NWT Chamber of Commerce Applauds Infrastructure Announcements
February 3rd, 2010
The NWT Chamber of Commerce is extremely pleased with the infrastructure funding commitments announced by the GNWT and by the Federal Government on January 28th and 29th respectively.
“The earmarking of $19 million for energy initiatives and $64 million for highways and roads announced by Finance Minister Michael Miltenberger on January 28th demonstrates a solid commitment to enhancing the infrastructure needed to stimulate and encourage growth in our northern economy”, stated NWT Chamber President Ann Marie Tout. “The 2010/11 budget closely aligns with the priorities of the NWT Chamber of Commerce and we appreciate the government’s responsiveness and action in these critical areas”, Tout added.
According to Tout, “The announcement by Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, on January 29th committing $3 million to fund a feasibility study examining the economic and environmental viability of building an all-weather road from Wrigley to Inuvik is cause for celebration. For many years, the NWT Chamber of Commerce has advocated for a road system between Wrigley and Inuvik. At the 2009 Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM, delegates from across the nation unanimously supported our proposed policy resolution for the completion of this transportation link and this feasibility study moves us one step closer to seeing this long-awaited infrastructure become a reality.”
In association with the network of community Chambers of Commerce in Inuvik, Fort Simpson, Behchoko, Norman Wells, Fort Smith, Hay River and Yellowknife as well as the Northern Aboriginal Business Association, the NWT Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of more than 865 members. For more than 35 years, it has been the only pan-territorial voice of businesses across all sectors of the Northern economy.
