Current Press Releases

HAY RIVER/FORT SMITH (February 26, 2009) –BizPaL is an online service that provides one-stop access to a database of permit and licence requirements for all federal, provincial and municipal levels of government across Canada and now, for the first time, the Northwest Territories (NWT). BizPaL will be launched in the NWT on February 27, 2009 in Hay River and Fort Smith with demonstrations of live BizPaL usage.

“Now there is an easy way to make sure all the necessary applications are completed and entrepreneurs can get on with the business of growing their business,” said the Honourable Bob McLeod, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

BizPaL is an online service available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Entrepreneurs need only answer a series of questions and BizPaL generates a customized list of all permits and licences required as well as pertinent information such as fees, processing and renewals, contacts and links to sites with more information.

“We appreciate the assistance we received from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) through its Strategic Initiatives in Northern Development Program, which helped fund the development, along with our network of NWT partners for the database of permits and licences that are needed here,” said Minister McLeod. “Built by a partnership among federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments, this unique program is designed to provide practical service to business.”

“BizPaL makes it easier for entrepreneurs to do what they do best - look after business and create jobs. Streamlining access to permits and licences will save entrepreneurs valuable time and money. We congratulate Hay River and Fort Smith, the territorial government and the federal government for this significant customer service improvement,” said Janine Halbesma, Senior Policy Analyst for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business in the NWT.

“This innovative service will be made available across the territory in the near future. It reflects this Government’s continuing commitment to the development of small business and sustainable local economies,” said Minister McLeod.

To access the BizPaL web site click here

For BizPaL on Hay River’s site click here

For BizPaL on Fort Smith’s site click here

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For more information contact:

Drew Williams
Cabinet Communications
Office of the Premier
Tel: (867) 669-2304
E-mail: drew_williams@gov.nt.ca

Cindy Petersen
Executive Assistant
Town of Hay River
Tel: (867) 874-6522
E-mail: cpeterson@hayriver.com

Peter Martselos
Mayor
Town of Fort Smith
Tel: (867) 872-8400
E-mail: townoffortsmith@northwestel.net