OTTAWA (January 29, 2015) – Northwest Territories Premier Bob McLeod announced that his government will explore the feasibility of an energy, transportation and communications corridor along the Mackenzie Valley to the Arctic Ocean at a reception in Ottawa today. NWT Aboriginal governments will be invited to participate in the study, which will identify options for creating a more prosperous territory and contributing to the national economy through the responsible development of NWT resources.

“We know we need to find a way to get our resources to market and it is time for us to take a serious look at the northern option,” said Premier McLeod. “We in the NWT know exactly how uncertainty and lack of information can negatively affect development projects and we want to start removing some of the uncertainty and information gaps now.” 

The NWT’s vast resource potential includes estimated reserves of 81 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and seven billion estimated recoverable barrels of oil. Pipelines and highways into resource-rich areas would turn northern potential into national prosperity.  

“I want to be clear that we are not proposing a specific infrastructure project with this study,” the Premier said. “What we are is proposing to do a thorough review of the issues, opportunities and challenges that might be associated with developing a corridor along the Mackenzie Valley. Our plan is to produce a comprehensive report to serve as an information resource to governments, industry and regulators as projects are planned, reviewed and delivered. 

“The Northwest Territories has the potential to contribute substantially to the Canadian economy through the responsible development of its enormous energy and mineral resources in partnership with Aboriginal governments. Continued investment in northern transportation, energy and communications infrastructure is in the national interest, and the Northwest Territories is willing to step forward as a full partner with creative and collaborative solutions that can benefit the entire country.” 

The terms of reference and structure for the project will be released when they have been finalized with Aboriginal government partners. 

Media Inquiries:
Shaun Dean
Director, Cabinet Comunications
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-445-1941
Email: shaun_dean@gov.nt.ca