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I would like to thank our host, the Conseil de developpement economique des Territoires du Nord-Ouest – also known as CDÉTNO – for inviting me to speak to you this evening.

We are here tonight to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution made to the Northwest Territories by the Francophone business community.

Since the French were the first Europeans to actually settle in the NWT, I would say this celebration is long over-due. From the early days of guiding explorers like Mackenzie, right up to today, francophone entrepreneurs have made enormous contributions to the development of the Northwest Territories.

Tonight we are acknowledging that hard work and the contribution made to our communities.

In particular, I appreciate the fact that the awards we are giving out tonight are recognizing not only the economic performance, but also the social contribution of businesses to society.

Entrepreneurs will be honoured in four different categories:

1. Special Category Northwest Territories: Arts Business.

2. Commercial Services in areas of retail, wholesale distribution, brokerage, tourism, accommodation and catering, or leisure.

3. Business Services such as industrial design, web marketing communications, appraisals, environmental technology.

4. Micro Business in any sector with a maximum of three employees including the owner.

Winners in the Commercial Services, Business Services and Micro Business categories will be submitted to a national competition that is being held in Ottawa in 2009.

Leadership is an important component of a successful business. Tonight we recognize exceptional business leaders. The profiles of all the nominees are very impressive and I am sure that it was not an easy task choosing the winners – that’s one committee I’m glad I was not on!

I congratulate each and every one of you for your hard work and successes.

In the Sixteenth Assembly it is a priority to develop a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices. Small and medium size businesses are the drivers of our economy. In Canada, they represent 99.9% of all businesses and 64% of employment. In the Northwest Territories, small business employs 66% of the population. With that in mind, our Government has recently announced specific measures in support of small businesses. For example, we have increased funding available in our SEED Program and we are presently negotiating with the Government of Canada to put into place a Territorial Nominee Program. It is our hope that this program will help businesses to recruit qualified employees.

CDETNO has also developed a number of programs and services that support northern businesses and economic development. My department has been working with them on a few key projects such as recruitment of qualified staff for northern businesses and organizations, as well tourism marketing. I also understand that the Department Education, Culture and Employment is presently working with them on an employability services project.

All these programs and services, offered by different levels of the Government of the Northwest Territories, and CDETNO demonstrate the importance to work together in order to better support our economy and our people.

It is never easy starting a new business. The four winners tonight are examples to all of us of how to run a successful business. Congratulations and continued success.

Merci