Return to Written Question 8-12(5) asked by Mr. Ng to the Premier concerning the purpose of Madam Premier's trips.
The following is in response to the Member's question relating to trips taken to Alaska and to Yakutia, Russia:
The trip from Inuvik to Barrow, Alaska, September 20 to 22, 1993, was to assist a delegation in promoting business opportunities between the NWT and Alaska.
The delegation included:
- Pat Lyall, Ike Haulli, Peter Raddi, Fred Hunt, Paul Quassa, Russel Newmark, Eddy Dillon, David Connelly, Frank Hansen and Roger Gruben, representing the board of directors of Norterra Inc;
- Ken Stevenson, David Burnett, Paul Prevelle, Gunner Anderson and Ramont Gillenus of Norterra Inc;
- Knute Hansen and Kathy Cockney of IRC;
- the mayor and deputy mayor of Inuvik;
- Charlie Furlong, Bob Simpson, Larry Firth and Wanda MacDonald of the Gwich'in Tribal Council; and,
- the Delta Drummers.
The government's share of the cost for a chartered aircraft was $611.41. In addition, a total of $452.55 was spent on accommodation, meals and incidentals.
The trip to Yakutia, September 24 to 28, 1993, was in response to an invitation to participate in the official opening of the new village that was designed and constructed by the NWT firm of Ferguson Simek Clark. The Government of the Northwest Territories played an instrumental and ongoing role in facilitating the project that resulted in over $11 million in benefits flowing to northern firms and business during the construction phase of the village with prospects for additional contracts being a distinct possibility.
Travel to the official opening by charter aircraft (Adlair Aviation of Cambridge Bay) was arranged by Ferguson Simek Clark. Passengers on the charter included Joe Auge of Ferguson Simek Clark; Scott Hunt of Clark Bowler; Rick Volivar of Ryfan Electric; Larry Elkin, who was president of the NWT Housing Corporation at the time; Walter Slipchenko, a consultant specializing in relationships with the former Soviet Union and Russian states.
The government share of the charter cost was $15,926.93 for two seats. Per diem expenses related to the trip totalled $607.01. In addition, there was a cost to government of $2,789.08 for gifts purchased in the NWT for presentation at the opening ceremonies.