Northwest Territories Premier Bob McLeod issued the following statement today on next steps on future Arctic oil and gas development:

“The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) welcomes an announcement on offshore development in the Arctic Ocean by federal Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade Dominic LeBlanc and Minister of Natural Resources Amarjeet Sohi.

“As a resource-rich jurisdiction, the strength of the Northwest Territories economy and the wellbeing of its residents depends on the sustainable development of its natural resources. That includes the responsible development of the NWT’s significant onshore and offshore oil and gas resources.

“As part of the devolution agreement signed five year ago, Canada had promised to negotiate the shared management of offshore oil and gas resources with the GNWT and Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC). Today’s announcement to negotiate a Beaufort Sea oil and gas co-management and revenue sharing agreement with the GNWT, the IRC and Yukon is concrete progress towards this commitment.

“We are also pleased to note that Northerners will be partners in the co-development of the scope and governance framework for a science-based 5 year review of the moratorium on offshore drilling in Arctic waters, recognizing that considerable scientific study has already been completed in the Beaufort Sea, much of it spearheaded by the IRC.

“It is clear to me from this announcement and from our meeting in Yellowknife in August that Minister LeBlanc understands the importance of growing the Northern economy and is committed to working collaboratively with our government and all Northerners to preserve the environment and ensure a healthy, sustainable and prosperous future for them.

“The GNWT has been waiting for today’s announcement for some time and I appreciate that Minister LeBlanc in his role as the Minister responsible for Northern Affairs has been able to make tangible progress. I look forward to working closely with him, Minister Sohi, the IRC and Yukon on the coming review and negotiations on co-management of Beaufort Sea oil and gas in the coming months.”

Media Contact:
Charlotte Digness
Media and Communications Coordinator
Cabinet Communications and Protocol
Government of the Northwest Territories
Ph: 867-767-9140 ext. 11092
Email: charlotte_digness@gov.nt.ca