May 7, 2020

Minister Katrina Nokleby issued the following media statement today in support of the Northwest Territories Chamber of Commerce and its advocacy on behalf of NWT businesses. 

“The Northwest Territories (NWT) Chamber of Commerce’s recent letter to the Federal government was valuable in re-enforcing what has already been said by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and other NWT sectors about the unique needs of the Northwest Territories during these unprecedented times.

“The NWT Chamber of Commerce represents over 100 members as well as over 3,500 businesses throughout the NWT.  Their voice adds immense weight to our message and has contributed to the rising awareness in Ottawa of the need for specific and regionally-appropriate support programs for NWT businesses. 

“To date, the federal government has been responsive to our voice and the needs of our residents and businesses.  Notably, CanNor’s Northern Business Relief Fund has significantly expanded relief options for NWT and Indigenous businesses; and we have been able to secure additional support for the North’s airline industry. I would like to thank the NWT Chamber for their role in this success. 

“We still have some work to do – and the GNWT will continue to advocate for additional federal support across all sectors – but particularly in the business sector where we have identified two key gaps; support for home-based businesses and support for our tourism sector.

“We continue to call on the federal government to work with the GNWT and the NWT business community to create a stimulus package to help businesses adapt to the changing business environment.”