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NWT Chamber Welcomes Federal Focus on Arctic Sovereignty and Infrastructure Investment


Yellowknife, NT — The Northwest Territories Chamber of Commerce welcomes Prime Minister Mark Carney’s remarks today affirming federal investments in Arctic sovereignty, northern defence, and long-term infrastructure — including the proposed Arctic Security Corridor. The Chamber sees this as a vital opportunity to align national defence priorities with Northern economic development. “The Arctic Security Corridor can’t just be about defence — it must be about development,” said Newton Grey, President of the NWT Chamber. “We need infrastructure, policy clarity, and real partnership.”



Key Projects to Support Growth

The Chamber is calling for immediate federal action on priority projects:

  • Slave Geological Province Corridor – Unlocks access to critical minerals;

  • Grays Bay Road and Port Project – Enables year-round access to international markets;

  • Mackenzie Valley Highway – Connects communities and industry, lowers costs;

  • Taltson Hydro Expansion – Provides clean energy and industrial capacity.


“These are nation-building projects,” said Grey. “They serve both the North and the entire country.”



Chief Betsina: ‘Let’s Begin Talking’

As reported by CBC North, Yellowknives Dene First Nation Chief Ernest Betsina welcomed the federal momentum behind the corridor but stressed the need for local involvement: “Let’s begin talking,” Chief Betsina told CBC. “All the talk of building an Arctic Corridor is fine — but it must be done in consultation with the community.” The Chamber strongly agrees — Indigenous governments and communities must be full partners in planning and implementation.



Sovereignty Requires Economic Empowerment

Beyond defence, the Chamber stresses that true sovereignty means economic self-determination.

This includes:

  • Clean energy infrastructure for mines and communities;

  • Affordable housing and workforce mobility;

  • Federal procurement policies that support local and Indigenous suppliers.


“The North isn’t just a line to be defended — it’s a future to be built,” added Grey.



Chamber Recommendations:

The NWT Chamber of Commerce calls on the federal government to:

  • Engage business and Indigenous leadership early;

  • Provide clear timelines and funding for major infrastructure;

  • Prioritize local and Indigenous procurement;

  • Embed environmental, economic, and cultural considerations in all decisions.



About the NWT Chamber of Commerce

The NWT Chamber is the largest business organization North of 60, representing members across all regions and sectors. It advocates for sustainable economic growth and development across the Northwest Territories.

 
 
 
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