Media Room
What's New
GNWT’s 2008 Parks Award to Peter Lesage
(November 19, 2008) Deputy Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Peter Vician presented the GNWT’s 2008 Parks Award to Peter Lesage of Hay River Saturday.
The Parks Award is presented annually to an individual identified by visitors and campers to have gone “above and beyond” in providing extraordinary hospitality and service in parks and visitor centres.
Sure and Steady – Approaching the Spectacular
(November 13, 2008) Minister McLeod addressed the 2008 Northwest Territories Tourism Annual General Meeting this morning. His opening address recognized the hard work and dedication of industry members and highlighted Government investment, initiative and support for the tourism industry.
NWT’s Youth Trapper of the year
(October 24) Kalvin Sangris of Ndilo has been selected this year as the top Youth Trapper for the North Slave Region and also the NWT’s Youth Trapper of the year.
Minister McLeod presented the 19-year old student with a certificate for each award – along with a jacket. View photos
Read Kalvin Sangris’ biography or view the Take a Kid Trapping Program
Read the Fur Harvest 2007/2008 Fact Sheet or view the Trapper Recognition Program or the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs Marketing Program
Draft NWT Hydro Strategy
(October 15, 2008) - A draft Hydro Strategy to advance the long-term development of the Northwest Territories world class hydro potential was introduced by Bob McLeod, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.
Read Minister's Statement or Press Release
Read Draft NWT Hydro Strategy or Executive Summary Brochure
2008 Northwest Territories Aboriginal Business Conference
(October 09, 2008) - Minister McLeod gave a statement highlighting the NWT Aboriginal Business Conference. The theme of this year’s Conference is Establishing Economic Co-operation.
Read promotional statement or read Minister McLeod's Luncheon Address
Community Gardens Initiative and Small Scale Food Program
(October 08, 2008) - "We are pleased to provide this program, with continued support from the Government of Canada, and look forward to building on our success to expand the program into each of the NWT’s 33 communities..."
Read Minister McLeod's statement
Launch of the Support to Entrepreneurs and Economic Development Policy Program
(October 07, 2008) - The GNWT's new Support to Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) Policy - developed in response to a major review of the Department’s business programs completed in 2006, officially took effect on September 2, 2008.
Government of the Northwest Territories Energy Priorities
(October 07, 2008) - "This document outlines the priority actions that we need to undertake to address our short and long term energy needs. Our initiatives are presented in five key action areas as set out in the 2007 NWT Energy Plan..."
Read statement by Minister McLeod
FSC Named as One of Canada’s Top Employers
(October 06, 2008) - Out of a field of 2000 Canadian companies, FSC Architects and Engineers have been selected as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for 2009.
Harvester Grubstakes signal beginning of Trapping Season
(September 30, 2008) - Grubstake cheques totaling $117,470 have been sent to eligible Northwest Territories (NWT) fur harvesters in advance of the 2008-09 trapping season. These payments are an important component of the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) support to the traditional economy and provide trappers with funds to defray a portion of their start up costs for the upcoming season.
World Tourism Day
(September 27, 2008) - Tomorrow is World Tourism Day. This annual recognition is sponsored by the United Nations World Tourism Organization to foster awareness of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic values.
The Promise of the North
(September 25, 2008) - Minister McLeod’s key note address to the Alaska Oil and Gas Symposium.
“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.…”
Launch of Arts Week ‘5’
(September 19, 2008) - Minister McLeod’s remarks to members of the Aurora Arts Society. “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.…”
International Air Travel, Tourism Freight Opportunity Study
(September 05, 2008) – A new study has been completed on the critical development of the NWT air market relative to travel, tourism and air freight.
Click here to read the Executive Summary on the study.
Click here to read the study.
Northern Development Ministers' Forum Highlights Successes
(August 28, 2008) – Federal, provincial and territorial development Ministers representing Canada’s northern jurisdictions met this week in Yellowknife for their annual two-day meeting. This is the first time the Northern Development Ministers Forum (NDMF) has been held in the Northwest Territories (NWT).
Read Opening Ceremony Speech or NWT Update Speech
Read Communique or Press Release
SEED Policy Passed
(August, 18 2008) - Announced today was the passing of the GNWT's new SEED Policy, a reflection of the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment's focus on finding better ways to promote diversification of our economy while continuing to promote and support development opportunities in all communities.
For further information, application forms or a copy of the Policy, click here.
North Arm Territorial Park Reopened - Fire Advisory Lifted
(August, 06 2008) - Please be advised that North Arm Territorial Park is now open again. The ban set on July 25, 2008 has been lifted and the area is deemed safe for the public.
For more information regarding the status of the park call (867) 920-3243.
North Arm Territorial Park Closed - Fire Advisory
(July 25, 2008) - Travellers are advised that North Arm Territorial Park is closed until further notice due to forest fires in the area. The area is not considered safe for the public.
For more information regarding the status of the park call (867) 920-3243.
For more information this forest fire, or any other in the territory, please click here.
Summit of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region
(July 21, 2008) - Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Bob McLeod is in Vancouver to take part in the annual summit of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER).
Minister McLeod’s presentation, as part of a round table discussion titled “Mapping the Energy Future”, will highlight the importance of Arctic Gas from the NWT and Alaska as a viable alternative energy source that will increase continental energy supply and security in the North American Market and, by replacing the use of coal in electrical generation, serve to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
Park Users Survey
(July 04, 2008) - ITI is currently soliciting public and stakeholder input on three major topics including park fee increases, extended stay sites, and the online reservation system. Input will be used to help guide changes to the Territorial Parks Regulations for the upcoming camping season.
For more information on the Park Users Survey, click here.
Arctic Natural Gas Statement
(July 02, 2008) - Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Bob McLeod provided an update on GNWT Arctic Natural Gas initiatives and strategies. The statement outlined the potential for economic and environment impacts of Arctic Natural Gas.
To view the Minister’s Statement on Arctic Natural Gas, click here.
GNWT Energy Programs and Initiatives
(June 09, 2008) - Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Bob McLeod provided an update on GNWT Energy Programs and Initiatives that have been identified to address the energy challenges that we face in our Territory.
To view the Minister’s Statement on Mining Week, click here.
Minister's Statement on Mining Week
(June 09, 2008) - Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Bob McLeod made a statement on Mining Week – an opportunity to highlight the significance of this sector to our economy and our future.
To view the Minister’s Statement on Mining Week, click here.
Minister's Statement on Traditional Life Skills Program
(June 06, 2008) - Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Bob McLeod made a statement on the Traditional Life Skills Program being held at the Yellowknife river - one of many traditional life skills projects provided annually for school age youth by ITI under the Take a Kid Trapping Program.
To view the Minister’s Statement on the Traditional Life Skills Program, click here.
Minister's Statement on Protected Area Strategy
(June 05, 2008) - Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Bob McLeod made a statement on the Protected Area Strategy.
To view the Minister’s Statement on the Protected Area Strategy, click here.
Traditional Skills Strengthen Cultural Links for Youth
(June 3, 2008) - Over 100 students from the Kalemi Dene School in N’dilo and the Kaw Tay Whee School in Dettah are learning and applying traditional life skills over the next two weeks in a Government of the Northwest Territories sponsored Traditional Skills Education Project.
Click here to read the news release on the Take a Kid Trapping event.
Tourism Week June 2-8, 2008
(June 2) - This is Tourism Week a nation-wide celebration of Canada's $71 billion tourism industry and its enormous contributions to the Canadian economy.
To view the news release on Tourism Week, click here.
Minister’s Advisory Panel to Help Map Economic Future
(May 28) - Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Bob McLeod yesterday announced the creation of a Minister’s Advisory Panel (MAP) to serve as a resource for decisions regarding the NWT’s economy.
To view the Minister’s Statement on the announcement of the creation of the Minister’s Advisory Panel, click here.
Jim Peterson Remembered
(May 23) - Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Bob McLeod paid tribute in the Legislative Assembly to the life and work of northern tourism pioneer Jim Peterson.
To view the Minister’s Statement remembering Jim Peterson, click here.
Deh Cho Travel Connection
(May 15, 2008) – The Government of the Northwest Territories is using the lure of diamonds to entice road visitors to the Northwest Territories (NWT) this summer.
To view a pdf of the news release, click here.
For more information on the Deh Cho Travel Connection, click here.
Minister Addresses NWT Association of Communities (NWTAC)
(May 9, 2008) - Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Bob McLeod spoke at a banquet opening the NWTAC’s annual general meeting in Fort Simpson.
Read More
NWT Parks Opening
(May 12, 2008) - NWT Parks open for the 2008 camping season on Thursday, May 15, 2008. Visit CampingNWT.ca to book your campsite online.
Annual Lot Draw
(May 7, 2008) - The draw for seasonal campsites at Prelude and Reid Lake Campgrounds will be held Sunday May 11, 2008 at the Yellowknife Ski Club from 1 to 3 pm.
For general information and guidelines about the lot draw, click here.
For a map of Reid Lake Territorial Park and Prelude Lake Campground, click here.
For terms and conditions regarding seasonal campsites, click here.
Minister Promotes Arctic Gas
(May 5, 2008) - Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Bob McLeod has completed an Energy-focused trip to Houston where he promoted Arctic Natural Gas and its potential to supply the North American continent with a secure, stable and environmentally friendlier source of energy.
To read Minister McLeod’s speech to a breakfast meeting sponsored by Energy Magazine, click here
To read Minister McLeod’s comments to a Panel on Energy Security and Climate Change, click here
For a 2007 study documenting the Importance of Arctic Gas, click here
To view a PowerPoint Presentation highlighting the findings of this study click here
Northwest Territories Fur Industry Takes Centre Stage
(April 29, 2008) The Northwest Territories Fur Industry took centre stage as Minister McLeod spoke at the opening of the 2008 North American Fur Fair and Exhibition in Montreal.
click here to read the news release on this story.
click here to read Minister McLeod’s speech.
Changes for the 2008 Camping Season
(April 29, 2008) The Department of Industry Tourism and Investment, North Slave Region, has identified initiatives to increase the accessibility and availability of campsites at Prelude Lake and Reid Lake campgrounds for the upcoming 2008 camping season.
Minister Addresses Hay River Chamber of Commerce
(April 1, 2008) Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Bob McLeod spoke at a luncheon meeting of the Hay River Chamber of Commerce in Hay River.
Read more
Tourism Operator Licences Now Due
All NWT Tourism Operator Licences must be renewed annually by April 1st. If you intend to offer guided commercial tourism activities in the Northwest Territories in the 2008/09 season, you must have a must have a valid Tourism Operator Licence in place. Read more
Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program
Twelve proposals have received funding under the new Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program officially launched by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment on January 7, 2008. Read more
Click here to access a news release on this story.
Click here to read Minister McLeod’s Statement to the Legislative Assembly about the Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program.
Strong Prices for NWT Fur
Sales results from NWT-fur sales totalled $822,000 (up slightly from last year) at the February 18th auction of Fur Harvesters Auctions Incorporated and American Legend.
Trappers from the NWT obtained top overall prices for this year’s auction of marten, mink, fisher, wolverine and weasel pelts, outperforming trappers from across the rest of Canada and the United States.
Continuing good auction results can be credited, in part, to Guaranteed Advances and the Prime Fur Bonus provided to NWT trappers under the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program
Economic Review and Outlook 2007
Economic Review NT Regions 2007
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment has released two new reports that provide a comprehensive overview of economic development in the Northwest Territories.
Resource development has enabled the NWT to achieve the highest average incomes in Canada, and a per capita Gross Domestic Product, or GDP, which is almost twice Alberta’s. Read more
Per capita incomes in the NWT are higher than the national average, but of the regions, only Yellowknife and the South Slave exceed the national average. Read more
Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment signs MOU on BizPal.
The Government of the Northwest Territories is leading the implementation of BizPaL in the Northwest Territories.
Biz Pal is an innovative project that provides entrepreneurs with simplified access to the information on permits and licences that they need to establish and run their businesses. Read More
Click here to read the news release and Backgrounder on BizPal in the NWT.
Click here to read Minister McLeod’s Statement to the Legislative Assembly on BizPal.
Commitment to Finding Long-Term Energy Solutions
Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment confirmed the 16th Assembly’s Commitment to Finding Long-term Energy Solutions with the establishment of a Ministers’ Energy Coordinating Committee. Read more about Energy
Click here to read Minister McLeod’s Statement to the Legislative Assembly.
New BDIC Subsidiary in Ulukhaktok
A new subsidiary has been established by the Business Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC) in Ulukhaktok. It will help to provide a facility for printmaking, carving and the production of Qiviut or musk ox wool products - and aid in marketing these items across Canada.
Click here to access a news release on the new Ulukhaktok Subsidiary.
Click here to read Minister McLeod’s Statement to the Legislative Assembly on the new Subsidiary.
New Resources for Arts and Crafts Sector
A new 1-800 number and Artists Resource Centre is providing Northwest Territories Artists with better and more-affordable access to industry resources and programs and services offered by the Department of Industry Tourism and Investment (ITI). Read more
Mining and Exploration in the Northwest Territories 2007 Overview
NWT Guide to Mineral Deposits 2007
Two new publications have been released by ITI’s Minerals, Oil and Gas Division
An overview of 2007 exploration activity and the status of operating mines in the NWT. Click here
A detailed guide to geological deposits in the NWT including colour maps. Click here