Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 28/04) - Premier Joe Handley outlined his vision of the territory for the next four years to a sold-out audience at the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce business club luncheon at the Explorer Hotel, Friday.

Business leaders at the $30-a-plate State-of-the-NWT address got re-affirmation that Handley remains committed to consensus government, pursuing devolution, and revamping the territory's resource department.

Handley also said he remains committed to providing Northerners with an honest and open government.

"We are going to run this government openly and transparently," said Handley.

"If you want information, we'll give it to you."

A major item on the government's agenda is to split the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development into two separate agencies -- one focused on resource development, the other on boosting the NWT's fledgling tourism sector.

"We need to put a focus on tourism," said Handley.

Handley also said the government plans to push the NWT's hydro electric potential, including expanding the Taltson River hydro project and developing the Bear River's power potential.

"That's the way we're going to be able to get a single (power) rate zone," said Handley. "Together, they will provide 80 per cent of our energy needs."

Just a chipseal away

The audience saved its biggest ovation for Handley's announcement that the section of Highway No. 3, commonly referred to as the Road-to-Rae, would be chipsealed by next year.

"I look forward to the celebration on that," said Handley.

Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce president Jerry Jaud said, judging by the premier's speech, things are looking positively "rosy" for the NWT.

"I think the energy is high," said Jaud. "I hope they can maintain that."