While Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) Bob McLeod's travel schedule prevented him from attending in-person, the Minister still delivered a message to one of the largest contributors to the Northwest Territories' (NWT) economy at an international diamond trade show this weekend. 

Minister McLeod provided pre-recorded remarks which was played at the Dominion Diamonds reception at the Jewelers Circular Keystone (JCK) Trade Show in Las Vegas June 5. 

The JCK Trade Show is among the largest international diamond trade shows. Minister McLeod attended several meetings throughout the weekend.  

The remarks highlighted the 25-year anniversary of diamonds in the NWT, the integral role the Ekati Mine has played in this history, and the long, continuing partnership between the Government and people of the NWT and Dominion. 

Read the full-text below. 

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

This year marks 25 years of diamonds in the Northwest Territories.  With over $11 billion spent on Northern businesses — $5 billion on Aboriginal-owned companies — and more than $50 billion in total mineral value produced, there is a great deal to celebrate.

The discovery of what would be the Ekati mine marked a momentous shift in our territorial economy. It has injected more than $5 billion into our territory - half with Aboriginal businesses; and has employed over 13,000 Northerners since it started operations.

Last month, Dominion gave us another reason to celebrate. With the approval of the Jay Pipe expansion, the life of the mine will be extended by more than a decade, employ 434 people during construction and 1,200 people while in production.

This will means jobs for residents, business for our companies and royalty payments that can be re-invested by the GNWT and partnering Aboriginal Governments.

Dominion has been a positive corporate citizen and has fostered community involvement through grants, scholarships, and training opportunities, and from a tireless commitment to build a strong culture of safety, accountability, and environmental responsibility

Our government and our people appreciate the collaborative and partnership approach that you have taken.  We think it is a good fit for the North that we are trying to build.

Thank you, and please enjoy the rest of your evening.