Territory Eyes Trade Corridor Fund
Marc Garneau, federal Minister of Transport, recently highlighted the importance of transportation for people living in the North during his trip to Yellowknife. The Minister emphasized the need to address transportation challenges, such as accessibility to markets, difficult terrain and climate conditions and the high cost of construction along Canada’s trade corridors in Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
The quality of Canada’s transportation infrastructure and the efficiency of the country’s trade corridors are key to the success of middle-class Canadians in the global marketplace, he said adding that modern, safe and functioning trade corridors will allow Canadians to compete in key global markets and trade more efficiently with international partners.
The National Trade Corridors Fund was recently launched by the Minister as a core element of the Trade and Transportation Corridors Initiative. The fund will provide $2 billion over 11 years to strengthen Canada’s trade infrastructure, including up to $400 million in dedicated funding for Northern territorial transportation infrastructure.
“Enhancing the Northern transportation system will support and promote economic growth and social development, offer job opportunities, and ensure greater connectivity for Northerners,” said Garneau. “I encourage Canadians who own businesses, organizations and communities located in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon to apply for funding under the National Trade Corridors Fund. New infrastructure projects support trade, economic growth, and the creation of good middle-class jobs.”
Transportation infrastructure development in the Northern Territories is relatively expensive due to the region’s unique features. The fund has a dedicated allotment to address the transportation needs of communities in Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut that will improve safety and economic development.
Eligible projects will focus on Northern transportation corridors (ports, airports, all-season roads and bridges) that support enhancements to safety, security, economic and/or social development in Canada’s three territories. The projects should also address the unique and urgent transportation needs in Canada’s territorial North. Money from the fund will be allocated based on merit and the project’s ability to contribute to Canada’s continued success in trade and international commerce.
The National Trade Corridors Fund is designed to allow the government to address the most important capacity constraints and freight bottlenecks on a national and system-wide basis, which includes Canada’s North.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has submitted Expressions of Interest to the Government of Canada seeking funding for two major transportation infrastructure projects: Construction of the Slave Geological Province Access Corridor (SGP); and projects to advance the Mackenzie Valley Highway (MVH).
“A stronger NWT highway system will help reduce the cost of living, improve the business case for investment in our economy, and create opportunities for businesses and residents that will allow for healthier, more vibrant communities,” said Wally Schumann, Minister of Infrastructure. “Nation-building projects can happen in Canada’s North. The advancement of these two transformative projects will not only improve the lives of Northerners and help us adapt to climate change, but will also help the Northwest Territories play a larger role in the Canadian economy, and for our residents, the opportunity for economic self-determination.
