Mr. Speaker, one of the aims of devolution was giving Northwest Territories residents the powers and authorities they need to turn northern potential into prosperity for themselves and the country.
I have said many times that the North is the future of Canada and that our potential is bright. We have
a strong resource base that includes diamonds, gold, tungsten, rare earth metals and other minerals. We have world-class oil and gas reserves that stretch from the Beaufort-Delta through the Sahtu and down into the Deh Cho. We have untapped hydro potential that could provide clean, affordable energy for our homes and businesses and drive economic growth at home and in the South. With all this potential, Mr. Speaker, it is time for this territory to make its mark on the national and international stage.
I am pleased to say that awareness of northern potential outside of our territory continues to grow. Last month the Conference Board of Canada released its “How Canada Performs Economy” report card, which found that the three territories are outperforming most of their provincial counterparts economically. GDP for the three territories combined is expected to grow by 3 percent, exceeding the Canadian average. This confirms earlier forecasts by the Conference Board that the GDP of the territories could double by 2020, driven by long-term global demand for minerals and metals.
The Northwest Territories received an A-plus on income per capita and an A on GDP growth, with real GDP expected to grow by 1.7 percent this year. They predict that high public sector investment and the anticipated development of a new diamond mine and three new metal mines this decade will help the economy grow and generate new jobs between 2016 and 2019. While our score on labour productivity growth was low, based on weakness in the mining sector, the Northwest Territories still has the highest labour productivity in Canada and is second only to Norway among 16 international peers the Conference Board used for comparison in drafting its report.
This positive outlook for the North was confirmed late last month with the release of a policy brief from the Centre for International Governance Innovation, called “The Northwest Territories and Arctic Maritime Development in the Beaufort Area.” The report called the Northwest Territories “arguably the most promising economic region in the Canadian Arctic in terms of public and private potential, scale of resources, variety of transport routes, well-functioning territorial government and close cooperation with neighbours.” Our territory was noted for its impressive achievements in responsible resource and community development, and devolution was cited as an important step that will enhance our economic self-reliance.
For all these positive predictions, though, the CIGI stated that the lack of adequate transport corridors and infrastructure arising from complex permitting regulations and governance is preventing the territory from fully realizing its economic potential. The report’s authors called for greater federal fiscal
leadership and planning and recommend the Government of the Northwest Territories use devolution as a new opportunity for enhanced land/marine partnerships with the federal government, similar to federal/provincial nation building transportation projects in the South.
Mr. Speaker, these two reports and their recommendations highlight the message I have been delivering since I became Premier: The Northwest Territories has the resources to create prosperity and drive economic growth here at home and across Canada. Federal partnership and investment in the Northwest Territories continues to be necessary and will help this territory create jobs and economic opportunities that will benefit all Canadians.
Our government is doing its part to capitalize on the North’s potential. Devolution was an important step that gives Northerners the tools they need to manage and promote responsible, balanced development that creates prosperity while protecting our land and environment according to northern priorities and values. We continue to plan for and invest in strategic infrastructure projects that support economic growth and development, projects like the Mackenzie Valley fibre line, hydro expansion, the Mackenzie Valley Highway and the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk highway, which includes a substantial financial investment from the Government of Canada.
Our government’s agenda for prosperity is about more than just economic development, Mr. Speaker, although economic development is a foundation that we must have for success. Our agenda also includes plans for social and human development like education renewal, early childhood education, the Anti-Poverty Strategy and Mental Health and Addictions Plan. It includes plans for sustaining and protecting our environment like the Land Use and Sustainability Framework, Water Strategy and Energy Conservation and Alternative Energy initiatives. Our agenda includes plans for sharing the benefits of a prosperous and environmentally sustainable territory with all communities and regions through initiatives like decentralization and regional recruitment and capacity building initiatives, supported by plans like the Economic Opportunities Strategy and Mineral Development Strategy, that will help grow and support diversified economies throughout the Northwest Territories.
The Northwest Territories is being recognized
across Canada for its great potential, Mr. Speaker. We have known all along that we can be a strong, contributing member of Confederation. Now is the time to fulfill our promise and build the strong, self-sufficient territory we have described in our vision, in partnership with the Government of Canada, Aboriginal governments, community governments,
business, non-governmental organizations and all the people of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.