Indigenous pipeline project controversial but promising
While an indigenous energy and resource development project may face significant barriers and challenges in pursing an alternative to the proposed and controversial Northern Gateway pipeline in northern B.C., some say this model of developing Canadian resources may become more popular. The proposed pipeline by Eagle Spirit Energy Holdings is controversial in itself. It has some significant […]
A harbinger of things to come
The upcoming voyage of the Crystal Serenity through Canada’s Northwest Passage is commanding considerable public attention. Understandably. It may not be the first cruise ship to make the journey, but with a passenger list numbering more than 1,000 and a crew of at least 600, it will be by far the largest. The opening of […]
Parsing what the UN indigenous rights declaration could mean for Canada
With Canada recently becoming a full supporter of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, experts say the guidelines the document lays out regarding free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) are critical for ensuring that indigenous peoples’ title rights are respected before resource projects are developed in their backyards. But how Canada […]
Northern development must respect traditional way of life
Canada is a Northern nation. The North is a fundamental part of our heritage and our national identity. Now more than ever, the Liberal government must recognize the tremendous opportunities – as well as the many challenges – that exist in the North today. The North is central to the Canadian national identity; and our […]
North needs partner in Ottawa to spur development
The Northwest Territories has long been recognized for the unparalleled economic potential of its natural resources, including hydroelectric potential on par with James Bay, world class oil and gas reserves and mineral deposits like diamonds, gold, tungsten, lead, zinc and rare earths. Responsible development of these resources could fuel economic growth for not just the […]
Putting the pieces in place for development
The Northwest Territories’ potential to contribute to the national economy is huge. While vast reserves of gas and oil have been identified, only small pockets have been exploited. Territorial mines have, for more than 80 years, produced gold, diamonds, tungsten, lead, and other minerals, and are the largest contributor to the territorial GDP. Much of […]
The right blend of realism and vision
Yukoners have always taken great pride in self-reliance. That was true centuries ago when Yukon First Nations subsisted in a pre-contact world. It was true of the first men and women who dragged themselves and everything they owned over the Chilkoot Trail in search of gold. And it remains true today. As Yukoners, we want […]
Boosting infrastructure in Canada’s North is critical for the health and wealth of the region, say advocates
While the infrastructure needs of southern Canada are often seen as the focal point of shovel-ready projects, there is a critical need to boost infrastructure in the North. Ryan Greer, director of transportation and infrastructure policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, said the North is becoming “increasingly important” strategically because of the opening of […]
Canada needs to invest in northern peoples
There are priceless resource riches in the Arctic. These are unique, precious, and awaiting us. These are the “people” of the Arctic, who have survived for generations in the harshest conditions in the world. What innovation that must have taken. Canada needs more Inuit. Can all of us not learn lessons from these kind, peaceful, […]
Gray’s Bay port and road project would give the North a boost
At the Civic Auditorium in Winnipeg on Feb. 12, 1958, my hero, then-prime minister John Diefenbaker spoke of his vision for Canada’s Arctic. “We intend to carry out the legislative program of Arctic research, to develop Arctic routes, to develop those vast hidden resources the last few years have revealed…Plans to increase self-government in the […]
