March 23, 2011 - Premier Floyd K. Roland says Canada’s commitment to construct an all-season road between Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk demonstrates that NWT priorities are being heard and recognized in Ottawa. The road is an important first step for the Mackenzie Valley Highway project.

The Premier says the commitment reflects federal recognition that investment in northern infrastructure needs can promote financial recovery and nation building.

“The Prime Minister and his Government have worked with us to make significant advances on Devolution and the Mackenzie Gas Project. This commitment in Budget 2011 is a further demonstration of their ongoing commitment to the North and the NWT,” the Premier said. “The construction of the highway between Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk will support sovereignty, oil and gas development, and other economic opportunities for this region, the NWT and Canada,”

Minister of Transportation Michael McLeod also welcomed yesterday’s announcement while noting Canada’s recognition that the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk road should be built and that the federal government is responsible for new transportation infrastructure in the NWT.

“We have worked hard with communities and Aboriginal groups to engage the federal government in discussions on how to fund and construct an all season road from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk and a highway up the Mackenzie Valley,” Minister of Transportation Michael McLeod says. “Our partnered approach on the Project Description Reports for the Highway provides a solid foundation for moving forward into construction."

Since 2007, the Government of the Northwest Territories has focussed significant effort on securing more and improved transportation infrastructure in the NWT and highlighting the benefits that northern development can bring for NWT residents and for Canada as a nation.

Members of the 16th Assembly unanimously endorsed the Mackenzie Valley Highway to Tuktoyaktuk as a priority of the Government of Northwest Territories, in 2009.

Once completed, the Mackenzie Valley Highway to Tuktoyaktuk will provide NWT residents with wide-ranging benefits including regional economic and employment opportunities through road construction and maintenance, improved community access and mobility, reduced cost of living, adaptation to climate change, and economic opportunities in the tourism sector. It will benefit all Canadians by providing an increased ability to assert sovereignty, earlier development of oil and gas resources, mining, and hydro projects, and improved economic sustainability for the territory.

For more information, contact:

Press Secretary
Office of the Premier/Cabinet
Government of the Northwest Territories
Phone: (867) 669-2302