The Government of the Northwest Territories has released a statement following the announcement of significant investments in the North as part of the federal government’s Budget 2026.
The proposed budget includes $3.1 billion over five years to fully fund construction and certain maintenance costs for the Mackenzie Valley Highway, over $600 million over four years to fund Nutrition North Canada, and $1.6 billion over ten years to improve energy reliability in the North.
“I want to thank Prime Minister Carney, Finance Minister Champagne and the federal government for recognizing the importance of investing in the North,” said NWT Premier R.J. Simpson.
The Premier spoke on the incredible potential of the Mackenzie Valley Highway and its ability to connect communities, allow easier transportation of essential supplies, and improve access for emergency response in remote areas of the territory.
He also praised the budget for recognizing the importance of Indigenous input on major projects such as this.
“We are ready to work with Canada and Indigenous governments to turn this commitment into lasting benefits for Northerners,” said Simpson.
Another proposal of the budget is $187.4 million over five years for the establishment of a major projects management entity, to support major projects in the North such as the Mackenzie Valley Highway and the Taltson Hydro Expansion.
“The proposed major projects management entity is an opportunity to bring the expertise, coordination and long-term focus needed to advance complex projects,” said Minister Caroline Wawzonek.
The budget also identifies the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor as a potential project of national interest. A consensus corridor for the project, proposed by the Tłı̨chǫ Government and Yellowknives Dene First Nation, was endorsed by the GWNT last month.
“Their consensus on a proposed corridor provides a foundation for the next phase of technical work and broader engagement. Indigenous leadership and the perspectives of affected communities must continue to guide that work,” said Wawzonek.
Premier Simpson welcomed the proposed long-term funding for Jordan’s Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative but criticized that it did not include changes addressing the barriers facing NWT schools and education bodies.
“We will continue working with Canada to find a solution so First Nations children can access the supports they need, wherever they live,” said Simpson.
The budget also included five-year extensions to the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit and Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit, as well as adding antimony to the list of eligible critical minerals.
Minister Wawzonek criticized that the budget did not include expansions to the North of 60 exploration credit, nor the addition of zinc to the Clean Technology Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit.
“We will keep making the case for these measures to recognize northern costs, attract investment and support responsible resource development,” said Wawzonek.
Also included in the proposed budget was an extension of the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit to 2040, $10 million for the operations of the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning, and support for delivering 560 homes in Yellowknife in partnership with Housing NWT.
The GNWT has said they will continue to work with the federal government and Indigenous governments to ensure these investments and supports bring lasting benefits to Northerners.
