Minister of Finance and Infrastructure, Caroline Wawzonek, issued the following statement today regarding the GNWT’s response to the challenges facing Norman Wells and the Sahtu region:

"As Minister of Finance and Infrastructure, I want to assure the residents of Norman Wells and the Sahtu region that the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) remains committed to addressing, wherever possible, the significant challenges you are facing. The escalating cost of living, supply chain disruptions, and uncertainty surrounding Imperial Oil’s operations are deeply concerning, and we are taking action to provide immediate relief while planning for a stronger, more resilient future.

"Earlier this week, Minister Vince McKay and I, alongside Sahtu MLA Danny McNeely, met with Mayor Frank Pope of Norman Wells and the local Chamber of Commerce. This productive meeting reaffirmed our shared priorities: supporting residents, maintaining economic stability, and advancing solutions to address both immediate challenges and long-term opportunities. I want to thank Mayor Pope, MLA McNeely, and Josh Earl for their leadership and commitment to their communities during this difficult time.

"The GNWT has already taken concrete steps to support Norman Wells and the broader region. We have reduced the wholesale cost of gasoline, motive diesel, and home heating fuel by up to $0.86 per litre, easing the immediate financial burden on families and businesses. We have allocated $1.8 million to offset increased transportation expenses for essential goods and enhanced the Senior Home Heating Subsidy—at its peak, providing up to $1,455 per month for Norman Wells residents. To further address immediate needs, we contributed $150,000 to the Norman Wells Food Bank, helping ensure families have access to essential supplies through the winter.

"We are also making key preparations to ensure critical services remain reliable and responsive. This is part of a coordinated, whole-of-government response involving departments and agencies working together to address immediate challenges and provide essential supports. Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC) has begun transporting and staging a second generator for Norman Wells. While the current system is providing sustainable power, the addition of this generator will add redundancy and ensure sufficient capacity to meet peak demand, improving stability and resilience for the community’s power supply.

"Work is underway to open the 2025 winter road as early as possible. Additional measures include thickening ice in critical areas, fortifying portages, and widening key sections to support safer and more efficient transportation of goods and fuel. This proactive approach will ensure reliable resupply for Norman Wells through early 2026 and mitigate risks posed by supply chain disruptions.

"We have also heard calls for the GNWT to declare a state of emergency. While we respect these concerns, it is important to clarify that a declaration under the NWT Emergency Management Act would not unlock new funding or additional resources. Instead, we are focusing on delivering practical solutions—providing real financial relief, strengthening critical services, preparing for the winter road season, and collaborating with local and federal partners to address systemic issues. The GNWT remains in close contact with all involved parties and will adapt its supports as needed to ensure responsive services and keep residents well-informed.

"On the matter of Imperial Oil’s pending water license renewal, I want to acknowledge the uncertainty this situation is causing. If operations were to cease prematurely, the economic and social consequences would be severe, with an estimated $2.25 million per month in lost economic activity, a 75% reduction in operational activity, and the loss of approximately 60 jobs. The GNWT is actively engaged as an intervening party in the federal water licensing process being conducted by the Sahtu Land and Water Board under the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act. We are working closely with the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated and federal departments to advocate for a balanced solution. Supporting a temporary license extension would maintain economic stability while ensuring environmental oversight and due process are respected.

"Looking forward, we remain committed to long-term solutions that will strengthen the region’s resiliency. Projects like the Mackenzie Valley Highway are essential to providing year-round access, reducing dependency on seasonal transportation routes, and unlocking economic growth opportunities. Work on the environmental assessment and design phases is advancing, and we will continue to advocate for strong federal partnership to make this transformative project a reality.

"The challenges facing Norman Wells and the Sahtu region are significant, but so too is our determination to overcome them. The GNWT will continue to work with local leadership, businesses, Indigenous governments, and federal partners to ensure your needs are heard and acted on. By continuing to work together with all partners, we can build a stronger, more resilient future for Norman Wells, the Sahtu region, and all of the Northwest Territories.”

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