Yellowknife (Apr 04/05) - Territorial politicians and business leaders converge on Ottawa this week, hoping to cash in on federal government generosity.

It's expected that most territorial MLAs will be there, plus 12 members of the NWT business community and nine or 10 aboriginal leaders.

The climax of the event occurs tomorrow (April 5), labelled NWT day by Northern leaders, where the territory will be the main focus in the House of Commons.

Sending all the MLAs to Ottawa will cost the territorial government $25,000. The government is also paying airfare for several Dene chiefs, but that cost isn't known.

The NWT Business Coalition is paying its own way.

"Rather than me going down 24 times, to have other MLAs coming down is important," said Premier Joe Handley.

"We have a good story to tell in the Northwest Territories - economically, politically, in every way. It's just good news for Canada."

The premier is looking to the success a similar delegation had two years ago when NWT leaders went to Ottawa and secured an extra $20 million commitment to improve highways in the NWT through the Corridors for Canada fund.

Handley senses that this will be the NWT's year in the sun, what with an expected agreement-in-principle coming this month for devolution and a major pipeline project looming.

Last fall saw several funding announcements made that will benefit the NWT, and Handley hopes Ottawa's goodwill will continue after this visit.

"We need a few days where we are the focus for many of the MPs," said Handley. "There is a growing interest."

Business coalition chair Kelly Kaylo said having the private sector there is important.

"We have a different perspective and I think politicians, advisors and influencers in Ottawa want to hear that."