Caroline Wawzonek, Minister responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy and Supply Chains, issued the following statement on the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor (AESC):

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has formally endorsed the consensus corridor proposed by the Tłı̨chǫ Government and Yellowknives Dene First Nation as the basis for advancing engagement and the technical, environmental, economic and engineering work needed to define the final route for the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor.

"This is an important step forward for the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor. The Yellowknives Dene First Nation and the Tłı̨chǫ Government have done considerable work to reach agreement on a proposed corridor, and I want to recognize their leadership in bringing the project to this point. The GNWT is pleased to formally endorse the consensus corridor and work alongside the two Nations to continue engagement and the technical, environmental, economic and engineering work needed to define the final route.

The endorsement of the approximately 30-kilometre-wide planning corridor provides a shared foundation for the GNWT, Tłı̨chǫ Government and Yellowknives Dene First Nation to advance the project. We will jointly work to refine the proposed route and advance the engineering, consultation, environmental assessment and regulatory processes needed to inform future decisions. A final road alignment, construction and project funding remain subject to the necessary decisions and approvals.

Endorsing a planning corridor does not mean that engagement is finished or that all decisions have been made. We recognize that other Indigenous governments and communities have perspectives, priorities and concerns that need to be considered as the project advances. We are committed to working with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and Tłı̨chǫ Government to continue those conversations and identify meaningful opportunities for other Indigenous governments and communities to participate in and benefit from the project as it moves forward.”

The Arctic Economic and Security Corridor has the potential to open significant new economic opportunities for the Northwest Territories, strengthen northern supply chains and critical mineral development, and support Canada's Arctic security and sovereignty. Realizing that potential will require continued collaboration, substantial investment and a clear, credible path forward.

Reaching consensus on a corridor was an important achievement, and the GNWT's intention to endorse it is another step forward. The focus now is on working with Indigenous governments, communities and other partners to move from agreement into the detailed work needed to advance this project, attract investment and maximize the long-term benefits it can deliver for the Northwest Territories."         

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Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
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