N.W.T. endorses Tłı̨chǫ, Yellowknives Dene Arctic corridor

The Northwest Territories government has formally endorsed a planning corridor for the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor that was proposed jointly by the Tłı̨chǫ Government and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, saying a final route, construction and funding are still to be decided.

Caroline Wawzonek, the minister responsible for strategic infrastructure, energy and supply chains, announced the endorsement in a statement from the territorial government. The endorsed corridor is approximately 30 kilometres wide.

“The Yellowknives Dene First Nation and the Tłı̨chǫ Government have done considerable work to reach agreement on a proposed corridor, and I want to recognize their leadership in bringing the project to this point,” Wawzonek said.

The government said the endorsement gives it and the two Nations a shared foundation to refine the route and carry out the engineering, consultation, environmental assessment and regulatory work needed to inform future decisions. It said a final road alignment, construction and project funding remain subject to the necessary decisions and approvals.

Wawzonek said endorsing a planning corridor does not mean engagement is finished or that all decisions have been made. She said other Indigenous governments and communities have perspectives, priorities and concerns that must be considered, and that the government is committed to working with the two Nations to find ways for those groups to take part in and benefit from the project.

The territorial government said the corridor has the potential to open new economic opportunities, strengthen northern supply chains and critical mineral development, and support Canada’s Arctic security and sovereignty. Realizing that potential, it said, will require continued collaboration and substantial investment.

The statement comes as the territory manages tight finances. Canada News Media reported earlier that the N.W.T. is forecasting a $39-million deficit and a $790-million capital budget.

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