NWT Premier R.J. Simpson said a recent meeting in Ottawa among premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney was an important opportunity to ensure that ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø infrastructure, energy and sovereignty stay front and centre in national conversations.
"I made it clear to the prime minister and my fellow premiers that the Northwest Territories is ready to move forward," said Simpson. "We have projects that reflect the priorities of our residents and communities and that support Indigenous leadership and ownership while aligning with national goals."
The point of the meeting was to talk about nation-building projects across the country. However, no specific projects have been confirmed yet.
Three projects sit atop Simpson's mind that he argues meet the criteria Carney is looking for: the Mackenzie Valley Highway, the Slave Geological Province Corridor and the Taltson Hydro Expansion.
"These are projects that can help reduce our reliance on diesel, improve access and connectivity, unlock critical mineral opportunities and reinforce our presence in the Arctic," said Simpson.
He added these initiatives would be done in partnership with Indigenous governments and can deliver nationwide benefits.
On June 4, Dettah Chief Ernest Betsina told ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø he was in Ottawa with Simpson.
Betsina said he met with federal ministers and territorial leaders, namely Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok.
"He is making sure that the Aboriginal groups are being advised," Betsina said of Simpson. "We're definitely interested in doing some of these projects."
Betsina said he was heading back to Yellowknife on June 5, but Yellowknives Dene First Nation CEO Matt Spence will be staying in Ottawa to meet with Crown–Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty.
ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø reached out to Spence for comment but he declined.
Simpson said he was encouraged to hear the federal government is focused on the North and committed to moving high-impact projects forward.
"That’s a step in the right direction," he said. "We’ve done the planning and built the partnerships. Now we’re calling on Ottawa to match that momentum with real investment — so we can deliver results that matter for ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøers."
