NWT Chamber outlines its federal economic stimulus package expectations
December 15th, 2008
The NWT Chamber of Commerce has submitted recommendations to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Finance Minister Jim Flaherty for their consideration in the development of the federal budget and the national economic stimulus package.
The position paper calls on the Federal Government to ensure its stimulus package includes several key initiatives to aid the economy of the Northwest Territories, as well as Northern businesses and residents alike.
“We’ve highlighted the top priorities identified by our members for inclusion in the stimulus package,” said NWT Chamber President Ann Marie Tout. “The biggest issues in the NWT requiring attention, and areas where the federal government could get maximum return on its investment, are transportation infrastructure, hydro-electric development and simplifying the regulatory regime.”
The Chamber plan makes four specific recommendations to the government:
1) Complete the Mackenzie Valley Highway
2) Fund Hydro-Electric Projects
3) Build Roads to Sustain Mining Industry Development
4) Reduce Regulatory Barriers to Development
“Our federal leaders have indicated a willingness to spend approximately $30 billion to help jumpstart the national economy,” said Tout. “For that spending to be truly effective it must help address needs in every jurisdiction – including the NWT.”
Comment on this article
Comments:
Anonymous said on 2008-12-16 09:38:16:
What about a direct investment to kick-start the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline?
