• About ITI
  • Minister
  • Vision, Mission & Goals
  • Department Structure
  • Media Room
  • Policies
  • Legislation
  • Regional Offices
    • Inuvik
    • Dehcho
    • North Slave
    • Sahtu
    • South Slave
  • Key Contacts
• Business & Economic Development
• Energy
• Mining, Oil and Gas
• Diamonds
• Tourism & Parks
• Arts & Crafts
• Fur, Agriculture & Fisheries

About ITI

Department Structure

The Department of Industry Tourism and Investment was established in April 2005 with a mandate to promote economic self-sufficiency through the responsible development of Northwest Territories natural resource industries and the promotion and support of tourism, trade and investment, business, and to create a prosperous, diverse and sustainable economy for the benefit of all Northwest Territories residents.

The Department is divided into six program divisions (see chart) structured under two directional priorities - Economic Development and Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.

Three additional Divisions (two of which are shared with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources) support the divisions and regional offices of the Department in areas of policy, legislation, communications, financial, administration and technical services.

Regional offices in: Yellowknife (North Slave), Fort Smith (South Slave), Norman Wells (Sahtu), Fort Simpson (Dehcho) and Inuvik (Inuvik) support the Department’s regional delivery model and ensure program support and assistance is available in every community in the Northwest Territories.

The following is a brief description of the role, responsibilities and service areas for each of the Department’s Divisions.

The Directorate (Deputy Minister, Peter Vician and Assistant Deputy Minister, Doug Doan) guides the overall planning and execution of instructions from the Minister and the Legislative Assembly. The Deputy Minister and Assistant Deputy Ministers provide strategic advice and support to the Minister as well as the Department.

Policy, Legislation and Communications (Director, Sonya Saunders) is responsible for the development of policy, strategic planning, legislative drafting and communications support for the Minister and Department.

Finance and Administration (Director: Nancy Magrum) provides financial and administrative support to the Department - including the development and monitoring of departmental business plans and budgets.

Informatics (Director: Rick Wind) offers in-house expertise on department-specific computer applications, information-technology planning and records management for the Department’s electronic, visual and printed records.

Investment & Economic Analysis (Director: Garry Singer) encourages investment in the NWT by providing economic analysis, regional market and economic data for both business and Government. This Division also leads the development of programs and initiatives in support of the NWT’s traditional economy including the arts and fine crafts sector.

Tourism & Parks (Director: Richard Zieba) is responsible for developing, operating and maintaining the NWT’s park facilities including campgrounds, visitor centres and interpretive displays. The division also regulates and administers tourism licensing and provides support for tourism marketing, research, training, planning and product development.

The Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office (Director: Tim Coleman) coordinates the territorial government's planning and response in relation to the proposed Mackenzie Gas Project - including the regulatory and environmental review processes. Located in Hay River, this office also administers the GNWT’s funding programs to aid Aboriginal groups and communities in preparing for the project.

Minerals, Oil & Gas (Director: Deb Archibald) develops and implements strategies to encourage and attract non-renewable resource investment in the Northwest Territories. In association with the NWT Geoscience Office, this Division also provides expert analysis and advice on the geological potential, industrial activity and opportunities associated with mineral, oil and gas exploration in the Territory.

Energy Planning (Director: Dave Nightingale) coordinates the GNWT’s overall energy planning and policy development including the advancement of hydro initiatives in the Northwest Territories.

Industrial Initiatives (Director: Juanita Robinson) leads the GNWT’s negotiation of socio-economic agreements with industry monitors industrial activities in coordination with communities and industry. This Division coordinates research and best practices to facilitate NWT benefits from present and future industrial initiatives in the NWT.