NWT needs strong backbone
of infrastructure, says minister
Wally Schumann assumes new title as two departments merge; touts benefits for NWT of three major projects in South Slave
Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Monday, April 10, 2017
HAY RIVER
The key to progress for the NWT will be a strong backbone of infrastructure, says the newly minted minister of that portfolio.
Infrastructure Minister Wally Schumann listed three projects that will have positive impacts on the South Slave: the proposed Tlicho All-Season Road to Whati; restoring the port of Hay River; and the takeover by the GNWT of the assets of Northern Transportation Company Ltd.
"Significant progress has been made to date on the rehabilitation of the harbour," he told the local business community at the annual gala of the Hay River Chamber of Commerce on March 31.
As for the GNWT's takeover of barging, he said, "We have stepped up to keep this pivotal piece of our territory's transportation infrastructure intact and in Hay River."
Schumann was giving his final speech as the minister of Transportation and the minister of Public Works and Services before the two departments amalgamated into the Department of Infrastructure on April 1.
"Projects in both the private and public sectors are poised to bring greater prosperity to this area and our territory," he said.
Schumann, who is still also minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, pointed to what he called "exciting developments" and the GNWT's vision for supporting opportunity with smart investments, economic development and infrastructure.
"Our job as a government is to foster an environment where businesses can thrive, and to invest in progress so new ones can grow," he said.
Schumann first mentioned the recently-released agriculture strategy for the NWT.
"As the heart of our territorial agriculture sector, Hay River stands to benefit significantly from the economic opportunity and access to fresh locally-grown food that the strategy wishes to stimulate," he said.
The minister also noted that Hay River-based Polar Eggs is leading the way in commercial agriculture in the NWT.
"Their success is proof that with smart investments and savvy planning we can see big positive changes in NWT agriculture in the coming years," he said.
In addition, he described the Northern Farm Training Institute as a valuable ally in moving forward the government's agenda.
Schumann also praised the recently-released strategy to revitalize the Great Slave Lake commercial fishery.
"This plan provides an approach to address the challenges that have been faced by this industry over the last decade," he said, explaining it will optimize resource management, increase production capacity and train the next generation of fishers.
Schumann said the GNWT will next develop a strategy to strengthen the NWT manufacturing sector in conjunction with the NWT Manufacturing Association.
The minister noted that, as in the NWT as a whole, the South Slave has greater opportunity with a solid foundation of mineral development.
Schumann mentioned the Darnley Bay zinc exploration project that might review mining at Pine Point.
Schumann said each of the projects and opportunities are important to realize the full potential of the NWT.
"When Hay River succeeds, so does the NWT," he concluded.
"We're committed to doing our part as a government to see them through."
