NWT Gov. with Canadian Zinc https://news.exec.gov.nt.ca/premier-mcleod-speaks-at-prospectors-and-developers-association-of-canada-conference/
Premier McLeod speaks at Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Conference
Mar 52013
TORONTO (March 5, 2013) – Premier Bob McLeod is in Ontario this week to promote the Northwest Territories model of ensuring Aboriginal participation in the economy, especially resource development.
“Consultation is in our governance DNA,” Premier McLeod told the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Conference’s Aboriginal Forum: Promoting Excellence in Engagement session yesterday morning. “Our territory is moving forward in greater self-reliance and self-determination. One of the benefits of the partnership with Aboriginal people in our territory is a focus on sustainable, responsible development.”
The Aboriginal Forum brings Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal-owned companies together with the mineral industry to share experiences and learn about becoming more involved in the mineral sector. The event is a platform for discussion on fostering mutually cooperative, respectful and successful relationships and was chaired by Don Bubar of Avalon Rare Metals and Michael Fox. Greg Rickford, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development also provided remarks. Presenters from the NWT included Steven Nitah and Vice-Chief Emily Saunders from Lutselk’e and Darrell Beaulieu from Denendeh Investments Inc.
Premier McLeod visited the Toronto Stock Exchange yesterday afternoon accompanied by John Kearney, Chairman of Canadian Zinc Corporation and former President of the NWT Chamber of Mines, and by a number of other mining company executives. Canadian Zinc’s shares are listed and trade on the TSX.
“The Northwest Territories is open for business with socially responsible companies that ensure benefits from development accrue to the northern economy and residents,” said Premier McLeod. “Our socio-economic agreement with Canadian Zinc Corporation has been a model for other agreements throughout the north that will create opportunities for northerners. The Prairie Creek mine has the potential to provide significant employment and business opportunities throughout the Dehcho Region. We are committed to working with industry and regional Aboriginal governments to increase employment opportunities where they are most needed and make our territory prosperous.”
In acknowledging the support of Premier McLeod for mine development in the Northwest Territories, John Kearney, Chairman and CEO of Canadian Zinc Corporation said, “The Prairie Creek silver/zinc/lead mine, which is now in the final stages of permitting and is on track to become the NWT’s next new zinc/lead mine, will provide many business opportunities and significant direct and indirect employment in the Northwest Territories and in particular to the Dehcho Region. Working closely with the Government of the Northwest Territories, we are committed to developing and operating the Prairie Creek Mine in a manner that contributes to the social, economic and cultural well-being of the Northwest Territories and, in particular, to the aboriginal communities in the Dehcho Region with whom Canadian Zinc has signed impact and benefit agreements.”
Combined, the NWT’s four producing mines and different projects at various stages of development contribute $770 million annually in spending and employ more than 3,000 people. There are seven significant mineral projects in various stages of development in the NWT. Together, these projects could have a significant effect on the NWT economy – doubling the territorial GDP by 2020 and creating up to 2000 new jobs as the mining sector expands. The GNWT’s Mineral Development Strategy, currently in development, will outline a clear policy and framework for continued sustainable mineral development in the NWT.
For more information, contact:
Brenda Norris
Media Liaison
Office of the Premier/Cabinet
Government of the Northwest Territories
Phone: (867) 669-2302