CanNor Helps Inuvialuit Assess Gas
Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CanNor, recently announced an investment to support a feasibility study of natural gas development in the Beaufort Delta region of the Northwest Territories.
The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) is leading this project. This Indigenous-owned corporation seeks to lower living costs for local residents and businesses by securing a regional energy source to replace diesel. Should natural gas extraction be viable, the development of this resource could provide clean energy security, employment opportunities, and support a sustainable economic future in the Inuvialuit region.
Until recently, the Town of Inuvik received energy from two natural gas wells in the area; however, due to recent signs of depletion, the town now depends on diesel and propane from southern Canada, more than 2,500 km away. The opening of the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk all-season highway this year is going to provide access to Inuvialuit-owned lands with natural gas potential.
“Natural gas projects lead to energy security, healthier communities, and a cleaner environment,” said Bains. “Our government will continue to invest in clean energy projects that foster better jobs and improve living standards for Northerners.”
CanNor’s investment is from the Northern Aboriginal Economic Opportunities Program which aims to increase the participation of Northern Aboriginal communities and businesses in economic opportunities. CanNor contributed $467,200 over two years. The GNWT and the IRC each invested $58,400. The total project funding is $584,000.
The study will be conducted in two phases. The first will assess resource viability, and develop a local energy supply and distribution model with the focus on Aklavik, Fort McPherson, Inuvik, Tsiigehtchic and Tuktoyaktuk. The second phase will explore a regional model including Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour and Ulukhaktok.
“Inuvialuit are committed to working with our territorial and federal counterparts to unlock the potential of our region,” said Duane Ningaqsiq Smith, Chair and CEO of the IRC. “This feasibility study will improve our collective ability to take advantage of the cleaner energy that lies right beneath our feet.”
