YELLOWKNIFE, NT,
June 24,
2024 /CNW/ - Investing in Canada's communities isn't just about building
infrastructure, it's about building connections to other
communities, to markets, and to Canadians.
The Government of Canada is
investing in Canada's communities
to make sure they have the infrastructure they need to grow. Today,
Member of Parliament for Northwest
Territories, Michael McLeod
on behalf of the Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez, announced an investment of up
to $25 million for the construction of an all-season road in
the Northwest Territories. This
investment, provided to NorZinc Ltd. under the National Trade
Corridors Fund, will support the movement of goods to the local
communities by providing year-round transportation access to
surrounding areas.
The construction of the all-season road from Liard Highway 7 to
the Prairie Creek mine site is expected to:
- Provide year-round transportation access to the Prairie Creek
mine site, national park areas and Indigenous traditional
territories;
- Facilitate production at the Prairie Creek mine and the
transportation of critical minerals from the mine to international
markets, which has the potential to contribute an estimated
$8 billion in revenue for
Canada and the Government of
Northwest Territories over the
next 20 years;
- Provide benefits to local Indigenous communities as the road
will provide access to the Naha Dehe Dene Band's traditional
territory; and
- Increase access to tourism and eco-tourism in the Nahanni
Park Nature Reserve
The Government of Canada
continues to make investments to strengthen the country's
infrastructure, promote economic growth and enhance opportunities
for businesses to expand into international markets.
This collaboration represents another long-term commitment to
work with stakeholders on strategic infrastructure projects to
address transportation bottlenecks, vulnerabilities, and congestion
along Canada's trade
corridors.
Quotes
"This isn't just about building infrastructure, it's about
building connections—to communities, to markets, and to Canadians.
By enhancing transportation access, we're making life cost less for
all Canadians."
The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez
Minister of Transport
"This new all-season road will unlock many benefits for local
and Indigenous communities, making it easier to move goods, and
opening up access to the Nahanni Park Nature Reserve. "
Michael McLeod
Member of Parliament for Northwest
Territories
"NorZinc is thankful and appreciative of the National Trade
Corridors Funding to help build the All-Season Access Road to the
Prairie Creek Project. This road will aid the Prairie Creek Mine to
deliver an expected $8 billion of
metal supply, including high-grade zinc concentrate, generating new
economic activity within Canada's
borders, supporting Canada's
efforts in enhancing a more resilient, transparent, reliable and
integrated supply chain of critical metals. This funding will also
be transformative for our First Nation partners in the North
through increased economic activity leading to the creation of
jobs, the development of new transportation infrastructure, and
better services for the people who live and work in this northern
and remote region."
Robin Bienenstock
Executive Chair, NorZinc Ltd.
Quick Facts
- An efficient and reliable transportation network is key to
Canada's economic growth. The
Government of Canada, through the
National Trade Corridors Fund, is making investments that will
support the flow of goods across Canada's supply chains.
- The National Trade Corridors Fund is a competitive, merit-based
program designed to help infrastructure owners and users invest in
the critical transportation assets that support economic activity
in Canada. A total of $4.1 billion has been committed to projects since
2017.
- Through the National Trade Corridors Fund, Transport Canada is
supporting improvements to Canada's roads, rail, air, and marine shipping
routes to foster domestic and international trade.
- The National Trade Corridors Fund's Increasing the
Fluidity of Canada's Supply
Chains call for proposals supports fluid and reliable trade
flows between Canada and global
markets, as well as internal trade corridors.
Related Product
- National Trade Corridors Fund Backgrounder
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SOURCE Transport Canada - Ottawa