Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to present the 2012-13 Main Estimates for the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment. The department’s mandate is to promote economic self-sufficiency through the promotion of tourism, traditional economy, trade, investment, business and manufacturing and the responsible development of the Northwest Territories natural resources to create a prosperous, diverse and sustainable economy for the benefit of all residents. Through this mandate we continue to support the commitment of our government to have a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices.

The department’s main estimates compose total operational expenses of approximately $49.6 million for the coming fiscal year, which is a decrease of 7 percent over 2011-12. This includes sunsets and reductions of $6.6 million, an increase in initiatives of $2.4 million and forced growth of $444,000.

I will now provide an overview of ITI’s proposed areas of investment contained in the 2012-13 Main Estimates as they relate to the priorities of the 17

th Legislative Assembly.

Building a Strong and Sustainable Future for Our Territory

In the coming year ITI will partner with community and Aboriginal governments to improve program and service delivery where possible. This includes supporting GNWT devolution efforts, building collaborative working relationships and developing the Aboriginal tourism sector in the NWT.

Increase Employment Opportunities Where They Are Most Needed

In 2012-13, ITI will continue to monitor commitments made by the mining industry set out in the socio-economic agreements. As well, ITI will also respond to employment initiatives brought about due to robust oil and gas exploration in the Sahtu and other regions.

Strengthen and Diversify Our Economy

For ITI, this priority includes strategic investments in hydro and energy initiatives, developing an Economic Development Strategy and a Mineral Development Strategy, supporting the traditional economy and growing the agricultural sector. ITI will also work to support GNWT devolution efforts.

I will now provide highlights of new initiatives and investments for the 2012-13 Main Estimates.

In 2012-13, ITI will invest over $1 million to develop a Mineral Development Strategy and an Economic Development Strategy. A Mineral Development Strategy is key to addressing industry investment and regulatory regime concerns and to help us sustainably realize our mineral potential.

An Economic Development Strategy will help us achieve our goals to diversify the economy and ensure benefits accrue to all NWT residents. Although mines are a major contributor to the economic health of the territory, a truly healthy economy is one that is diversified.

The NWT is facing a critical labour shortage in the next decade. NWT businesses have repeatedly cited lack of skilled workers as a major concern in operating and growing their businesses. ITI is proposing to invest $300,000 to continue with the success of the Come Make Your Mark national marketing campaign to promote the NWT as a place to live and work, to help grow our population and workforce.

The Ministerial Energy Coordinating and Climate Change Committee of Cabinet leads GNWT efforts to support the 17

th Legislative Assembly’s

commitment towards strategic infrastructure investments in hydro initiatives. ITI supports this committee and leads coordination of government-wide investment in energy initiatives. For 2012-13, the GNWT is currently proposing to invest $3.45 million in various energy initiatives and the ITI portion of this total is $1.15 million. This includes $700,000 in core funding for the NWT Energy Corporation and $200,000 for hydrological monitoring and regional hydro and renewable energy solutions. For example, some work is underway to examine options to develop small-scale hydro in the Sahtu.

ITI is also coordinating a government-wide initiative to consider options for a long-term energy solution in Inuvik. ITI is proposing $100,000 to look at medium to long-term energy options for Inuvik liquefied natural gas. This funding will be combined with $100,000 in funding from the Department of ENR to analyze a range of options including solar, wind and biomass. This work will form analysis on community energy solutions. ITI is also proposing a $150,000 investment toward the development of an Energy Action Plan which will lay out the GNWT future approach to proposed actions and investments.

The department is also proposing some key areas of forced growth funding for the upcoming fiscal year. ITI is proposing to establish a new position of permafrost scientist at a cost of $155,000 annually, to be located within the NWT geoscience office. Especially in the North, we are experiencing the negative effects of climate change. A permafrost scientist will work with communities to provide expertise on exploring the best ways to deal with climate change and minimize negative impacts.

Tourism is a major contributor to the NWT economy, and research on visitors, tourism activities, facilities and more is critical to industry growth. ITI is proposing to establish a new position of tourism research analyst. The analyst will help to

ensure the large volume of research required for tourism growth is comprehensive, timely and accurate.

In addition to new investments, ITI will continue to strengthen and diversify our economy and build a strong and sustainable future for our territory by maintaining our current level of investment in various community programs and projects. I will mention a few of them now.

Funding of nearly $4 million for the Support to Entrepreneurs and Economic Development Policy will continue, with dedicated funding for arts and fine crafts, the film industry and the Prospectors Grubstake Program.

Tourism development in the NWT will also continue to be a major priority toward diversifying the NWT’s economy. As ITI’s tourism marketing arm, ITI will maintain funding of $2.5 million to NWT Tourism to support marketing efforts to promote the NWT as a top tourist destination. ITI is also proposing to continue funding of the Sport Hunt Outfitter Marketing Support Program to support outfitters in the Inuvik and North Slave regions, with a contribution of $300,000 for 2012-13. In addition, funding of $900,000 will continue for the oversubscribed Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program. \ITI is also proposing to continue our investment of over $1 million to the Community Harvesters Assistance Program, $610,000 under the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program and $550,000 in promotion and support of commercial harvesting, processing and marketing of fish and meat. This program supports the packaging, distribution and promotion of fish and meat products to consumers in the NWT, providing a stable supply of food for local needs and for sale at local markets. We are also looking to continue investments in Take a Kid Trapping and Take a Kid Harvesting programs which, with our partners, invested almost $420,000 in 52 projects throughout the NWT.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide an overview of the department’s 2012-13 Main Estimates. I look forward to discussing them with you in more detail. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.