Yellowknife (Jan 21/05) - Hours after millions of dollars in federal funding for NWT infrastructure was announced, Yellowknife rolled out the red carpet.

Federal Minister of State for Infrastructure and Communities John Godfrey and Minister of State for Northern Development Ethel Blondin-Andrew were the guests of honour at a champagne soiree hosted by the Western Arctic Liberal Association and David Connelly. Non-partisan guests from around the territories were invited to meet the ministers and update them on regional infrastructure priorities from the Beaufort to the Deh Cho.

It was Godfrey's first winter visit to Yellowknife though his love of canoeing has taken him to all parts of the North during the warmer months.

He joined former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau on a 1979 voyage along the Hanbury and Thelon rivers.

He said sustainable development in the North is essential.

"We have to avoid the boom and bust," he said. "We want to create places that are not standard, but that are special ... without dwelling too much on past history."

The evening also served as a showcase for several Northern success stories with members of three non-profit organizations volunteering their time to help make the gathering a success. The Aurora Arts Society, Skills Canada NWT and the Aboriginal Trades Entrance Program all received donations for their efforts.

As well, entertainment for the banquet was provided by Chic Callas - who debuted a humorous ballad titled Northern Lullaby - and Ardith's Music Centre student performers Cherryl Li, 9, Jonathan Raine, 13, and Andrea Fleury, 15.