(YELLOWKNIFE) January 31, 2017 – The Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning has announced its priorities for the 2017-18 budget. These include job creation, modest stimulus to small business, tourism, fisheries, more home care for seniors, and measures to reduce poverty. The Committee believes these can be accomplished in a balanced, responsible budget.

The Committee is comprised of all Regular Members of the Legislative Assembly.

“The Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning has thoroughly analyzed the government’s business plans provided last September,” says Committee Chair, Tom Beaulieu. “The current budget is more about cuts and is not focused on the Mandate of the 18th Assembly. Our proposals are based on what we are hearing from the people and businesses across the NWT.”

“All 19 Members set priorities that we voted on and passed unanimously in the Assembly,” added Deputy Chair, Kieron Testart. “These priorities in our Mandate are our promises to the people. It is Cabinet’s job to deliver on these promises.

“Regular Members want some modest investments that will ultimately save the government money,” Mr. Testart added. “We are urging Cabinet to take a balanced approach to the budget that suits the economic and social climate we have now.”

For more information, please contact:

Tom Beaulieu
Chair, Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning
Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories
P: 867-767-9133 ext. 12185
E: tom_beaulieu@gov.nt.ca 

Danielle Mager
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories
P: 867-767-9130 ext. 12017
E: danielle_mager@gov.nt.ca 

Video from the press conference: