Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, effective and efficient government is one of this Assembly’s goals. One of the ways that the Department of Public Works and Services will be helping to support this goal is by hosting the 14th Project Management Conference from December 3rd to 5th . This conference draws together project
management experts to share their experiences and discuss best practices and innovative approaches to managing infrastructure projects more efficiently and effectively. Every two years representatives of the North’s project management community gather for this conference. Over three days, 250 to 300 delegates from community governments, the construction and consulting industries, and other professionals from the private and public sector will come together to share their project management knowledge.
This year’s conference theme is “Helping Northerners Prepare for Tomorrow.” An impressive team of national and northern experts will share their experiences and best practices, from hands-on project-based advice on managing risk and construction tendering, to expert advice on adapting projects to climate change.
The range of topics and quality of presenters provides capacity building and professional development opportunities for design consultants, contractors and project management professionals from all sectors of the industry and all areas of the North.
Mr. Speaker, one of the most important opportunities that the conference offers participants is the ability to network and strengthen the North’s project management community. This focus on networking and capacity building makes the conference a great option for those in our communities who might be thinking about attending, and I would certainly encourage them to do so.
As in past years, Public Works and Services will be partnering with the NWT and Nunavut Construction Association who will be sponsoring the Northern Construction Trade Fair.
It allows consultants, suppliers and manufacturers to connect directly with the project management community. This networking opportunity strengthens the community and supports the expansion of highly skilled and professional sectors. The GNWT relies on these sectors to deliver the projects our residents need. They are our partners and I look forward to meeting with them next month at the conference.
Mr. Speaker, we face unique challenges when it comes to building in the North. We have to deal with a short building season and remote construction sites. Climate change has meant we’ve had to change our approach to planning, and building and taught us unique lessons. This conference will be an opportunity to recognize and share the expertise of our northern professionals and increase public and private sector capacity. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.