Premier Caroline Cochrane issued the following statement on resource development in the Northwest Territories:

“At this time of year, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) would be on the ground in Vancouver for Roundup, the annual global mining conference put on by the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME), promoting the NWT’s mineral wealth and the employment and economic opportunities that responsible resource development continues to provide to NWT residents. However, because of the Omicron variant the GNWT made the decision to participate in this important event virtually, as did many other participants.

“Roundup has been an opportunity to show the resource development sector and stakeholders what the Northwest Territories has to offer. I grew up in a mining family in Yellowknife and I understand how critical the resource development sector is to our people and future prosperity.

“While I am focused on a holistic approach to how we can improve the lives of Northerners and grow our economy, I am steadfast in my commitment to a healthy and vibrant mineral exploration and development sector in the Northwest Territories.

“The Northwest Territories requires investments in strategic infrastructure that can help to unlock our natural resource potential. This is why the GNWT is working to gain commitment from the federal government for 100% flexible Infrastructure funding that will support the implementation of Canada’s Arctic & Northern Policy Framework, address the ever-widening northern infrastructure deficit, and help support our future economic prosperity.

“As we emerge from the pandemic we need to look to the future. Part of the future prosperity of the resource sector in the NWT is in critical minerals. There is significant opportunity to develop critical minerals in the NWT that support the global low carbon economy. We are positioned to support the growing demand for critical minerals – that’s why we are developing a critical minerals action plan alongside Indigenous governments, industry, and other significant stakeholders.

“We know industry wants clearer certainty around land and resource development. A fundamental part of our success as a government, and the future prosperity of our territory, depends on a productive and collaborative partnership with Indigenous governments. That’s why the Legislative Development Protocol was adopted by the Intergovernmental Council and supported by the nine Indigenous governments that sit at this table.

“The Protocol will result in stronger and more effective land and resource management legislation that already accounts for Indigenous priorities and views. It will also better position the GNWT to collaborate on any new legislative authority it obtains through ongoing discussions to bring elements of the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act home to the NWT as part of Devolution.

“With just under two years left in the 19th Legislative Assembly, our government is committed to ensuring a strong future for the resource development sector in the NWT. I look forward to working closely with industry, Indigenous governments, and Members of the Legislative Assembly to ensure we continue to work towards our goals of a strong and sustainable economy for generations to come.”