The Government of the Northwest Territories is moving to expand the scope of the ongoing environmental assessment for the Mackenzie Valley Highway to include the corridor from Norman Wells to a connection with the Dempster Highway. This expansion allows the full Wrigley-to-Inuvik transportation corridor to be considered through one coordinated assessment.

“This is an important step toward advancing a project that has been a long-standing priority for the Northwest Territories,” said Caroline Wawzonek, Minister responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy and Supply Chains. “With the Mackenzie Valley Highway clearly on Canada’s radar, we need to be ready to move when opportunities arise. Considering the entire corridor through one assessment will reduce duplication, provide greater certainty and allow planning, engagement and technical work to move forward in a more integrated and timely way.”

The environmental assessment currently before the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board is focused on the Wrigley-to-Norman Wells section of the highway. Expanding its scope would bring the Norman Wells-to-Inuvik corridor into the same process while preserving the detailed assessment work already completed for the southern section.

Since the Mackenzie Valley Highway was referred to the Government of Canada’s Major Projects Office in March, the GNWT has been working with Indigenous partners, communities and the federal government to identify a practical path for advancing the highway as one project.

“The environmental assessment process is fundamental to ensuring development proceeds responsibly and that our lands, waters and communities are protected for future generations,” said Jay Macdonald, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “Expanding the assessment does not reduce environmental review requirements or approve construction. It allows the Review Board and participants to consider the highway more holistically, including cumulative effects, climate resilience, mitigation and monitoring, while avoiding the duplication that would come with running separate assessment processes.”

Under the proposed approach, the detailed work already completed for the Wrigley-to-Norman Wells section would be maintained, while the northern corridor would initially be assessed at a broader level. Technical studies, Indigenous Knowledge, community engagement and work to identify and address information gaps would continue as the assessment advances.

The GNWT has been working closely with Indigenous partners, including the Gwich’in Tribal Council, Sahtu Secretariat Inc. and Pehdzéh Kı̨́ First Nation, as well as the Government of Canada through the Major Projects Office. Engagement to date has reinforced the importance of meaningful Indigenous participation, protection of land and water, and ensuring communities are positioned to benefit from employment, training and business opportunities associated with the project.

“Advancing the highway as one project gives communities and Indigenous governments greater visibility into what is coming and allows us to start preparing earlier,” said Minister Wawzonek. “That means planning now for workforce development, local business opportunities and community readiness so Northerners are positioned to participate as the project moves forward.”

The expanded environmental assessment would remain subject to the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act and all applicable consultation, regulatory, licensing and permitting requirements. The Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board would determine the revised terms of reference and assessment workplan. Expanding the scope of the assessment would not approve construction, funding, a final route or permits.

The GNWT will continue working with Indigenous governments and organizations, communities, the Review Board and the Government of Canada to refine the project description, route options, mitigation and monitoring measures, and the work required to advance the highway responsibly.

This approach is intended to create a clearer and more efficient pathway for advancing the Mackenzie Valley Highway while maintaining a rigorous, transparent and evidence-based environmental assessment.

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Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
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