Northwest Territories (a summary of recent legislative activity).

• Author: Colquhoun, Pamela

The third session of the 14th Legislative Assembly commenced on June 20th with the delivery of the Budget address by Joseph L. Handley, Minister of Finance. He highlighted the key initiatives with optimism. Minister Handley's plans included the prosperous vision that was released in the Caucus document Towards a Better Tomorrow, in March. Mr. Handley, indicated that the strategies that the Government intends to focus on are, "building partnerships with other governments principally aboriginal governments, so that we are not working in isolation, but rather are sharing information and decision making; and making key investments in our people, in our infrastructure and in our future."

At the outset of his address, Minister Handley noted that financial resources are limited. However, he reassured that the budget did allocate resources to keep pace with the growing demands in health, education and social services. During this fiscal year the Government intends to finalize their strategies and determine how they can be financed. The Government's plan to do this incorporates partnership with Cabinet, Regular Members, Federal and Aboriginal Governments.

Minister Handley also tabled Common Ground, the Final Report of the Economic Strategy Panel. The panel was appointed last June to develop an economic strategy for the Northwest Territories. The panel represented a cross section of northern organizations with an interest in economic development. The panel's report mirrors this broad interest base and includes not just industry and sector associations' concerns, but those of aboriginal governments as well as communities and organizations dealing with environmental and social issues. The panel's report provides a comprehensive approach to economic priorities and actions needed to guide economic development efforts. The Common Ground report, along with additional input from the public, will form the basis of a GNWT Economic Action Plan for those recommendations directed to the Government of the Northwest Territories. Minister Handley informed the House that it is his intention to table the GNWT Economic Action Plan during the next sitting of the Legislative Assembly in the fall. He will also reconvene the Economic Strategy Panel in one year's time to review progress made on implementing the recommendations contained in the report.

On June 21st Stephen Kakfwi, Premier of the Northwest Territories delivered his sessional address. Premier Kakfwi, reported...