“...Mr. Bell, Mr. Nault, my fellow panellists, ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to be here today, participating in the conference and in this Panel discussion. I am pleased to be here because it lets me leave you with a simple message: infrastructure forms the pillars of our economy. It is our collective responsibility to strengthen these pillars, and in doing so, build a stronger future for the North..." read more
Aboriginal Business Conference 2009 - Plenary Address
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
Aboriginal Business Conference, Yellowknife, NT
(Wednesday, September 23, 2009)
“...It is great to see all of you - representatives of Aboriginal governments, regional corporations and businesses in the Northwest Territories, including both old and new faces. Also, greetings to those of you visiting the NWT, who are here to share your knowledge, experience and expertise..." read more
Bring the Arctic To Market
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
Alaska Oil and Gas Congress, Anchorage, AK
(Friday, September 18, 2009)
“...The Arctic continues to be in the spotlight on the international stage; several circumpolar countries – including Canada - have moved Arctic sovereignty to the top of their agenda. The implications of climate change on the Arctic and, in particular, the polar ice cap - continue to attract attention around the world. And there is growing awareness of the Arctic’s vital energy resources and their significance for North America..." read more
Breakfast Meeting - Ontario Energy Association
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
Ontario Energy Association, Toronto, ON
(Wednesday, September 16, 2009)
“...I am speaking to you today to provide you with some information on the economic and environmental benefits of a significant energy mega-project that is slowly winding its way through the regulatory process in my Territory – the Mackenzie Gas Project..." read more
Energy Security and the Arctic
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
Woodrow Wilson Institute, Washington, DC
(Thursday, June 25, 2009)
“…Ladies and Gentlemen, North America is faced with a number of serious energy challenges including - ensuring a secure, affordable supply of oil and natural gas, - managing the impacts of global climate change - and protecting our Arctic regions from the territorial claims of other countries....” read more
The Future of the Mackenzie Gas Project
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
2009 Inuvik Petroleum Show
(Wednesday, May 17, 2009)
“…I have been asked today to speak about the GNWT’s perspective on the future of the Mackenzie Gas Project, a project that is essential to both our economic and environmental futures...” read more
Top 10 Reasons to Live in the Northwest Territories
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
Meet the North 2009 Conference
(Thursday, May 14, 2009)
“…It’s a pleasure to be here and to see the strength and diversity of the network of individuals and organizations that are ready and willing to invest in the North and in the NWT’s economic capacity and development...” read more
Statement to the Northern Aboriginal Business Association
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
Remarks to the Northern Aboriginal Business Association
(Friday, April 17, 2009)
“…Thank you - and congratulations Darryl to you and your board for advancing this idea of a Northern Aboriginal Business Association. I think that this is a concept and an organization whose time has come...” read more
Statement to the NWT Chamber of Commerce
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
Remarks to the NWT Chamber of Commerce AGM
(Tuesday, March 31, 2009)
“…this gathering of individuals is but a small representation of the strength and diversity that exists in the individuals, organizations and levels of government that are working together in our region to build economic capacity and development...” read more
Conseil de developpement economique des Territoires du Nord-Ouest Awards Ceremony
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
Remarks to the Francophone Business Community
(Wednesday, March 11, 2009)
“…We are here tonight to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution made to the Northwest Territories by the Francophone business community...” read more
The All-Important Link Between Government and Business
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
Address to the 2008 Northern Economic Development Practitioners Conference in Yellowknife
(Monday, December 01, 2008)
“You are on the front lines of our collaborative efforts to improve the quality of life and economic well being of NWT residents. For the men and women that are taking the risks – transforming their ideas into solid businesses and providing the energy and innovation to fuel our competitive and prosperous northern business environment – you are the face of Government…” read more
Opening of Crossworks Manufacturing
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
Remarks to media and dignitaries gathered at the new Crossworks facility in Yellowknife
(December 1, 2008)
“Growth is a sign of a flourishing industry. As the GNWT’s Minister of Industry Tourism and Investment, it feels very good today to open another diamond manufacturing plant in our region - especially one with the experience and dedication that is behind Crossworks Manufacturing Ltd.” read more
Signing of MOU for a Northern Mining Workforce Initiative
Opening Remarks
Hon. Robert R. McLeod
(November 27, 2008)
"Collaboration and partnership may not always be the easiest way to do businesses. But it is the approach that each of these companies has embraced - and one that has stimulated and supported the growth of our Territory’s economy read more..."
Sure and Steady – Approaching the Spectacular
Hon. Robert R. McLeod's Opening Address to Northwest Territories Tourism AGM 2008
(November 13, 2008)
“There are very few travel destinations in the world that can equal the value, diversity, exhilaration and current popularity of our Territory’s tourism product. The natural combination of our environment, beauty, people, culture, attractions and experiences provide a travel package that is hard to match. We have the opportunity to build something spectacular – an industry – an economy – and a future…” read more
Taking Stock
Minister McLeod’s Luncheon Address to the 2008 Aboriginal Business Conference
(October 16, 2008)
“Each of you are part of our great inventory of resources, strengths, opportunities with which we will work to build a future. You are a powerful resource of northern wisdom and experience that our Government has every intention of drawing on, supporting, and partnering with…” read more
The Promise of the North
Minister McLeod’s key note address to the Alaska Oil and Gas Symposium.
(September 25, 2008)
“The irony is while we are grappling with rising energy costs and impending climate change, we have a real and viable solution to these common challenges at our feet – in the form of Arctic Natural Gas that today remains untapped beneath our rich Arctic landscape.…” read more
Launch of Arts Week ‘5’
Minister McLeod’s remarks to members of the Aurora Arts Society.
(September 19, 2008)
“As evidenced in this room tonight, we have a vibrant and growing community of sculptors, musicians, painters and others who have chosen to make the NWT their home and whose presence and creativity now decorate our buildings, enrich our lives, uplift our spirits and define our society.…” read more
Northern Development Ministers' Forum 2008
Minister McLeod's opening ceremony remarks August 27, 2008 "As northerners we share a great many things in common - geography, climate, mineral and natural resources, opportunities and challenges....." read more.
Minister McLeod's Update on the Northwest Territories August 28, 2008 "The NWT has the richest and fastest growing economy in Canada. Last year our GDP grew by 13%, which was the fastest rate in Canada...." read more.
Energy Horizons
Minister McLeod’s comments at a round table discussion at the Pacific Northwest Economic Region Annual Summit.
(July 23, 2008)
“The sad reality is that even if we were to eliminate all of the emissions that we generate as a Territory, a handful of coal-fired electricity plants in China would almost immediately replace our reduction Instead, we have taken on the more global focus of advancing the development of Arctic Natural Gas as an alternative to coal in the generation of electricity.…” read more
The Arctic Natural Gas Solution
Minister McLeod’s remarks to various parties in Washington DC
(July 02, 2008)
“But whether we like it or not, our Polar Bear – synonymous with the beauty, majesty and vastness of Canada’s Arctic - has become the poster bear for climate change. Climate change is more of a threat to the Polar Bear not our managed hunts…” read more
NWT Association of Communities (NWTAC)
Minister McLeod’s comments at a banquet opening the NWTAC’s annual general meeting in Fort Simpson.
(May 9, 2008)
“Our economy is poised to burst forward in a tremendous and extraordinary rush – one that will signal the beginning of an incredible future for the people and communities of the Northwest Territories…” read more
Energy Security and Climate Change
Minister McLeod’s comments to a Panel on Energy Security and Climate Change
(May 7, 2008)
“We are beyond the point where this can be addressed by simply telling people to turn off the lights when we leave the room. The issue we face, and the response it will require, is much, much larger than that…” read more
A Common Goal
Minister McLeod's comments to a breakfast gathering sponsored by Energy Magazine
(May 5, 2008)
“Way up North, our work and yours are two phases of a single-minded objective It is, in fact, yet another thing that we have in common - work that will help us face the economic and environmental challenges that lie ahead…” Read more
Northwest Territories Fur Industry Takes Centre Stage
Minister McLeod’s address to the North American Fur Fair and Exhibition in Montreal
(April 29, 2008)
“For the Aboriginal people of the Northwest Territories, trapping is a way of life – one that reflects generations of culture and tradition and a proud history of self-reliance and self-sufficiency. It provides the means to ensure that these values are sustained – and that important social and cultural links are maintained to the land and its resources.” Read more
Hay River Chamber of Commerce
Minister McLeod’s address to the Hay River Chamber of Commerce
(April 01, 2008)
"You are the backbone of the economy here in Hay River and we, as government, cannot move forward without your support, your participation - and most importantly - your investment. I am encouraged by what is being evidenced here - and in communities across the NWT. Our residents, and businesses are better positioned than they ever have been to benefit from the potential that our future holds..." Read more
Constructing an Economic Foundation
Minister McLeod’s address to the Project Management Conference in Yellowknife
(November 27, 2007)
"You will build mines, buildings and pipelines – and government will build the workforce to operate or work in them. You will build schools, and Government will use them to increase capacity through education and training. You will build recreational facilities and health centres – and we will staff and fund them – to support and grow a whole new generation of young NWT families that will choose to live and work in the NWT…" Read more
Mining, Exploration, and Government
Minister McLeod’s address to the Yellowknife Geoscience Forum
(November 20, 2007)
"Our residents, businesses and corporations are now looking beyond jobs and contracts that follow the boom and bust of construction and exploration cycles. Instead, they are finding ways to take a direct role in our region’s economic growth – as business owners, operators and investors. As a result, we are seeing the emergence of Aboriginally and regionally owned airlines, hotels, restaurants, construction firms, telecommunications and logistics companies; service and supply industries and so on…" Read more
Building on the Spectacular
Minister McLeod’s address to the Annual General Meeting of Northwest Territories Tourism in Norman Wells
(November 6, 2007)
"All of you here today - represent a wealth of knowledge and experience in the North and in the NWT tourism industry. This wisdom is not something that we can buy and apply from software. Nor is it knowledge that can be obtained through academic institutions. It is a foundation of wisdom that your Government has every intention of retaining, using and expanding - for the collective benefit of the NWT tourism industry…" Read more