Economy, Environment and Climate Change 1.1.1:

We will capture opportunities for investment in transportation infrastructure by working to secure funding to advance the Mackenzie Valley Highway, make an all-weather road from Highway 3 to Whatì, and improve access into the Slave Geologic Province.

• Status

• Next Steps

• Accomplishments to Date

• Background

• Links to Other Government Activities

Status:

In September, 2017, INF submitted Expressions of Interest to Transport Canada for funding to advance the Mackenzie Valley Highway (MVH) and Slave Geological Province (SGP) Access Corridor projects under the National Trade Corridors Fund. In October, INF received confirmation from Transport Canada that its submissions had been accepted and to proceed to the next step of the approval process. INF submitted comprehensive project proposals to Transport Canada in early November and is currently awaiting a response.

Conditional funding for the Tłı̨chǫ All-season Road was announced by the federal government in January, 2017 though the P3 Canada Program. A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was released in March, which identified three successful proponents. On December 4, 2017, the three proponents where invited to participate in the next stage of the competitive process, the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage, which has technical and financial submission deadlines set for August 2018.

Next Steps:

Completion of environmental assessment activities for all project components and construction of the Great Bear River Bridge represent the most critical next steps to advancing the MVH project. INF is working with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) to identify potential risks to wildlife as a result of the proposed construction. Work to advance the P3 business case for the project is progressing.

INF, in conjunction with the Department of Finance and ITI, is also in the process of developing a P3 business case of the chosen route for the Slave Geological Province. INF and officials from the Government of Nunavut have set up a joint working group to collaborate in accelerating the project in both jurisdictions.

Work is continuing with the Tłı̨chǫ Government to take the necessary steps required to complete environmental assessment activities for the Tłı̨chǫ All-season Road. A final funding agreement with the federal government is anticipated late 2018. It is expected that the RFP process will wrap up and that a preferred proponent will be announced in October 2018.

Background:

The construction of new road corridors will have significant benefits for residents of the NWT.

The GNWT has been working with Tłı̨chǫ Government to advance progress on the Tłı̨chǫ all-season road for several years now. The project will provide year-round access to Whatì and more reliable and longer access to Gamètì and Wekweètì, reducing the cost of living in the region. The road will also help facilitate existing and future economic opportunities in the region.

Improving access into the Slave Geological Province will reduce costs for industry exploration and development in a region that holds world-class deposits of natural resources and continues to be a major contributor to the NWT economy. The long-term vision of the Slave Geological Province Access Corridor includes connecting an all-weather road to an all-weather road and port in Nunavut, resulting in a significant new Northern trade corridor.

The Mackenzie Valley Highway will connect several NWT communities to the public highway system, resulting in a lower cost of living for residents, improved social, cultural, and employment opportunities, and provide incentive to develop rich petroleum reserves and mineral deports located in the Sahtu Region.

All three projects will contribute to significant employment and training opportunities, supporting the development of a stronger Northern workforce and a more resilient transportation system in the face of climate change by replacing winter roads with all-weather highways.

Links to Other Government Activities:

• NWT Transportation Strategy 2015-2040: Supports strategic priority of capturing opportunities by continuing to expand the transportation system through partnerships to better connect our communities and support our economic development potential.

   

• NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy: More reliable, effective and cost-effective transportation services greatly helps to strengthen and diversify the NWT economy by stimulating investment and providing access to natural resources.

• NWT Mineral Development Strategy and Oil and Gas Strategy: Mineral exploration and development is largely dependent upon the availability and adequacy of transportation infrastructure and services.

• NWT Tourism 2020: Greater road access and improved infrastructure help to attract visitors and provide new opportunities for the NWT tourism industry.

For more information about this initiative, please contact the Department of Infrastructure.

Economy, Environment and Climate Change 1.1.2:

We will strengthen connections with private sector partners in transportation infrastructure, such as encouraging CN Rail to continue improving the rail line to Hay River to serve resupply needs and expand the system in accordance with demand.

• Status

• Next Steps

• Accomplishments to Date

• Background

• Links to Other Government Activities

   

  Status:

  INF meets regularly with CN Rail through a working group to discuss and resolve rail service operational issues, review CN rail shipment volumes, and receive briefings regarding CN rail system infrastructure investments in the NWT.

As the GNWT has established the Marine Transportation Services (MTS) Division, significant opportunity exists to further partner with CN Rail in the delivery of essential goods to communities and industry.

The Yellowknife Airport (YZF) revolving fund has been in effect since July 1, 2017. A 2017-18 to 2021-22 Business Plan for the Yellowknife Airport was tabled in the fall 2017 session of the Legislative Assembly. The Economic Advisory Committee has been formed and had their first meeting in early November, 2017.

Next Steps:

The Department will continue to meet with CN Rail to receive updates on operations and improvements to the rail line and pass on concerns of local businesses in Hay River and the NWT.

CN is currently updating a plan that it produced internally a number of years ago for a new intermodal facility in Hay River and will share this with the CN Working Group. CN plans to ship industrial cargo via rail and GNWT tug and barge to the high Arctic. The working group aims to facilitate the successful addition of this new industrial cargo to CN’s NWT rail service and the new GNWT tug and barge service.

INF is also working with CN to acquire certifications and training required to receive CN rail traffic into the Hay River cargo terminal now owned by the GNWT. CN currently provides the necessary training via a three-day course at their rail yard facilities in Winnipeg.

INF will continue to work with the Airline Consultative Committee and Economic Advisory Committee for the Yellowknife Airport to provide a forum for input from the aviation industry and to ensure business objectives of the airport are aligned with the local business sector.

A 2018-19 to 2022-23 Business Plan for the Yellowknife Airport is currently being finalized, and will be tabled in the February/March 2018 session.

Background:

INF has had a positive and very constructive working relationship with CN for many years. In response to concerns brought to INF's attention in September 2015 regarding operational challenges concerning CN rail service into Hay River and the offloading of bulk fuel products, an engagement plan was developed whereby CN and INF formed a working group and now meet on a regular basis to discuss and resolve railway-related challenges and issues.

In March 2017, the Legislative Assembly passed an amendment to the Revolving Funds Act establishing a revolving fund for the Yellowknife Airport. Under the revolving fund model, all revenues generated by the Airport will be directed to capital and operations and maintenance for the Yellowknife Airport. The revolving fund came into effect July 1, 2017 at which time fee increases were implemented along with a new Airport Improvement Fee (AIF).

Accomplishments to Date:

CN invested over $21 million in NWT railway improvements in 2015 and 2016 in response to the challenges and issues discussed during CN Working Group meetings.

To improve CN Rail operations into Hay River, CN has stationed a local CN yard crew in the community to provide rail car switching services and deployed a new type of transloader at the rail yard to assist in more rapid and efficient transloading of bulk fuels into trucks.

INF is already making progress on advancing several improvements to the Yellowknife Airport. These include:

• Pre-design of a new security screening facility;

• Food and beverage services in the pre-board departures lounge;

• Development of a Gate 5 Business Centre for staff waiting for mine flights;

• Relocation of Oversize Baggage Facility to create more passenger queue space at check-in area;

• Development of a tender to secure a contractor to complete design and geotechnical work for an improved YZF de-icing bay;

• Design and implementation plans being finalized for Common Use Terminal Equipment; and

• Design work for parking facility upgrades

Links to Other Government Activities:

• NWT Transportation Strategy 2015-2040: Supports priority of strengthening connections to continue maintaining and improving our existing transportation system to enhance the level of service, increase reliability, improve transportation safety, and build on partnerships.

   

• NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy: Changes to the fee structure of the Yellowknife Airport will establish a positive entrepreneurial environment and support economic opportunities for residents by reinvesting revenues toward capital improvements at the airport.

   

• Tourism 2020: Infrastructure and service improvements at the Yellowknife Airport help to attract visitors and provide new opportunities for the NWT tourism industry.

   

   

For more information about this initiative, please contact the Department of Infrastructure.

Economy, Environment and Climate Change 1.1.3:

We will strengthen connections with public sector partners in transportation infrastructure, such as encouraging the Fisheries and Oceans Canada to maintain federal community resupply port facilities and marine services in the NWT, to restore safe marine operating conditions in the Port of Hay River and at key sections of the Mackenzie River Corridor, and to improve charting and navigational aids.

• Status

• Next Steps

• Accomplishments to Date

• Background

• Links to Other Government Activities

   

  Status:

   

On August 27, 2017, Transport Canada announced that under the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP), $94.3 million will be invested over five years in the Safety Equipment and Basic Marine Infrastructure in Northern Communities Initiative. This initiative is intended to make Arctic resupply operations faster, safer, and more efficient for remote coastal communities along the Arctic Ocean. Investments will be made in on-the-ground safety equipment and basic marine infrastructure to support safer community resupply operations and in training for the use and maintenance of equipment and infrastructure.

There is an opportunity to use OPP funding to improve the state of NWT marine facilities to support important resupply operations that help stabilize the cost of living in NWT communities, better take advantage of shipping opportunities, and increase the efficiency and safety of operations across the NWT marine corridor.

Next Steps:

INF is continuing discussion with Transport Canada and DFO Small Craft Harbours about investments to improve marine transportation infrastructure in the NWT, including investments to rehabilitate the harbour bed in Hay River and expand facilities at the Port as the territory’s marine hub and the base of marine operations across the NWT marine system.

The Department of Infrastructure (INF) is refining a list of priority marine infrastructure in the NWT, which may benefit from federal funding under the Oceans Protection Plan, including improvements to the Port of Hay River, the purchase of double-hulled barges to augment the GNWT’s Marine Transportation Services fleet, and establishing a Marine Services Centre in the community of Tuktoyaktuk as a few key initiatives.

The GNWT is requesting that Canada could provide GNWT with special consideration and first right of refusal where marine related services are supplied to federal departments, boards and agencies within the waters of the NWT.

The federal government is currently developing regional engagement plans to initiate formal discussions on the OPP with provinces and territories. There is currently no timeframe for these engagements.

Accomplishments to Date:

INF has worked with CCG to review the results of the June 2016 harbour survey, which determined the scope of work required to dredge the harbour. A total of 99,391 cubic metres of mud, sand, and silt are required to be removed to restore the harbour to grade.

INF also worked with Hay River’s Great Slave Harbour Authority and the NWT Fisherman’s Federation to develop an informal Request for Quotes (RFQ) for dredging services and to solicit reponses from local contrators. Restoration of the harbour to grade is estimated at $10 million. $1 million annually would be required or operations and maintenance (O&M) for 15 years ($25 million total).

Background:

The Hay River Harbour is heavily silted affecting marine safety and limiting the efficiency and effectiveness of critical marine resupply operations provided by the GNWT’s Marine Transportation Services (MTS), federal operations, and local industry. Hay River Harbour was last dredged by Public Works and Government Services Canada's dredging fleet in 1993 under the former dredging program operated by the federal government. Annual funding is no longer provided to Public Works and Government Services Canada for regular harbour maintenance in the NWT, including dredging. However, funding for dredging activities remains a federal responsibility and the Department of Infrastructure does not have the mandate or the resources to undertake this initiative.

The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) are responsible for the delivery of marine support services in the NWT, including marine search and rescue, aids to navigation, marine communications, charting, navigation channel maintenance, icebreaking support, and community marine resupply facilities. Starting in 1995, the Department of Infrastructure maintained community marine landing sites and docks on behalf of the federal government through a Memorandum of Understanding with Canada that provided $500,000 in funding. The federal government cut funding to the Federal Marine Re-supply Site Program in 2013/14. Since then, the INF has increasingly received report from communities regarding the poor condition of federally-owned marine facilities.

Links to Other Government Activities:

• NWT Transportation Strategy 2015-2040: Supports priority of strengthening connections to continue maintaining and improving our existing transportation system to enhance the level of service, increase reliability, improve transportation safety, and build on partnerships and priority of embracing innovation to adapt the transportation system to the effects of climate change.

For more information about this initiative, please contact the Department of Infrastructure.

ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE 

Commitment 1.1.4 – We will continue to implement the government’s Regional Recruitment Program initiative to assist with increasing regional employment opportunities by linking residents with regional vacancies and on-the-job training.

Developed in 2014, the Regional Recruitment Program (RRP) is an on-going program under the umbrella of the Workforce Planning Strategy and is intended to assist with increasing regional employment opportunities by using unique approaches to recruitment to link residents with on-the-job training.

The Department of Finance continues to implement the Regional Recruitment Program (RRP) to assist with increasing regional employment opportunities. Since the program was created, 16 individuals have been appointed to indeterminate positions after completing their RRP training programs. These indeterminate placements include Inuvik, Fort Simpson, Fort Providence, Fort Liard and Yellowknife.

Related Mandate Commitments

• Commitment 1.1.5 – We will get more 18-24 year olds into the labour market by removing barriers to employment, using a better mix of improved educational attainment, skill development, and matching skills with employer needs through improved career development supports.
• Commitment 1.1.7 – In collaboration with the federal government, we will increase the number of immigrants working in the NWT and increase investment by immigrants. We will implement an immigration strategy that prioritizes streamlining application processes, increasing awareness of immigration programs, and consolidating our administrative supports.
• Commitment 1.1.13 – We will support small communities by enhancing job-creation programs, building community capacity and supporting new economic opportunities.

For more information about this initiative, please contact the Department of Finance.

ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Commitment 1.1.5 – We will get more 18-24 year olds into the labour market by removing barriers to employment, using a better mix of improved educational attainment, skill development, and matching skills with employer needs through improved career development supports.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) is leading the GNWT’s work to implement the Skills 4 Success 10-Year Strategic Framework (S4S) and 4-Year Action Plan 2016-2020 to help develop the skills, knowledge and talents of the people of the NWT. The S4S is an evidence-based initiative about making system wide improvements to adult and post-secondary education and skills training programs to close education and employment gaps in the NWT.

Implementation of the Skills 4 Success 4-Year Action Plan 2016-2020 (milestone 1) continues and ECE is focusing on the development of a Small Community Employment Strategy, and a Foundational Review and strategic plan for Aurora College. These efforts have interrelated actions that all contribute to developing a skilled workforce to build a strong and thriving northern economy.

The Skills 4 Success 4-Year Action Plan 2016-2020 (milestone 1) which contains 24 actions to improve employment success for the people of the NWT supports the Skills 4 Success 10-Year Strategic Framework and used a combination of program research, extensive stakeholder engagements, and information identified in the Northwest Territories Labour Market Forecast and Needs Assessment. The Minister of ECE tabled the Northwest Territories Labour Market Forecast and Needs Assessment on June 14, 2016.

The Skills 4 Success 4-Year Action Plan 2016-2020 provides direction on how the GNWT plans to achieve the priorities that will realize the S4S Framework’s vision and goals. It includes actions and ways to measure success, and focuses on achieving system wide improvements for better employment outcomes for NWT residents.

The Skills 4 Success 10-Year Strategic Framework was tabled on October 7, 2015. Over 700 people across the NWT engaged in the process of developing the S4S Framework. Feedback from regional focus group sessions, the S4S Symposium, and an online survey have been documented in a full Skills 4 Success Initiative Engagement Report and shorter report, Skills 4 Success Initiative Engagement Summary: “What We Heard”.

In May 2017, as part of the implementation of the S4S Framework and Action Plan, the Department of ECE released the NWT Apprenticeship, Trades and Occupational Certification Strategy 2017-2022 (ATOC), and in June 2017, released the NWT Immigration Strategy 2017-2022: Building a Skilled Workforce and a Vibrant Economy.

The ATOC Strategy outlines how the GNWT will improve training, apprenticeship, and certification opportunities in skilled trades and industrial occupation. The strategy includes four goals, each having specific objectives and key actions. The goals mirror the S4S goals:

• Increase skill levels through relevant education and training;
• Bridge education and employment gaps through targeted supports;
• Grow the NWT workforce through partnerships; and
• Improve decision making with relevant labour market information

The Northwest Territories’ Immigration Strategy: Building a Skilled Workforce and a Vibrant Economy 2017-2022 focuses on growing the population, assisting employers to meet critical workforce needs and increasing investment in the NWT. It includes the following five goals:

• Attract foreign nationals to the NWT whose skills are aligned with current workforce needs;
• Attract foreign investment to benefit the economy;
• Support and be responsive to settlement and integration needs;
• Support the workforce by educating foreign nationals and NWT employers on workers’ rights and responsibilities; and
• Consolidate administrative efforts between the Departments of Education, Culture and Employment and Industry Tourism and Investment.

ECE is currently engaged in discussions with the federal government and other provinces and territories to revise existing agreements for labour market development (milestone 2). The discussions are focused on ensuring that renewed federal-territorial agreements provide sufficient flexibility to address labour market needs. Federal-territorial labour market transfer agreements (LMTA) provide over $7 million in annual funding to the GNWT to support delivery of labour market programs, services and supports. Under the LMTA the GNWT received an increase of $231,000 in 2016-17.

On April 1, 2017, interim changes were implemented to the existing Small Community Employment Support (SCES) program to increase benefit levels and add flexibility for community employers and organizations. These changes were made pending the completion of a strategy to increase employment in small communities.

Moving forward, the SCES program is targeted to the NWT’s smallest communities and the Strategy will provide direction for future enhancements that will be made to the program. These future enhancements will aim to maximize the training and employment opportunities of residents in small communities (milestone 1).

Although SCES programming provides direct supports to small communities, the bulk of programs that support labour force development across the NWT are funded through federal labour market transfer agreements.

Related Mandate Commitments:

Commitment 1.1.13 - We will support small communities by enhancing job-creation programs, building community capacity and supporting new economic opportunities by:

• Enhancing the Small Communities Employment Support Program.
• Developing and implementing a strategy to increase employment in small communities that guides the delivery of territorial programming and includes a performance measurement plan.

Commitment 2.3.1 - We will take steps to close the skills gap, by conducting a Foundational Review of Aurora College followed by a renewed strategic plan and updates to the Aurora College Act where indicated by the Foundational Review, improving outcomes from our Community Learning Centres, strengthening the apprenticeship program, and improving our career development services.

Commitment 2.5.4 - We will promote and improve student financial assistance to support NWT youth in developing the skills and abilities to meet their potential as well as territorial labour demand.

ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Commitment 1.1.7 – In collaboration with the federal government, we will increase the number of immigrants working in the NWT and increase investment by immigrants. We will implement an immigration strategy that prioritizes streamlining application processes, increasing awareness of immigration programs, and consolidating our administrative supports.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) and the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) are implementing a five-year NWT Immigration Strategy. ECE and ITI released the NWT Immigration Strategy in June 2017 (milestone 2).

The Immigration Strategy fulfills the GNWT Mandate of the 18th Legislative Assembly and an action item of the S4S 4-Year Action Plan. ECE, in partnership with ITI, held facilitated stakeholder engagements during September and October 2016. Stakeholder engagement consisted of direct one-on-one engagement and one focus group in each region. In addition, a survey was promoted to stakeholders to provide the opportunity to review the questions and provide feedback, and an engagement report was prepared by a contractor. Following the engagement, ECE, in partnership with ITI, finalized the Immigration Strategy.

The Strategy includes an Action Plan that will focus on five goals:

• Attract foreign nationals to the NWT whose skills are aligned with current workforce needs;
• Attract foreign investment, through the establishment or purchase of a business by a foreign national, to benefit the economy;
• Support and be responsive to settlement and integration needs;
• Support the workforce by educating foreign nationals and NWT employers on rights and responsibilities; and
• Consolidate administrative efforts between the Departments of Education, Culture and Employment and Industry Tourism and Investment.

The Immigration Strategy supports the promotion of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) to attract skilled foreign nationals improving stakeholder partnerships and safeguarding employment opportunities for NWT residents. The Strategy will address labour market gaps and skills shortages by:

• Supporting population growth objectives of the GNWT and attracting foreign nationals whose skills are aligned with current workforce needs to the NWT;
• Diversifying and increasing investment by foreign nationals through the Business Driven stream; and
• Improving partnerships with immigration stakeholders to ensure immigration in the NWT is inclusive and responsive to the needs of Northern Employers.

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) is an immigration program delivered by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) under to an agreement with the federal governments department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It allows the GNWT to nominate foreign nationals to apply for Canadian permanent residency. ECE is the lead on the NTNP, though responsibility is shared with ITI.

ECE is responsible for administering the Employer Driven stream, designed to support employers to recruit and retain foreign nationals who possess the skills and experience required by the employer and who meet program eligibility criteria, when there are no qualified Canadians or permanent residents available.

ECE implemented a comprehensive communications strategy in 2016 to promote the Nominee Program to target audiences at the local, national and international level to increase the uptake of the Nominee Program (milestone 1). The Nominee Program has a new visual identity, and the www.immigratenwt.ca website has been enhanced.

The Employer Driven Program is comprised of three streams:

• Critical Impact Workers;
• Skilled Workers; and
• NWT Express Entry.

Improvements to delivery since 2014 include:

• introducing services standards and consolidating program delivery;
• refining website content to provide clear, concise and timely information;
• launched a 1-800 toll free information line for NWT employers;
• revised program guidelines and processes; and,
• visits to regional centers to promote the program.

Participation in the NWT Nominee Programs employer driven streams continues to increase. In 2016, 128 nominees and their dependents were approved. Since 2009, 644 nominees and their dependents have been approved. The Department of ECE has exceeded its target of a 25% increase annually in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) is responsible for administering the Business Driven stream of the NTNP which is designed to support entrepreneurs with business expertise who want to immigrate to the NWT to either purchase, start or invest in a business in the NWT.

As part of its work to increase the number of immigrants working and investing in the NWT, the GNWT is pursuing the Business Stream of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program, led by ITI, which is designed to attract entrepreneurs with business expertise and investment capital to settle in the NWT and enhance the economic environment of the NWT by purchasing, starting or investing in a local business.

Awareness of, and applications to, the Business Driven stream continues to increase. The first applicant arrived in Yellowknife in August 2016 with his family and purchased a business. The second approved applicant has also arrived in Yellowknife and her business is operational. A third applicant has been approved.

The NTNP Business Driven stream receives a number of inquiries every week from interested applicants and consultants. Work is underway to further streamline and promote the program.

The program guidelines were updated in January of 2017 to make them more user-friendly while clarifying program requirements in line with the Federal Government requirements. A promotional brochure and materials have been developed for the NTNP Business Driven stream and distributed to consultants that work with the program. Brochures are currently in English, French and Mandarin.

ITI is in the process of developing a Marketing Plan specific to the Business stream in order to determine how to best target efforts and resources and identify the top markets for the best chance at success.

A “Newcomers Guide to doing Business in the NWT” guide is also being developed. The guide is meant to be distributed to business stream applicants once they have been approved for their two-year temporary work permit. It is a pre-arrival tool to help an applicant feel better prepared to navigate operating a business in a foreign country.

Related Mandate Commitments:

Commitment 1.1.5 - We will get more 18-24 year olds into the labour market by removing barriers to employment, using a better mix of improved educational attainment and skill development, while matching skills with employer needs through improved career development supports.

ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Commitment 1.1.8

We will support mineral exploration and the mining sector, by implementing the Mineral Development Strategy, capturing opportunities to build transportation infrastructure that enables resources to get to market, closing the skills gap in the mining sector, implement the Mining Incentive Program, developing and proposing a Mineral Resources Act, and supporting Aboriginal governments to build capacity in dealing with mining-related activities.

Mineral Development Strategy

The Mineral Development Strategy (MDS) was developed in collaboration with the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines using a consultative approach.

The MDS is organized into five key pillars:

1. Creating a Competitive Edge;
2. Establishing a New Regulatory Environment for the NWT;
3. Enhancing Aboriginal Engagement and Capacity;
4. Promoting Sustainability; and
5. Enriching Workforce Development and Public Awareness.

Mining Incentive Program

The NWT Mining Incentive Program (MIP) (milestone 2) provides funding to prospectors and exploration companies who propose new exploration projects or are already carrying out NWT mineral exploration work.

The MIP is intended to stimulate and sustain mineral exploration activities throughout the NWT and reduce the risk associated with grass roots mineral exploration - exploration that is vital to a healthy, sustained, and productive mining industry.

The MIP is an initiative of the MDS and was developed in response to the findings of a Stakeholders Engagement Panel. The MIP is modeled after successful incentive programs offered by other Canadian jurisdictions.

Mineral Resources Act

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) is committed to developing and introducing a new Mineral Resources Act (MRA) during the 18th Legislative Assembly (milestones 3 and 4).

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) assumed jurisdiction over mineral resources management in the NWT with Devolution on April 1, 2014.

Mineral resources in the NWT are currently governed by the Mining Regulations under the Northwest Territories Lands Act.  This legislation was mirrored from the federal government at the time of Devolution.

A new Act will reflect the unique regulatory needs and priorities of the NWT and make things more transparent and simpler, by bringing the administration of mineral tenure and royalties together under one Act.

The MRA will support sustainable, inclusive mineral development in the NWT that helps us to manage our lands and resources in a way that benefits NWT residents, while increasing our competiveness in the mining sector.

The MRA will establish clear and modern rules for mining in the NWT, reducing risk and attracting investment.

The process to develop and implement a Mineral Resources Act will take several years and the first steps in the process have begun.

Regional Mineral Development Strategies

The GNWT assists and supports Indigenous government organizations in developing regionally driven strategic approaches to natural resources development through the delivery of workshops and strategy development assistance.   Indigenous government organizations are able to discuss, formulate and learn from other examples of regional resource development strategies.

ITI is working with Indigenous governments on developing Regional Mineral Development Strategies.  These strategies are owned by each region and allow policy decisions on exploration and resource development to be made by the land claimant for each settlement area.  These strategies are designed in such a way as to work in harmony with other GNWT strategies.  The Regional Mineral Development Strategies initiative supports implementation of MDS goal 3.2.

Related Mandate Commitments:

• Commitment 1.1.10 - We will ensure that residents have meaningful opportunities to participate in the assessment of potential benefits and risks associated with resource development, including hydraulic fracturing.
• Commitment 1.1.11 - We will develop and foster the knowledge economy by:
  • Implementing the NWT Geological Survey Strategic Plan, including carrying out Slave Province geoscience studies, ensuring the availability of high quality geoscience knowledge to promote the successful exploration for and discovery of NWT mineral resources, and defining permafrost conditions that may impact future infrastructure development.
  • Implementing the Resources and Energy Development Information (REDI) initiative to increase public awareness and understanding of NWT renewable and non-renewable mineral and energy resources and the means by which they can be developed in a responsible and sustainable manner.
• Commitment 1.1.12 - We will support the growth of Aboriginal business development corporations and the capacity of Aboriginal governments, through the completion and implementation of memoranda of understanding that reflect the economic opportunity objectives found in modern land claims.
• Commitment 1.2.9 - We will attract direct foreign investment, and cross-promote minerals, furs, fish, forest products, and tourism to investors and markets.
• Commitment 1.3.2 - In order to advance the territorial vision of land resource management in accordance with the Land Use and Sustainability Framework, we will evolve our legislative, regulatory, and policy systems by:
  • Developing and proposing a Mineral Resources Act
  • Making amendments to the NWT Mining Regulations

ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Commitment 1.1.9

We will develop a long-term strategy to attract investment in oil and gas resources that will provide economic and energy benefits to NWT residents and businesses, while recognizing and protecting environmental, social, cultural and economic values.

Economic Opportunities Strategy

The 2013 NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy recommended development of a strategy to encourage growth of the oil and gas industry to benefit NWT residents.

The Pathways to Petroleum Development Public Engagement Report was developed in the 17th Legislative Assembly and informed the development of the first draft of a Petroleum Resources Strategy.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has developed and released the NWT Petroleum Resources Strategy, including an Implementation Plan and a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.

The NWT Petroleum Resources Strategy was released in tandem with the 2030 Energy Strategy and the Climate Change Strategic Framework (milestone 2).

Related Mandate Commitments:

• Commitment 1.1.10 - We will ensure that residents have meaningful opportunities to participate in the assessment of potential benefits and risks associated with resource development, including hydraulic fracturing.
• Commitment 1.1.11 - We will develop and foster the knowledge economy by:
  • Implementing the NWT Geological Survey Strategic Plan, including carrying out Slave Province geoscience studies, ensuring the availability of high quality geoscience knowledge to promote the successful exploration for and discovery of NWT mineral resources, and defining permafrost conditions that may impact future infrastructure development.
  • Implementing the Resources and Energy Development Information (REDI) initiative to increase public awareness and understanding of NWT renewable and non-renewable mineral and energy resources and the means by which they can be developed in a responsible and sustainable manner.
• Commitment 1.3.2 - In order to advance the territorial vision of land resource management in accordance with the Land Use and Sustainability Framework, we will evolve our legislative, regulatory, and policy systems by:
  • Developing and proposing amendments to the Petroleum Resources Act
  • Developing and proposing amendments to the Oil and Gas Operations Act
• Commitment 5.2.4 - We will pursue an agreement with the federal government on the management of offshore resources.

ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Commitment 1.1.10

We will ensure that residents have meaningful opportunities to participate in the assessment of potential benefits and risks associated with resource development, including hydraulic fracturing.

Oil and Gas Operations Act (OGOA) and Petroleum Resources Act (PRA)

We are committed to improving our oil and gas legislative framework in accordance with the 18th Legislative Assembly’s priority for improved governance.

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment has completed public engagement on amendments to the OGOA and PRA in early 2018 (milestone 3).

Changes will focus on improving transparency, modernizing language, clarifying purpose and principles, reducing red tape, and ensuring regulatory certainty.  These are a first step towards a fulsome rebuild of our NWT oil and gas legislation.

Improving transparency will provide public information on the benefits and risks of oil and gas development to support discussion and decision-making.

Outreach and Education Events

The Department of Lands and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources are collaborating with the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board, the Land and Water Boards, and the Land Use Planning Boards on outreach and knowledge-sharing events related to the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act system.

At least one outreach and knowledge-sharing event related to the NWT integrated resource management system is held in Quarter 1 of each year (milestones 2 and 4). Workshops were held in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, and a workshop is scheduled for February 2019.

Participant Funding

Participant funding enables NWT residents and organizations to participate in the assessment of potential benefits and risks associated with resource development. Although participant funding is a federal responsibility, the Department of Lands has raised the issue with the federal government at every opportunity. The GNWT welcomed the December 2018 federal announcement of the Northern Participant Funding Program and looks forward to learning more about how the program will be implemented.

Related Mandate Commitments:

• Commitment 1.1.9 - We will develop a long-term strategy to attract oil and gas development in the territory.
• Commitment 1.1.11 - We will develop and foster the knowledge economy by:
  • Implementing the Resources and Energy Development Information (REDI) initiative to increase public awareness and understanding of NWT renewable and non-renewable mineral and energy resources and the means by which they can be developed in a responsible and sustainable manner.
• Commitment 1.3.2 - In order to advance the territorial vision of land resource management in accordance with the Land Use and Sustainability Framework, we will evolve our legislative, regulatory, and policy systems by:
  • Developing and proposing a Mineral Resources Act
  • Making amendments to the NWT Mining Regulations
  • Developing and proposing amendments to the Petroleum Resources Act
  • Developing and proposing amendments to the Oil and Gas Operations Act
  • Developing and proposing amendments to the Commissioner’s Land Act
  • Developing and proposing amendments to the Northwest Territories Lands Act

• Commitment 5.2.5 - We will work to improve the NWT integrated resource management regime to ensure the regime reflects NWT interests and priorities.

ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Commitment 1.1.12

We will support the growth of Aboriginal business development corporations and the capacity of Aboriginal governments, through the completion and implementation of memoranda of understanding that reflect the economic opportunity objectives found in modern land claims.

Memoranda of Understanding (MOU)

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) recognizes the value of maintaining and fostering strong relationships with our partner Indigenous governments, and is working to develop and diversify the economy through strategic economic investments and partnerships with Indigenous businesses.

In the past, the GNWT has entered into contracting memoranda of understanding (MOU) with the Gwich’in Tribal Council (GTC) and the Sahtú Secretariat Incorporated (SSI) to strengthen Indigenous business capacity.

The GNWT will renew MOUs with interested Indigenous governmental organizations in order to strengthen business capacity as well as assist in the development of commercially viable businesses, provide business and economic training, encourage employment of participants in the settlement area and support their traditional economy (milestones 3 and 4).

Related Mandate Commitments:

• Commitment 1.1.13 - We will support small communities by enhancing job-creation programs, building community capacity and supporting new economic opportunities, by:
  • Updating the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) programs as necessary to better align with the needs of NWT entrepreneurs and businesses, including those in small communities.
  • Implementing the Economic Opportunities Strategy.

ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE 

Commitment 1.1.14 – We will reduce taxes on small businesses.

The federal government, provinces and territories offer tax breaks for small businesses in the form of the small business deduction. This recognizes the potential high cost small businesses have to raise capital and allows more after-tax income for reinvestment and expansion. For private corporations that are Canadian-controlled and have less than $15 million in capital, the GNWT has a small business tax rate of 4 per cent on business income less than $500,000.  The NWT has the highest small business corporate income tax rate among the five western provinces and territories but is still below the population-weighted national average of 4.5 per cent.

The GNWT receives about $2.7 million in small business corporate income taxes from NWT corporations eligible for the small business tax rate.

Related Mandate Commitments

• Commitment 1.1.2 – We will strengthen connections with private sector partners in transportation infrastructure (rail, trucking, airline, and marine).
• Commitment 1.1.3 – We will strengthen connections with public sector partners in transportation infrastructure, including working with the federal government to maintain federal community resupply port facilities and marine services in the NWT, to restore safe marine operating conditions in the Port of Hay River and at key sections of the Mackenzie River Corridor, and to improve charting and navigational aids.
• Commitment 1.1.8 – We will support mineral exploration and the mining sector, by implementing the Mineral Development Strategy, capturing opportunities to build transportation infrastructure that enables resources to get to market, closing the skills gap in the mining sector, implementing the Mining Incentive Program, developing and proposing a Mineral Resources Act, and supporting Indigenous governments to build capacity in dealing with mining-related activities.
• Commitment 1.1.9 – We will develop a long-term strategy to attract investment in oil and gas resources that will provide economic and energy benefits to NWT residents and businesses, while recognizing and protecting environmental, social, cultural and economic values.
• Commitment 1.1.12 – We will support the growth of Indigenous business development corporations and the capacity of Indigenous governments, through the completion and implementation of memoranda of understanding that reflect the economic opportunity objectives found in modern land claims.
• Commitment 1.1.13 – We will support small communities by enhancing job-creation programs, building community capacity and supporting new economic opportunities

For more information about this initiative, please contact the Department of Finance.