A massive infrastructure project in the NWT could cost billions SA国际影视传媒� but at least some of those expenses might be covered, thanks to a recent promise from the prime minister.
On June 9, Caroline Wawzonek, Minister Responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy and Supply Chains, spoke at city hall during the regular council meeting about the Taltson hydro expansion project. The project, an infrastructure corridor that would deliver clean hydroelectric power to the Slave Geological Province, could cost billions, a price the territorial government cannot afford alone.
However, Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged that his government will meet NATOSA国际影视传媒檚 spending target of two per cent of the countrySA国际影视传媒檚 gross domestic product on defence by the end of the current fiscal year in March.
And that's where Taltson comes in.
Wawzonek, who estimated the project could cost between $2 and $3 billion, told council that Carney's commitment might open the door to federal dollars supporting the Taltson project.
"If there is some flexibility in there, then that may well mean that enabling infrastructures, such as roads and energy infrastructure, starts to be eligible for some of that funding," said Wawzonek.
The minister said she does not yet know how much the federal government might contribute and even if funding doesn't materialize, Wawzonek said Ottawa has shown interest in strategic infrastructure, especially in the North.
"The more that we all understand where we're at on these projects, what their opportunities are and what some of their challenges are, really, hopefully that gives us all a better opportunity as leaders to be putting our voices to good use and making sure that our projects are top of mind for everyone in Ottawa," she said.
If the GNWT secures federal funding, Wawzonek said construction could begin in 2028, with the project operational by 2033.
Premier R.J. Simpson said he welcomed CarneySA国际影视传媒檚 defence spending plan, calling it a reaffirmation of CanadaSA国际影视传媒檚 commitment to Arctic sovereignty. He added that the GNWT continues to advance strategic, dual-use projects like the Taltson hydro expansion.
"These initiatives enhance CanadaSA国际影视传媒檚 Northern and Arctic capabilities while supporting clean growth, unlocking critical minerals vital to defence supply chains, and advancing Indigenous leadership and partnerships," he said. "These are the kinds of investments that protect our security, strengthen our communities, and position Canada for the future."
Simpson and Wawzonek were also in Ottawa earlier this month, where they met with more than a dozen federal ministers and senior officials. While there, Simpson said they discussed the Taltson hydro expansion project.
"We are asking the federal government to walk alongside us as partners," said Simpson. "We look forward to continuing to build and strengthen these partnerships in the months ahead."
Following Wawzonek's presentation, Coun. Steve Payne said he was left feeling more optimistic.
SA国际影视传媒淚n the last while people have been walking around with their heads down, looking at or thinking about the end of diamond mines,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淏ut I'm actually getting a little bit of optimism from you guys when it comes to what's on the horizon up here for resource development.SA国际影视传媒�
