Premier R.J. Simpson and Minister Caroline Wawzonek issued the following statements today in response to the Tłı̨chǫ Government and Yellowknives Dene First Nation announcing that they have reached consensus on a proposed corridor for the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor.

Premier R.J. Simpson

“Today marks an important moment for the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor and for the Indigenous-led partnership that has brought it to this point.

“I want to recognize the leadership of the Tłı̨chǫ Government and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation in reaching consensus on a proposed corridor. Getting here has taken hard work, compromise and a willingness to find common ground on issues that matter deeply to both Nations and their citizens.

“This is what Indigenous-led development and government-to-government partnership can look like. The Nations brought their own priorities, knowledge and responsibilities to the table and worked together to find a path forward. The Government of the Northwest Territories respects the consensus they have reached and remains committed to working alongside them as the project advances.

“That matters beyond this project. The future of the Northwest Territories will depend on governments working differently together to advance major opportunities, with Indigenous governments as leaders and partners from the outset. That is how we build stronger relationships, make better decisions and create lasting benefits for the territory and the people who call it home.

“The Arctic Economic and Security Corridor has the potential to be transformative for the Northwest Territories and for Canada, opening new economic opportunities, strengthening critical mineral supply chains and reinforcing Canada’s presence and sovereignty in the Arctic.

“With today’s announcement, the important next phase of work to advance the Corridor can begin. The Tłı̨chǫ Government and Yellowknives Dene First Nation will now be engaging with their citizens, and the GNWT will join them in engaging with other Indigenous governments and interested parties. We need to hear their perspectives on the work to date and make sure they help shape the work ahead. The consensus reached by the Nations provides a strong basis for the broader engagement that begins now, and we are committed to doing that together.”

Minister Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Strategic Infrastructure, Energy and Supply Chains

“In reaching consensus on a proposed corridor, the Nations have established a solid foundation for the next phase of the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor.

“The corridor announced today is not a final route alignment. It establishes an area within which the partners will pursue the technical, environmental, economic and engineering work needed to refine a final route, including broader engagement with other Indigenous governments and interested parties.

“A key requirement of this next phase is to hear from Indigenous governments, communities and interested parties. The GNWT recognizes the consensus reached by the Tłı̨chǫ Government and Yellowknives Dene First Nation and supports proceeding with the proposed corridor for engagement.

“The AESC is nation-building. It will establish land access into one of Canada’s most important critical mineral regions, where known mineral potential is significant but much of the area remains underexplored. It will also create Canada’s first land-based link to Nunavut’s Arctic coast. The AESC will strengthen northern infrastructure and supply chains, create opportunities for Indigenous and Northern businesses and workers, support economic development across the North and strengthen Canada’s Arctic sovereignty.

“We will continue working closely with the Tłı̨chǫ Government, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Canada, the Major Projects Office and other partners as this work advances. For the two Nations to reach consensus on the corridor is an important milestone. Our focus now is on working through the next phase of engagement, completing the technical work needed to define a final route, and continuing to move this nation-building project forward.”

For media requests, please contact:

Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca