Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Caitlin Cleveland have issued statements following the inaugural Canada Investment Summit held in Toronto this week.
Both spoke on the roll the North will play as Canada looks towards expansion and further investment in infrastructure, critical minerals, and other fields.
“There is a different energy around the Northwest Territories right now, and you can feel it in the conversations we are having with investors, businesses and governments,” said Minister Cleveland.
Five critical mineral projects in the NWT were selected to be part of the investment prospectus shared with investors from around the globe.
The Nechalacho Basal Project, NICO Project, PC Silver Project, Yellowknife Lithium Project and Pine Point Project are just some of the mineral opportunities in the NWT, alongside major infrastructure projects to help realize the potential of these critical minerals.
“The Northwest Territories has the critical minerals Canada and its allies need, major transportation and energy projects that can unlock new economic opportunities, a strategic position in the Arctic, and Indigenous governments and businesses with decades of experience as partners in responsible resource development,” said Premier Simpson.
Projects such as the Mackenzie Valley Highway, the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor, and the Taltson Hydro Expansion have the potential to unlock new opportunities for investment and growth in the NWT.
“The question is no longer whether there is opportunity in the North. The question is whether we are ready to capture it,” said Cleveland.
The GNWT has been working to expand residents’ access to training and skills development, implementing new programs and ensuring the public is aware of existing ones, with the goal of preparing the NWT’s workforce to take advantage of these upcoming major projects.
“More jobs. More training. More opportunities for Indigenous governments and Northern businesses. More opportunities for Northerners to build their futures here at home. More investment in our communities,” said Cleveland.
Premier Simpson said this summit was an opportunity to present the North’s case directly to investors, building relationships and starting on the path to turning potential into reality.
“Canada is ready to build again. The Northwest Territories is ready to help build it.”
