As this government looks for ways to reduce the cost of living in the Northwest Territories, ITI has identified some key areas to invest in. One of the most critical is in the area of energy planning. The department is reviewing electricity rates and regulations, and the NWT Electricity Review continues. The goal is to implement a GNWT response to the recommendations of the 2009-2010 review process. The objective is to develop a long-term vision and plan for the management of generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in the NWT.
But itβs not just in the realm of energy where ITI is concentrating its efforts to reduce the cost of living in our Territory. It is also focusing on areas such as the traditional economy, agriculture and fisheries. Over the past several years our department has invested in increasing food production across the NWT through initiatives like the Small Scale Foods Program.
In 2010-2011, ITI proposes to invest $450,000 in promoting and supporting commercial harvest processing and marketing of fish and meat in the NWT. This funding would support the packaging, distribution and promotion of our fish and meat products to consumers in the NWT, providing a stable support of food for local needs and for sale at local markets. The funding would also help provide training to spur continued growth in the NWT fish and meat production sector.
The department is also proposing funding of $250,000 for agriculture development infrastructure. This investment is designed to lengthen growing seasons, increase yields in NWT communities and help lower the cost of living.