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

“PDAC is the most important global gathering for the mineral exploration and development sector, and it provides an important opportunity for the Northwest Territories to demonstrate both the strength of our mineral potential and the work that is underway to responsibly advance resource development in the North.

“This year our focus was on converting strong national and international interest in the North into tangible progress. The GNWT announced updates to the Mining Incentive Program to help support exploration activity and maintain a strong pipeline of future opportunities. We also continued to strengthen collaboration with our territorial partners and the Government of Canada as Canada works to responsibly develop the minerals needed for the global economy.

“We co-hosted the Invest North of 60 event to showcase opportunities across the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon to investors and industry leaders from across Canada and around the world. We also participated in discussions focused on maximizing federal investment in northern infrastructure and development. These investments are essential to unlocking the North’s economic potential and strengthening Canada’s supply chains.

“During PDAC, I had the opportunity to meet with several project proponents from across the Northwest Territories who are advancing projects at different stages of exploration and development. These conversations focused on the status of those projects, the challenges they face, and how governments can work with industry, Indigenous governments and communities to move responsible development forward more efficiently.

“The Northwest Territories is home to some of the most promising mineral potential in Canada. With continued collaboration, responsible development and the right investments in infrastructure and partnerships, we have a real opportunity to strengthen our economy while ensuring northern communities benefit from development taking place on their lands.”

Sahtu MLA Danny McNeely

“Last week I had the opportunity to attend PDAC alongside the Premier, Ministers and others representing the Northwest Territories. It was encouraging to see the strong interest that exists in the North and the opportunities that regions like the Sahtu have to contribute to Canada’s resource future.

“While there has been difficult economic news in the Northwest Territories in recent months, the conversations at PDAC reinforced that the long-term outlook for mineral exploration and development in the North remains strong. Global demand for minerals such as copper, gold and critical minerals continues to grow, and the Northwest Territories remains one of the most prospective regions for new discoveries.

“I was encouraged to see the GNWT taking practical steps to support exploration activity, including the updates to the Mining Incentive Program announced last week. Initiatives like this help ensure exploration work continues and that the pipeline of future opportunities remains strong.

“Strategic infrastructure investments will also play an important role in unlocking that potential. Projects such as the Mackenzie Valley Highway, the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor and the Taltson Hydro Expansion can help open new areas for exploration, provide reliable power for future mines, strengthen supply chains and create stronger connections between northern communities and markets.

“It was particularly encouraging to see renewed interest in exploration activity in the Sahtu region. When major companies are looking at opportunities in our region, it reinforces what many of us have long known — that the Sahtu has tremendous potential.

“Responsible resource development can create jobs, support training and local businesses, and strengthen long-term economic opportunities for communities across our region when it is done in partnership with Indigenous governments and local leadership.

“I left PDAC feeling optimistic about the future of the sector, the momentum we are seeing across the territory, and the role the Sahtu can play in the next chapter of the North’s resource economy.”

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Government of the Northwest Territories
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