Yellowknife (Feb 03/06) - Finance Minister Floyd Roland unveiled his budget Thursday, with an eye towards a new federal government about to take office in Ottawa.

Finance Minister Floyd Roland tries on his new budget shoes before making his annual address to the legislative assembly. The minister hopes a change of government in Ottawa will mean greater economic freedom for the NWT. - Mike W. Bryant/NNSL photo - BY THE NUMBERS: Total revenue: $1.1 billion / Last year - $1.08 billion Total operating expenditures: $1.06 billion / Last year - $1.07 billion Operating surplus: $37.7 million / Last year - $13.1 million Total capital investment expenditures: $118.6 million / Last year - $117.8 million Total debt: $223.3 million / Last year - $151.6 million Total government staff: 4,836 / Last year - 4,689

His address to the legislative assembly made mention of Prime Minister-designate Stephen Harper and his Conservative government-in-waiting 11 times.

The territorial government's 2006/07 budget, which Roland characterized as "bold" and "decisive," is on par with last year's budget. It boasts revenues of $1.1 billion and a healthy operating surplus of $31 million.

Spending will go up by seven per cent, while 147 new jobs will be added to bring the territorial government's total workforce up to 4,689.

The NWT economy, meanwhile, is expected to grow this year by 7.6 per cent.

Nonetheless, Roland re-iterated long-standing complaints against Ottawa: the lack of a resource royalty agreement, inadequate federal formula funding, and a $300 million debt ceiling that has hamstrung the territorial government's ability to make larger investments in capital projects.

He hopes with the Conservatives in power that will change, and quickly. With three diamond mines, the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline just around the corner, and dreams of building a highway along its route, Roland said it's important more than ever that the NWT has the economic autonomy to deal with its growth.

"We've been fortunate in the short-term that has helped us deliver on what we have to do for the people of the Northwest Territories," said Roland during a pre-budget press conference yesterday.

"When you look at the long-term at what we need to do... we'll have to deal with some huge impacts both good and bad."

Roland said it was a welcome statement from Harper during the recent election campaign when he said, "Northerners should be the primary beneficiaries from the development of Northern resources."

On the tax front, Roland's address promised no changes to the current plan other than a lowered corporate tax rate to 11.5 per cent from 14 per cent.

The decision to lower the rate was made in an effort to keep businesses from filing income taxes outside of the territory, such as in Alberta which is also at 11.5 per cent.

Roland also pledged an additional $17 million for education, $18 million for health, and $4 million to build homes in 14 of the NWT's smallest communities.

The government plans to spend $326,000 this year to increase senior's low income benefits to $160 a month from $135.

The territorial government would've had even more money to work with if not for a repayment they will have to make to the federal government this year for $290 million. The GNWT owed Ottawa the money after receiving an overpayment on corporate income taxes in 2002.

Roland's hopeful gaze towards the Conservatives wasn't lost on Mayor Gord Van Tighem. The mayor was among dozens of people to attend the budget address announcement.

"I think the main message was that somebody has got to get down to Ottawa and find out what's going on as soon as possible," said Van Tighem.

Todd Parsons, president of the Union of Norther Workers, was also curious about the frequent Harper references.

"It would appear the Northwest Territories is very supportive of the change in government," said Parsons.

"Now it's time for Mr. Harper to step up to the plate as well."

Marino Casebeer, executive director of the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce, was pleased the government lowered the corporate tax rate, although the cut could have been larger, he said.

"Alberta's economy is reputed to be still very hot and growing," said Casebeer. "Being even doesn't make it attractive to come North."