The NWT Chamber sat in on a public hearing at the Legislature on Wednesday for Bill 84 which will change aspects of how the Business Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC) operates and also allow a re-branding of the

Crown corp to better distinguish itself from other organizations and agencies working with businesses in the North.

Operating as Prosper NWT, the money-lending corporation wants to also be able to lend more money and provide NWT

businesses with non-financial supports — bookkeeping and marketing were mentioned — and other assistance that are not part of BDIC’s established programs. Written submissions to the Committee can be emailed until May 17 to committees@ntassembly.ca

MLAs pictured from left to right: Kevin O’Reilly (light blue shirt, Frame Lake riding); Ronald Bonnetrouge, on screen (Deh Cho); Rylund Johnson (Yellowknife North); Katrina Nokleby (Great Slave).

New NWT Chamber President's 'dedication, passion' recognized by Minister Wawzonek

Analyst: 'One of the most exciting lithium exploration land packages in Canada'

A Vancouver-based exploration company called Li-FT is gaining recognition for the potential of its lithium project just outside of Yellowknife.

In Monday's Report on Business, Canaccord Genuity analyst Katie Lachapelle called it "one of the most exciting lithium exploration land packages in Canada, the scale of which we expect to be better defined over the next 12 months."

Lachapelle gave the project a "speculative buy" recommendation, noting there are strike lengths up to 1,800 metres and widths up to 40 metres — many of which are large enough to be seen from satellite imagery.

"Based on exploration work completed in the 1970s and 1980s, the Yellowknife Project is believed to have the potential to host one of the largest hard rock lithium resources in the Western World."

She also emphasized "encouraging results from historical exploration work" and believes "significant nearby infrastructure could fast-track development."

Li-FT is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties, specifically lithium pegmatite projects located in Canada. It announced the acquisition of the Yellowknife Lithium Project in n November 2022.

President Level Sponsor chosen for Fore! The Chamber golf tourney in August

Special thanks goes out this week to Jenni Bruce and Midwest Property Management for stepping up to be our President Level Sponsor!

We also thank Lee Cawson and the Aurora Group of Companies for purchasing one of our Director Level Sponsor packages.

The August 18 golf tournament is a key fundraiser for the NWT Chamber and a percentage of net proceeds will go to Skills Canada NWT. Please consider helping to make this event a success by being a sponsor.

Look for the names of other companies in this space in coming weeks who have selected their sponsorship level.

POLLING THE CHAMBER

Topic: BDIC rebrand

The Business Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC) wants to change its name to Prosper NWT as part of a comprehensive re-branding initiative.

BDIC CEO Joyce Taylor told an Assembly Committee this week there is “incredible confusion between various organizations.”

NORTHERN QUOTE(S) OF THE WEEK:

"It will require significant commitment and investment from all participants and stakeholders, but in time, the Hay River processing plant will support the sustainability of the sector, improve the livelihoods of fishermen in the NWT, and increase local food production, and economic value for the NWT."



— Minister of Industry Tourism and Investment Caroline Wawzonek, announcing today the GNWT has entered into a three-year agreement with the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation to operate the new fish processing facility in Hay River.

SOCIAL POST(S) OF THE WEEK:

Friday Futures:

After an absence of two years, the NWT Chamber's golf tournament returns Friday, August 18 at the Yellowknife Golf Club. After 18 holes, participants will be treated to a reception with a silent auction and a delicious meal. More details here. Please save that date, consider being a sponsor, and start thinking of teams to enter!

To celebrate the NWT Chamber's 50th anniversary this year, a major one-day conference and evening reception is being planned for Sept. 29. Stay tuned for information.

The next NWT Chamber Board Meeting is May 17 at 11am in-person or Zoom

THE NWT CHAMBER RECOGNIZES ITS SPONSORS

Inquire with the NWT Chamber's Executive Director about sponsorship and newsletter advertising opportunities. We also offer limited numbers of EBlasts to members each month and promoted social media posts can be arranged.

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