Mr. Speaker, I have spoken before on the need to diversify of our economy and I have always supported a key industry that can help achieve this goal, our Northern manufacturing sector. If this government is truly committed to building a diversified and sustainable territorial economy that can be resilient in the face of volatile commodity cycles, then it must continue providing support for this sector in Yellowknife and throughout the NWT.
Mr. Speaker, for those who don't believe the NWT can support a viable manufacturing industry, I believe now is the time to break new ground and be ambitious, Mr. Speaker. Not only is our manufacturing sector developing and innovating, they are thriving. The NWT manufacturing sector generates annual revenues of $25 million, employs over a 100 Northerners and has an average annual growth of 2 per cent.
Mr. Speaker, Kam Lakers know that we can capitalize on this opportunity, quite literally through our world-class business leaders. That's why I'm pleased to see this government lend support to Energy Wall Engineered Homes by giving them an opportunity to build manufactured homes for our communities. This business has been an innovator in the North for decades, manufacturing value-added products such as roof trusses, windows and fibreglass tanks. Recently, they have expanded and developed into a whole new field that will change how our territory houses our people.
Energy Wall Engineered Homes is now manufacturing affordable modular housing units, and has recently entered into a contract collaborating with the NWT Housing Corporation in a pilot project that will build one home in Yellowknife. I applaud the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation for supporting our local businesses; this is a clear sign of support to our hardworking business community, that she is living up to her mandate commitments by identifying potential areas of growth in our manufacturing sector and pursuing them with vigour.
Now, I encourage all of Cabinet Ministers to follow the same, and move the entire government in this direction so we can realize the longstanding goal of economic diversification for a stronger economy and a stronger Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.