Minister of Infrastructure Vince McKay issued the following statement on the successful completion of the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) 2025 winter fuel resupply program:

“This year’s winter fuel resupply was one of the most complex operations we’ve undertaken in recent memory—and I’m proud to say it was a success.

More than 9.6 million litres of fuel were safely delivered by the GNWT as part of this year’s winter fuel supply to eight communities across the Northwest Territories, including over 7.3 million litres of diesel, 2.1 million litres of gasoline, and 200,000 litres of jet fuel. These deliveries are essential to keeping homes heated, lights on, and communities running—especially in places without year-round road access or private supply chains.

What made this season especially challenging was the cancellation of barge deliveries due to record low water levels on the Mackenzie River. As a result, Fort Good Hope and Tulita—two communities that would normally receive fuel by barge—had to be added to our winter road resupply schedule. This brought the total number of GNWT-serviced communities to eight and required an extraordinary coordination effort across government, industry, and communities.

Between GNWT and private-sector operations, more than 500 truckloads carrying 17.5 million litres of fuel travelled the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road—more than four times the typical volume. That included 231 GNWT fuel tanker trips and approximately 280 private fuel tanker deliveries to Norman Wells. It’s a testament to our collective effort that, despite this pressure, every community was supplied on time and without incident.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to the staff of the Fuel Services Division (Department of Infrastructure) for their hard work and dedication in organizing and completing this year’s winter resupply program.  Thanks also to our partners—Bassett Petroleum, Midnight Petroleum, Imperial Oil, Kenan Advantage Group, Inc. and Cando Rail & Terminals—and to the regional highways and compliance staff who kept our winter roads open and safe through difficult conditions. I also want to recognize the tireless work of GNWT staff, contractors, Indigenous governments and organizations, and community leaders who supported this work on the ground.

The reality is that climate change is fundamentally altering how we deliver essential goods and services in the North. Unpredictable ice conditions, low water levels, and shorter winter road seasons are no longer the exception—they’re becoming the norm. That’s why this work matters. It’s not just about fuel—it’s about resilience, reliability, and adapting our systems to serve Northerners in an era of growing uncertainty.

We have more work to do. The GNWT is committed to protecting our supply chains and making sure no community is left behind. We will keep pushing forward on the Mackenzie Valley Highway and advocating for investment in this critical, nation-building infrastructure that will strengthen our transportation networks and create new opportunities for Northerners.

This year’s resupply success shows what’s possible when we work together—and it’s a reminder of what’s at stake. We’ll keep adapting, innovating, and advocating for the tools, resources, and partnerships we need to build a stronger, more resilient future for all communities in the Northwest Territories.”

Quick Facts

• The GNWT delivered more than 9.6 million litres of fuel this winter, including:
  • 7.3 million litres of diesel
  • 2.1 million litres of gasoline
  • 200,000 litres of jet fuel
• Fort Good Hope and Tulita were added to the winter schedule due to barge cancellations caused by low water levels.
• 231 GNWT fuel trucks traveled the Mackenzie Valley Winter Road, alongside approximately 280 private-sector deliveries.
• The GNWT’s Petroleum Products Program provides fuel services in 16 communities not served by the private sector.
• The GNWT has committed more than $3.7 million in direct support for communities impacted by barge cancellations, including:
  • $1.8 million in emergency shipping support
  • $150,000 to the Norman Wells Food Bank
  • Enhanced Senior Home Heating Subsidy
  • Wholesale fuel cost reductions in Norman Wells of up to $0.86 per litre

More information: https://www.inf.gov.nt.ca/en/services/fuel-services

For media inquiries, please contact:
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca