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 […]
Critics question Ottawa’s push to investigate oil and gas exploration in the Arctic
The Liberal government’s proposal to explore the impacts of oil and gas exploration in the Arctic raises eyebrows amongst critics who point to the high cost and sensitive ecosystem as barriers to developing natural resources in the region. “Any development of any fossil fuel infrastructure in the current climate makes no sense. But if they […]
The way forward in indigenous consultation and consent
Planning for seven generations is a phrase used by all sorts of people and corporations; however, the teaching is a complex critical engagement with long-term planning that not everyone truly understands. Ultimately, the concept refers to what Cindy Blackstock explains as an “understanding that you will be forgotten, but that you have a part in […]
Territorial Development
Justin Trudeau’s moment of truth coming in December
GATINEAU, QUE.—An issue that will be the first real test of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s credibility was elbowed aside recently by a trivial dust-up on the Commons floor. Some day Trudeau may look back on “elbow-gate” with fond nostalgia. That’s because a far more serious crisis looms. In the midst of the Commons melodrama, the […]
