Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, later today I will be tabling Common Ground, the final report of the Economic Strategy Panel. Members may recall that the panel was appointed last June by then Minister responsible for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, Stephen Kakfwi, to develop an economic strategy for the Northwest Territories. It was a complex undertaking and I commend the 17 members of the panel on their effort.
The panel represented a cross section of northern organizations with an interest in economic development. The panel's report mirrors this broad interest base and includes not just industry and sector associations' concerns, but those of aboriginal governments, as well as communities and organizations dealing with environmental and social issues.
Panel members put a considerable amount of time and effort into producing this report. Without the dedication and commitment of both themselves and the organizations they represent, we would not have such a comprehensive document to guide our efforts in building a strong and vibrant northern economy. This government intends to continue the cooperative approach taken by the panel in developing solutions to problems facing economic growth in the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to share this document with Members and the public. I look forward to hearing their impressions and comments on the recommendations contained in the report.
The panel's report provides a comprehensive approach to economic priorities and actions needed to guide our economic development efforts.
The work of the panel is already paying dividends for this government. An early draft of Common Ground enabled this government to begin work on a draft non-renewable resource development strategy to gain the interest of the federal government to invest in the North.
The Common Ground report, along with additional input from the public, will form the basis of a GNWT Economic Action Plan for those recommendations directed to the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, it is my intention to table the GNWT Economic Action Plan during the next sitting of the Legislative Assembly this fall.
I will also reconvene the Economic Strategy Panel in one year's time to review progress made on implementing the recommendations contained in the report.
We hope to emulate the panel's success by continuing to work in partnership with aboriginal governments, industry and other Northerners for input and direction on future economic development initiatives; for example, the Tourism Strategy.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to invite you and other Members to join me, panel co-chair Richard Nerysoo and Darrell Bealieau, and panel members in the Great Hall at the break for the official signing of Common Ground and a press conference.
-- Applause