An update from the Premier’s Office

Thepremier floyd roland has been very busy since the last edition of Tusaayaksat. h e was in o ttawa(Jan 10-13) for the first Ministers Meeting. During this time in o ttawa, he also met with prime Minister h arper and also on a separate occasion met with Beverly Jacobs of the n ative Women’s a ssociation. The premier also attended the Council of federation meeting in Vancouver (Jan 27-29). During this time there was also a meeting with the n orthern premiers from yukon and n unavut. a Climate Change adaptation Conference was also held. The premier has been invited to be a guest speaker at the yellowknife rotary Club, h ay r iver Chamber of Commerce, yellowknife Chamber of Commerce, and the a boriginal Law Conference.

u nfortunately the premier could not attend the BDEC long term services awards in Inuvik nor could he attend the G n WT long-term services award, due to prior commitments to meetings. h e did attend remembrance Day ceremonies in Inuvik. h e also attended the regional a boriginal Leaders Meeting (feb 26) in Inuvik. h e was in Inuvik to launch a G n WT book marking 40 years of government. h e also did some constituency work and hosted a Christmas open house there.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PREMIER’ S RECENT SESSION STATEMENTS AND SPEECHES :

Based on the Legislative a ssembly’s six priorities, cabinet is working on key initiatives to address how we will attain our goals and live within our means.

THE FIRST INITIATIVE is building our future. This includes programming for our children and youth, healthy choices and tackling addictions, action on family violence and supporting families, seniors, supporting volunteers, community and personal safety, enhancing police services.

THE SECOND INITIATIVE we are working on is to reduce the cost of living. This recognizes the cost of living in the n orthwest Territories is too high. It is difficult for many families and businesses to pay their basic bills. This stands in the way of achieving a better quality of life, of people getting jobs and supporting their families. It also poses challenges to our ability to grow and diversify our economy, and to attract new businesses and investment. This problem can be mitigated by improved transportation infrastructure between communities, and alternative energy solutions like natural gas and hydroelectric power. We must pursue partnerships and funding to build the Mackenzie Valley h ighway, and expand hydroelectric power.

THE THIRD INITIATIVE involves managing this land. We have a front row seat to witness impacts of climate change. This has decreased the length of the ice road season, making it more difficult and costly to re-supply communities and industry. Ice roads are now more expensive to build and harder to maintain. o perating seasons are also decreasing - some roads may not be viable in the future. Melting permafrost is weakening and shifting foundations of roads and buildings. We need a comprehensive approach to find the right balance between development and protection. a key part

Jo Greenland

is a framework around land-use in the n WT. We will continue our work on land, resource and self-government agreements, including a devolution agreement with the federal government.

Devolution And Resource Revenue Sharing

is not on the back burner but, and I want to emphasize this, it is not the panacea that will make all our problems disappear. Despite higher amounts in previous years, the 2006-07 federal public accounts show royalties flowing to Canada from the NWT were only $34 million. according to a proposal for resource revenue sharing outlined in the 2007 federal Budget, we would have received only $17 million in resource revenues for that year. Just $17 million ladies and gentlemen.

So I repeat, resource revenues alone will not solve our fiscal challenges. We will continue to pursue an agreement but should be realistic about what it will mean to us. We will not pursue a deal that is not in the best interest of northerners. The proposal on the table is not adequate.

We are talking to the federal government and we are confident a better deal can and will be reached. o ur fourth working group is focused on maximizing opportunities in the n WT. It’s time to open the door to new developments that contribute to the n orth, to our communities, and to the future of our children. Continue improving the quality of education and training so jobs don’t go to people who fly in and fly out each week.

finally the actions of this 16th a ssembly will fundamentally refocus all aspects of government - from how we set priorities to how we deliver services and how we make sure we’re getting the best value for every dollar we spend.

More information on the Premier’s work can be seen at http://www.premier.gov.nt.ca