Dave Sullivan
Northern News Services

Hay River (Jan 14/02) - Let's embrace the global economy, says Premier Stephen Kakfwi.

Because of oil, gas and diamonds, "we are enjoying an economy that is performing very well," he told a Hay River audience last week.

A reflective Premier Stephen Kakfwi addressed a Hay River audience last week. - Dave Sullivan/NNSL photo

The premier said transnationals running those industries are players in a wired economy so far-reaching, the rest of world is finding out about the North.

In a wide-ranging "state of the union" speech to about 140 at a Rotary Club lunch, the premier spoke of preparing the territories to be a more than a bit player on the world scene, and the need for more federal support to help make that happen. But his criticism of federal funding levels and control over resource revenue was muted.

He reiterated the importance of Prime Minister Jean Chretien and U.S. President George Bush having a discussion about the region, and that a decision made by an aboriginal group one day is discussed the next day in a Houston boardroom.

The premier, halfway through his term, said it is "the will of the people" that Northerners be part of the global economy.

He predicted the North, with help from the transnationals, will carve out its own spot and be recognized internationally under the new business reality.

To make corporations feel even more welcome though, the territories needs to provide them with the right tools like better highways, he said.

"We will continue to work to improve infrastructure to serve our residents and the needs of industry."

Despite the lack of infrastructure, Kakfwi said last week's announcement about the Aboriginal Pipeline Group taking the next, $250-million step is a sign the government has done a good job opening doors to business.

One thing that will help, Kakfwi said, is for the territories to have a proper name.

He said two MLAs will be reporting to the legislature in March on the name-change idea.

With the Northern economy humming along without a new name yet, Kakfwi also said it's time to focus on social issues and pay attention to the environment.

"We are challenged with family violence, abuse in all its forms, poverty, inadequate housing, fetal alcohol syndrome, and a legacy of residential schools. All these continue to assail us."

For the remainder of his term, Kakfwi said his government will "ensure the land is protected for all our future generations," but that idea will be balanced against resource development goals.