Dane Gibson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 29/99) - Because they don't have a seat on the GNWT economic strategy panel, Alternatives North is taking steps to ensure their voices are heard.

Alternatives North co-chair Ben McDonald said the government's economic panel, which was convened to make recommendations regarding future NWT economic policy, doesn't adequately represent labour, women, or the environmental sectors.

"Anytime a strategic planning exercise is done, it might lead to policy changes," said McDonald.

"We wanted to seize the opportunity to influence the panel in case government policy changes as a result of the panel's recommendations."

The non-profit social justice group brought University of Manitoba economic development expert, Dr. John Loxley, to Yellowknife to conduct a workshop Nov. 20.

The results of the workshop, which was conducted with various non-governmental and voluntary organization representatives, will be formally submitted to the economic strategy panel.

"We're talking about territory-wide economic policy and changes to it could affect everything, from somebody providing child care services in their home to diamond mining," said McDonald.

Alternatives North representative Karin Clark said the workshop is their way of bringing forward the types of issues they want to see addressed by the panel.

She said that right now, the NWT is characterized as an export economy built on non-renewable resources, which is too short-sighted.

"What we would like to see is more small-scale, community-based, labour intensive economic activities in the North," said Clark.

"We want to see these things happen because of the social benefits attached to them. Community-based economic activities are focused on people, rather than just money and resources."

Dr. Loxley said the easiest economic option for the government panel to propose is the continued export of large-scale, non-renewable resources such as oil, gas and minerals.

"I think it's the option that offers the most immediate cash for the budget, but it's not necessarily the best option. I'm not sure it will improve the well-being of the people who live in the North," said Loxley.

Loxley proposed a "dual economy" that supports value-added, small-scale projects which would utilize Northern resources.

"What I'm talking about is a long-term, more diversified economy in which Northerners participate more fully," said Loxley.

"It's difficult to control export development, but if it can be controlled it should be. That way, more of the benefits would stay in the North in terms of jobs and revenue sharing."