by Nancy Gardiner
Northern News Services

NNSL (Oct 08/97) - Andrew Gamble, deputy minister for Renewable Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development (RWED) says there are five main areas his department will focus on in future that mirror the Northern economy.

There needs to be a more one-stop, one-window approach to business development in the communities, he said.

For the department, "jobs are priority one." And they will be pursued in five ways:

"With a $100-million budget, our mandate is very broad," said Gamble.

Twenty-seven per cent of that amount goes toward forest fire management, 20 per cent to wildlife, and the rest goes to parks and tourism, business, trade and investment programs and environmental protection service.

• Community empowerment -- putting decisions closer to those effected. That includes devolution of minerals, oil and gas to RWED from the federal government.

• The role of RWED is changing to one of support, providing information and expertise to community economic development. Restructured headquarters and regions designed to give more flexibility, training and support is a priority.

• Partnerships, which support the first two themes. "We're trying to be a junior partner, with increased efficiency and it allows us to lever funds, increase matching funds and pooling of funds," said Gamble. An ongoing partnership with the NWT Chamber of Commerce, allows RWED "to put decisions in where they should be."

• Keeping northern interests and territorial interests protected, with the objective of maximizing northern benefits.

• RWED is streamlining and simplifying their procedures and paperwork without compromising the environment.