Today, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Federal Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, and the Honourable Shane Thompson, Northwest Territories’ Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, announced funding for 18 local road projects across the Northwest Territories.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, July 23, 2021—The governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories recognize the different ways that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted communities across the territories. Both governments are making strategic investments in infrastructure to meet the specific needs of northern communities and strengthen their local economies.
Today, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Federal Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, and the Honourable Shane Thompson, Northwest Territories’ Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, announced funding for 18 local road projects across the Northwest Territories.
The Government of Canada is investing over $37 million in these projects through the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream (RNIS) of the Investing in Canada Plan. Northwest Territories’ communities and Indigenous recipients are providing over $12.3 million towards these projects.
Once completed, these important upgrades to local roads across the territory will help residents get around more safely and efficiently and ensure a strong economic recovery that creates jobs and growth for Northerners.
All orders of government continue to work together for Northerners to make strategic infrastructure investments in communities across the territory when they need it the most.
“Strategic investments in transportation infrastructure help improve local roads and increase public safety. These upgrades mean that families are better able to travel safely to and from work, school and other activities, improving the quality of life for residents of the Northwest Territories. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects just like the ones announced today, creating jobs across the country, tackling climate change and building more inclusive communities.”
Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Federal Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development
“Maintaining our roads and highways are of critical importance to ensure the safety and resilience of our communities. Through the continued partnership between Federal, Territorial and Community Governments these projects will encourage prosperity in the NWT for years to come.”
The Honourable Shane Thompson, Northwest Territories’ Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs
Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
To support Canadians and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new stream has been added to the over $33-billion Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to help fund pandemic-resilient infrastructure. Existing program streams have also been adapted to include more eligible project categories.
Across Canada, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic the Government of Canada has contributed $9.7 billion to 3,500 infrastructure projects.
Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government has invested funding in improvements to over 4,100 km of roads across the country. Among these upgrades, close to 100 km of roads were constructed or repaired in the Northwest Territories.
The Government of Canada has invested $634 million in 185 projects across the Northwest Territories under the Investing in Canada Plan.
Marie-Pier Baril
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development
613-295-8123
marie-pier.baril@cfc-swc.gc.ca
Jay Boast
Communications Planning Specialist
Municipal and Community Affairs, Government of the Northwest Territories
867-767-9162 ext. 21044
jay_boast@gov.nt.ca
