FORT LIARD - On June 28, Christine Boyde started her first day at work as the economic development officer for the Hamlet of Fort Liard, a position that has been vacant for approximately five years.

Christine Boyde, the new economic development officer for the Hamlet of Fort Liard, has filled a position that was vacant for approximately five years. - photo courtesy of Christie Boyde

"I came into an empty office," said Boyde, who has been getting settled in for the last month.

Although she works for the hamlet, Boyde's position is funded by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment. As an economic development officer, Boyde helps businesses and residents tap into the funding and programming offered by the department.

Boyde's services also include helping existing businesses with any questions they may have about finances or taxes and assisting new businesses with the necessary paperwork to start up. Boyde has come prepared with experiences gained in Tuktoyaktuk.

Originally from B.C., Boyde moved to the northern hamlet with her husband Andrew, who's a RCMP officer. With a Bachelor of Technology and a background in systems design, Boyde took the position as Tuktoyaktuk's economic development officer because it was available as a job.

Boyde said she attended many courses and conferences during her two years at the hamlet to familiarize herself with the position. When she discovered her husband was being posted to Fort Liard, Boyde inquired if the position was open there.

"It's a good opportunity to get to know a lot of people," Boyde said about the job.

During her month in Fort Liard, Boyde has visited a number of businesses to introduce herself and has already gathered a few clients. Arts and crafts and tourism are two areas where there's room for growth, she said.

In Tuktoyaktuk, Boyde focused a lot of time on the arts and crafts sector, helping artists get funding to purchase supplies and to attend craft shows in the territory and beyond. The Great Northern Arts Festival in Inuvik was very popular, she said.

"If anyone from here wanted to go I think that would be a great opportunity," she said.

While Acho Dene Native Crafts draws in a lot of tourists there are also opportunities for residents to start tourism-based businesses, said Boyde.

The hamlet is pleased to have the position of economic development officer filled after so many years, said John McKee, the hamlet's senior administrative officer.

McKee said the hamlet took advantage of the chance to hire someone with experience working in a small community.

"She's just getting her feet wet," McKee said.