Legislative reports: Northwest Territories.

The Fifth Session of the Fourteenth Assembly of the Northwest Territories convened on Tuesday, February 19, 2002 and sat through March 15, 2002. This being the annual Budget Session, the majority of house business was concerned with budgetary and fiscal issues of the Government of the Northwest Territories.

In her Opening Address, Commissioner Glenna Hansen thanked the Members for their united efforts, "I encourage you to maintain this ability to work as one body, one government and one voice as you continue to seek the consensus on which this Legislative Assembly is based." The Legislative Assembly was privileged to have "O Canada" sung by members the Sir John Franklin High School Choir, as well as a drum prayer offered by members of the Dettah Drummers.

Deputy Premier Jim Antoine delivered the Sessional Statement. He affirmed the Government's commitment to a balanced agenda and fiscally responsible budget, working in partnership with communities and organizations, continuing to invest in the NWT and its residents, and reorganizing the NWT's fiscal capacity. Premier Stephen Kakfwi was absent for the opening of this Session due to his participation in the Canada Trade Mission to Russia and Germany.

On February 20, 2002 Minister of Finance, Joseph Handley, released the NWT's annual budget. Mr. Handley highlighted a very positive growth trend, "Our economy has impressive potential ... The developments on the drawing board confirm that the Northwest Territories is on the road to becoming a `have' jurisdiction." His Budget Address contained a number of key growth indicators: the NWT's real gross domestic product grew by 32 percent in 2001; exports increased by 19 percent and; unemployment rates fell to 9.8 percent as of January 2002. The Minister also voiced the Government's support for economic development, the environment, non-renewable resource development, roads and infrastructure, and support for the people and communities of the North.

Each department of the Government of the Northwest Territories submitted Main Estimates to be reviewed by one of the three Standing Committees of the Legislative Assembly. Subsequently, the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight, the Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development, and the Standing Committee on Social Programs, each tabled reports on the review of the 2002-2003 Main Estimates in the House.

In addition to Committee Reports, a number of other documents relating to...