TRA IL AG E IAL PAR K IT ER OS OP PR TO R OL H CAN ED T RI ER LINDBERG LANDING 2 CANADA S NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Table of Contents Map of the Northwest Territories...02 Overview of the Northwest Territories... 07 Premier s Message...08 Premier s Biography...09 Minister s Message... 12 The People and History of the NWT... 15 Northwest Territories Economy... 17 Wild Fur... 19 Tourism... 21 Mining... 23 Minister s Biography... 13 CANADA S NORTHWEST TERRITORIES 3
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Thrill to the fury of the Slave River rapids, right in the heart of the Town of Fort Smith and bordering Wood Buffalo National Park. CANADA S NORTHWEST TERRITORIES 5
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Overview of the Northwest Territories The Northwest Territories is a land of untold beauty, where aurora borealis shine over the snow and ice of winter and where the summer sun glows over the rocks, trees and tundra. The very landscape that makes the North so beautiful also makes it a land of unique challenges. The Northwest Territories is the second largest of Canada s three territories; roughly the same size as the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Shanxi Province combined. Only 43,000 people live in approximately 1.14 million square kilometers, a population density of less than 0.04 people per km2, of unspoiled wilderness stretching from the Arctic Ocean in the north, west to the Mackenzie Mountains, south to the borders of British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, and east to the Nunavut border. The Northwest Territories is home to Canada s deepest lake (Great Slave Lake), the largest lake entirely in Canada (Great Bear Lake), and the largest and longest water system in Canada (the Mackenzie River or Deh Cho ). The Government of the Northwest Territories is one of only two jurisdictions in Canada where government is based on consensus. There are no political parties. A fully elected Legislative Assembly of 19 members elects the Premier and a six-member Cabinet. The Northwest Territories is the only jurisdiction in Canada with 11 official languages: English, French, Chipewyan, Tlicho, Dene Zhatie, North Slavey, Gwich in, Cree, Inuvialuktun, Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun. CANADA S NORTHWEST TERRITORIES 7
Message from the Premier Canada s Northwest Territories are a land of limitless potential. With growing interest in our wild fur, mining, and tourism industries, the Northwest Territories offers some of the most exciting and promising economic opportunities in North America. Our economy was built on luxury items furs, gold, and now diamonds. From the traditional practices of Aboriginal peoples to the present-day trapping industry, wild fur from the Northwest Territories has been recognized around the world for its excellent quality for decades. Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs are always in high demand at auctions to supply China s world-leading fur garment industry. Mining is the driving force of our economy. Our mineral resources represent an ideal investment opportunity for China. Gold has been mined in the Northwest Territories for decades, with more mines planned in the next few years. More recently, the Northwest Territories has become the third-largest producer of diamonds in the world by value. Government-Certified Canadian Diamonds adhere to the highest ethical standards from mine to market, and are sought out by the world s finest jewellery designers. Valuable metals, including rare-earth metals, copper, silver, and zinc, are set to become a significant growth opportunity. The Northwest Territories is eager to build stronger ties with the Chinese tourism market. Chinese tourists will love the great experiences and authentic cultural opportunities we can offer. From dog mushing or snowshoeing beneath the northern lights, to hiking or paddling under the midnight sun, our experienced tour operators understand what tourists from China want and can provide a great experience in our spectacular Northwest Territories. The Northwest Territories is a land rich in resources and potential like no other place on earth. I hope that you will seriously consider the opportunities available to you here. Robert R. McLeod Premier of the Northwest Territories 8 CANADA S NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Biography: Robert R. McLeod Robert (Bob) McLeod was elected to the 17th Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories on October 3, 2011. This is Mr. McLeod s second term representing the constituents of Yellowknife South. Mr. McLeod has over 28 years of service in the public service with both Governments of the Northwest Territories and Canada in various senior management roles including Deputy Minister, and Secretary to Cabinet during the 15th Legislative Assembly. In the 16th Legislative Assembly, Mr. McLeod served as Minister of Human Resources, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Minister Responsible for the Public Utilities Board, Lead Minister on New Energy Initiatives as well as Lead Minister for the Mackenzie Valley Gas Pipeline Project. Mr. McLeod s educational background includes a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Alberta and an Honours Diploma in Administrative Management from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton. Mr. McLeod is an active member of the Yellowknife community serving and participating in several community organizations. He has served as president of the Yellowknife recreational hockey league, president of the Yellowknife golf club (led the expansion to 18 holes), member of the Yellowknife Elks Club and Senator for the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre. CANADA S NORTHWEST TERRITORIES 9
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Friendly, informal and bursting with energy, Yellowknife is the capital of the NWT and service centre for our diamond industry. CANADA S NORTHWEST TERRITORIES 11
Message from the Minister As Canada s North positions itself as a key economic leader for tomorrow, the Northwest Territories stands to be a leading contributor. Most striking is our territory s enormous potential to provide reliable, economical energy around the world. And while our vast natural resource base has long been the backbone to our Territory s economy providing benefits and opportunities to our residents and businesses, NWT mining and oil and gas exports are only a fraction of what they could be. Meanwhile, the rugged, pristine and isolated nature of the Northwest Territories is proving to be a fit for the large and growing international tourism market and, like our resource industry, it is on the brink of tremendous growth. Our wild fur industry, arts and crafts and small business sectors remain strong and continue to grow an economic landscape as diverse and vibrant as our signature aurora. Together they paint a picture of some of the most exciting opportunities for investment and economic growth in Canada today. David Ramsay Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment 12 CANADA S NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Biography: David Ramsay Mr. Ramsay was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories in the November 2003 Territorial election as the Member representing the riding of Kam Lake, located in Yellowknife. Mr. Ramsay was re-elected to a third term in October 2011 to the 17th Legislative Assembly. On October 21, 2011 he was appointed Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment and Minister of Transportation. In November 2011 he was elected Vice President of the Pacific North West Economic Region. Mr. Ramsay received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History, specializing in Aboriginal Law and Self Government, from the University of New Brunswick. His prior political experience includes five years as a Yellowknife City Councilor, where he chaired the Corporate Services Committee and was the City Council representative on the Diamond Task Force. He also served as a Western Arctic Progressive Conservative Riding Association President from 1998-2003. In 1996, Mr. Ramsay was awarded the Young Entrepreneur of the year award by the Business Development Bank of Canada. CANADA S NORTHWEST TERRITORIES 13
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The People and History of the Northwest Territories The Northwest Territories land, waters and wildlife are intrinsically intertwined in the cultures of our Aboriginal peoples the Dene, the Inuvialuit and Métis who make up almost half of our population. Their history, language, arts and cultural customs provide a rich cultural mosaic that underlines life in the Northwest Territories. The Dene have lived throughout the Northwest Territories for thousands of years. They once travelled in small family groups on the land, moving east and north as the glaciers retreated. The Inuvialuit lived along the Arctic coast and islands, and practiced traditional lifestyles that included hunting caribou, fishing, and sealing. In the late 1700s, European fur traders arrived from southern Canada. The children of European traders and Aboriginals formed a new cultural group called the Métis, who had a distinct way of life that incorporated aspects of both European and Aboriginal cultures. Today, Dene, Inuvialuit and Métis families live in communities, and many still pursue traditional lifestyles that include hunting, trapping, fishing and living on the land. In fact, many Aboriginal Elders were born on the land. These elders are the keepers of traditional knowledge - the ways of the animals, the beneficial uses of plants, and the stories of their people. The Northwest Territories is also home to families and individuals from other parts of Canada and all over the world who further enrich and broaden the cultural diversity of the North. Our largest centre and capital city, Yellowknife, is a unique cosmopolitan mix of modern and traditional culture that is home to people from over 150 different countries. CANADA S NORTHWEST TERRITORIES 15
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The Economy of the Northwest Territories The Northwest Territories wealth of renewable and non-renewable resources is the backbone of our economy and provides many opportunities for our residents and businesses. Collectively, our mines and mineral resources are vast. Billions of barrels of estimated oil lie untapped along with trillions of cubic feet of known natural gas reserves. Our rivers and waterways hold enormous hydroelectric potential. The rugged, pristine and isolated nature of the Northwest Territories is also a perfect fit for the large and growing international tourism market. Our vibrant history and vast potential leave us well positioned to fully realize this immense economic opportunity and bring our unique northern culture to the global forefront. Alongside our growing family of international investors and globally-recognized companies and industries are the thriving the traditional economies. Our world-renowned, sustainable wild fur industry, for example, continues to break territorial records for fur sales on a regular basis, mostly catering to a national and international market. It is no wonder that our territory has one of the highest employment rates in Canada and is an attractive business investment worldwide. CANADA S NORTHWEST TERRITORIES 17
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Wild Fur Wild fur from the Northwest Territories is considered among the very finest in the world. The harvesting of wild fur is central to Aboriginal culture, linking the traditional economic activity of the Aboriginal peoples of the Northwest Territories to today s market. The Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs brand of wild fur is harvested and prepared by Aboriginal people from the Northwest Territories. The Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs Program, operated by the Government of the Northwest Territories, provides trappers with the opportunity to sell their fur into the international fur auction market. Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs are actively marketed and promoted at international venues through partnerships with other harvesting jurisdictions and the private sector. All Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs are harvested in the Northwest Territories in a way that maintains healthy wildlife populations, and must pass marketing standard that meets and exceeds established international humane harvesting standards. Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs wild fur is some of finest luxury fur available in the marketplace and remains one of the most secure sources of Canadian Sable. CANADA S NORTHWEST TERRITORIES 19
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Tourism The Northwest Territories offers 1.2 million square kilometres of diverse landscapes that range from Arctic coastline and wide open tundra, to towering mountains and dramatic river canyons. Our vast landscape includes five of Canada s finest national parks, and there is no better place to experience the power and mystery of the Aurora Borealis. The Northwest Territories is known for its countless rivers and lakes, including some of the planet s cleanest water. Paddling, rafting and motor boating are popular recreational activities for residents and visitors alike. wolves to white whales, and see herds of bison, muskox, prowling bears, moose and caribou by the thousands. Meanwhile, Aboriginal people continue to live and share their culture here. Tourism operators in the Northwest Territories can offer tours of communities, and traditional cultural villages, visits to Aboriginal bush camps, aurora viewing, dogsled rides, guided river trips and a chance to purchase authentic Aboriginal arts and crafts. The Northwest Territories also provides some of the world s finest wildlife viewing destinations. You can view rare wildlife species, from white CANADA S NORTHWEST TERRITORIES 21
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Mining The Northwest Territories is Canada s leading jurisdiction for diamond mining with three operating mines: Diavik, Ekati and Snap Lake. A fourth mine is scheduled to open soon. Since the discovery of diamonds in the Northwest Territories in the early 1990 s, our diamond industry has experienced unparalleled growth and is now a major player in the international diamond industry. Our diamonds are recognized worldwide as being of the highest quality, and conflict-free. The Northwest Territories exports $2 billion annually in diamonds and is the third largest diamond producer in the world. Diamonds account for almost a quarter of the territory s GDP. The Northwest Territories is also home to rich deposits of untapped gold, silver and bismuth, as well as, rare earth metals, cobalt, lead and zinc. Mining provides over 2500 jobs, with industry wages and salaries that are the highest in Canada. CANADA S NORTHWEST TERRITORIES 23
Government of the Northwest Territories: http://www.gov.nt.ca/ For information on tourism in the Northwest Territories visit Spectacular NWT: http://spectacularnwt.com/ For investment information and opportunities in the Northwest Territories visit Invest NWT: http://investnwt.com/ For general enquiries email: chinaenquiries@gov.nt.ca Quick Facts The capital city, Yellowknife, is a central location with connections to the north and south. One of the lowest tax rates in Canada and only 5% GST. Great opportunities in mining, tourism, oil and gas, and film sectors. More information can be found at www.investnwt.com Transportation infrastructure that includes air, rail, water and roads. NWT communities are becoming more accessible by all-weather road and most communities are accessible by a unique network of winter roads. Funding programs are available to NWT businesses once an individual becomes a resident (this takes 6 months) such as the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development Policy. http://www.iti.gov.nt.ca/publications/seed-policy. Opportunities to partner with smaller community governments who possess local knowledge and can be eligible for funding from the government. The NWT has 11 official languages The NWT is the 3rd largest diamond producer in the world.04 number of people per sq.km. CANADA S NORTHWEST TERRITORIES