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Executive Director James O’Connor had begun writing his next submission on behalf of the NWT Chamber to News/North. But as of deadline this week, it remained unfinished: Where do you start? Stop? So here is that unfinished piece. There will be much more to write about for News/North for its Labour Day edition.
Our hearts are with those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. We remain standing strong with our neighbours and those incredible people working to save our communities.
The severity of setbacks and challenges faced by businesses trying to provide goods or services in the NWT have proven too much for some and the sector has declined in numbers.
In April 2015, there were 1,053 active businesses in the NWT. Eight years later, in spring 2023 that number went down by 98, to 955 going concerns. How many will remain standing one year from now?
In addition to developing a product or service that can be marketed and adopted by consumers in 33 communities across 1,144,000 square-kilometres, being in business in the NWT in recent years included:
- Two years of spring flooding.
- The federal Carbon Tax.
- High cost of raw materials.
- Pandemic restrictions, closures.
- High taxes and inflation.
- Thawing permafrost.
- Shortage of skilled, unskilled workers.
- Vancouver port strike.
- The current wildfire evacuations.
This year, the GNWT cabinet deemed the economy had recovered from the pandemic. Oh, but then added it had just “returned to its pre-pandemic path of slow decline."
As Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek stated in her Budget Address earlier this year: "Maturing diamond mines, labour shortages, and a lack of economic diversification will continue to dampen economic growth."
She added: "The possibility for a prosperous future lies within our collective hands; not only those of elected leaders but residents across the territory.
"We face our economic challenges because the alternative is unacceptable and not who we are."
Then hell opened up a few months after that strugglingly optimistic political speech and wildfires consumed land, property and lives.
At present, nearly 70% of the NWT’s population from a half-dozen communities is under evacuation orders, most taking up some form of residence in Alberta, BC or Manitoba. How many won’t return?
If a person doesn’t have strong roots in the NWT, wouldn’t the many jobs and bright lights of the big cities in the warmer South be attractive? But I digress.
Those Northwest Territonians who could afford to self-evacuate are burning through thousands of dollars cash for gasoline, vehicle, maintenance, hotels, food, that might never be fully restored by government. Or if so, it will be some time from now.
Could they be given some form of quick blanket bridge reimbursement that could be fine-tuned with receipts at tax time? We do that now for our two tax-deductible trips south annually?
If it’s agreed that the primary duty of government is the safety and security of the populace, we should be so very thankful for the good work in short time performed.
Sure, there were hiccups — and who decided which handful of stores were to remain open in Yellowknife? — and a full post-mortem this winter by the incoming 20th Assembly will be required.
But heroes abound. Look at the considerable strength and leadership shown by mayors Mayor Rebecca Alty of Yellowknife and Kandis Jameson of Hay River, and Fred Daniels of Fort Smith, just to name just a couple.
Then there was Mayor Michael St Amour, who saw 90% of his community of Enterprise — Gateway to the North — reduced to twisted steel and ash.
First responders, the Armed Forces, woodland firefighters from across the NWT, Canada and other countries, the construction workers and heavy equipment operators who did what many thought were impossible on the western edge of Yellowknife.
Cabin Radio reported today from the moment the GNWT decides the fires are no longer a threat, it’ll take an estimated five days to get priority people back and then begin bringing everyone else home
There will be so many stories to tell, with so many more chapters to be written. Stay safe. Stay strong. See you soon.
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