As Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mine marks its final production this week, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is recognizing its lasting impact while looking to the future of the territory’s economy and workforce.
Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Caitlin Cleveland and Sahtu MLA Danny McNeely issued the following statement today following their participation in the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention in Toronto.
Minister Caitlin Cleveland
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released an updated assessment of mineral potential across the eastern Northwest Territories, specific to the area known as the Slave Geological Province. This study provides a modern, data-rich picture of the region’s mineral potential with a focus on critical minerals that are central to Canada’s economic growth, energy transition, and supply chain security.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is updating the Mining Incentive Program (MIP) to better support mineral exploration across the territory. Announced at PDAC 2026, the $500,000 lifetime funding cap for corporate projects will be conditionally removed, while maintaining annual funding limits and the program’s competitive, merit-based structure.
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Mr. Speaker, a strong economy does not happen by accident, especially here in the North. The Government of the Northwest Territories is not sitting and waiting for a miracle.
Minister Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statement today following De Beers Canada and Mountain Province Diamonds’ announcement regarding changes to the mine plan at the Gahcho Kué Mine:
“This is serious news for the Northwest Territories. Gahcho Kué is an important employer and economic driver, and any decision that shortens the mine’s operating timeline creates real concern for workers, families, Northern businesses, and communities connected to this operation.
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Mr. Speaker, today, I want to talk about opportunity; opportunity that strengthens communities, creates pathways to employment and entrepreneurship, and positions Northerners to capitalize on the heightened national and international interest in the North. As the Minister of Finance said in yesterday’s Budget Address, a strong Northwest Territories builds a stronger Canada, and that strength begins with our people and the opportunities before them.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is extending targeted property tax relief for diamond mines into the 2026–27 fiscal year to support near-term economic stability for workers, businesses, and northern communities during a period of continued global market and trade uncertainty.
Minister Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statement today in response to the Government of Canada’s decision to provide Large Enterprise Tariff Loan (LETL) financing to Burgundy Diamond Mines Ltd., the operator of the Ekati Diamond Mine:
“Today’s news will come as a relief to many Northerners. Ekati is an important private-sector employer in the Northwest Territories, and this federal decision will help provide support at a difficult time for workers, their families, Northern contractors, and communities that depend on the mine and its supply chain.
