Building for Prosperity: Public Infrastructure in the Northwest Territories

• Minister's Message – The Honourable Denis Lebel
• Minister's Message – The Honourable Robert C. McLeod
• Success Through Partnership
• Canada's Gas Tax Fund at Work in the Northwest Territories
• Supporting the Local Economy
• Looking Back: Success in the Northwest Territories
• Looking Ahead: Priorities in the Northwest Territories
• Moving Forward Together

Minister's Message from Minister Lebel

Safe, modern and efficient public infrastructure is key to Canada's economic prosperity. Knowing how important infrastructure is to our country as a whole, and to the quality of life of every Canadian, I am proud to be leading the development of a long-term plan for public infrastructure that extends beyond the expiry of the Building Canada Plan. A new long-term infrastructure plan will position our nation to meet the challenges and opportunities of the coming decades.

Through Canada's Economic Action Plan and our infrastructure programs, our government has maintained an open dialogue with partners and stakeholders about the best way to support national and local priorities through infrastructure investments. Moving forward we will continue to work closely on infrastructure projects that make a difference for communities large and small. From building the most northern segment of the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway to replacing water and sewer facilities in our remote communities, together, we are making Canada a better place in which to live, work and do business.

As the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, I am very proud of the achievements that have been made possible through partnerships with the Northwest Territories and its communities. Looking ahead, these strong ties will form the foundation of the next long-term infrastructure plan and ensure Canadian communities continue to grow and prosper.

Working together, we will accomplish more and ensure Canada remains well-positioned for the future.

Minister's Message from Minister McLeod

Since the signing of the Building Canada Plan Agreement in 2008, significant investments in public infrastructure have been realized in the Northwest Territories. As the Minister responsible for Infrastructure, I am especially proud of the improvements to public infrastructure achieved through our partnership with federal and community governments under the Building Canada Plan, the Gas Tax Fund and the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. Together, we have begun to reduce our infrastructure deficit, have provided economic stimulus across every region of our territory and have increased the quality of life for Northwest Territories residents.

The Government of the Norwest Territories' 17^th Legislative Assembly has identified a strengthened and diversified economy and strategic infrastructure investments, such as the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway and the Mackenzie Fiberoptic Link, as priorities of this Assembly. The Government of the Northwest Territories is, therefore, pleased to engage with the Government of Canada in the development of a long-term infrastructure plan and we look forward to our continued partnership with the federal government and Northwest Territories' community governments. I believe we can continue to address our infrastructure deficit, protect the investments already made to our public infrastructure and ensure the future prosperity of the Northwest Territories.

Success Through Partnership:

Working Together to Accomplish More

Since 2007, federal, territorial and community governments have made significant investments in public infrastructure in the Northwest Territories. Most recently, Canada's Economic Action Plan accelerated existing infrastructure programs and delivered new funding to create jobs and growth.

Infrastructure commitments under the Building Canada Plan total over $310 million* and have resulted in over 60 initiatives across the Territory, helping create the right conditions for economic growth and long-term prosperity. With a focus on the Northwest Territories' priorities, funding has included transportation infrastructure, such as highway rehabilitation and investments in local and regional airports, community drinking water infrastructure and sports and recreation facilities.

Funding under the Building Canada Plan is flexible and supports additional priorities for the territory's unique infrastructure needs, such as commmunity offices and fire halls. Over $18 million has been directed to these local priorities, which have a direct and positive impact on the daily lives of people across the Northwest Territories.

Partnership in Action

Working together to build infrastructure achieves local and regional priorities while supporting national objectives. The Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the cornerstone of Canada's Economic Action Plan, has demonstrated what strong partnerships can accomplish. During the global economic downturn, all orders of government responded quickly and effectively to identify shovel-ready projects, drive employment and boost the economy, through infrastructure projects worth more than $13.4 million. These projects provided lasting benefits to communities across the Northwest Territories.

Canada's Gas Tax Fund at Work in the Northwest Territories:

Local Projects, Long-term Results

Each year, Canada's Gas Tax Fund is delivered to municipalities across the country for local infrastructure renewal, providing greater certainty and support for long-term economic growth. Increased to $2 billion per year nationally in 2009 and made permanent in 2011, the Gas Tax Fund supports municipal infrastructure projects that create jobs and help to protect the environment – contributing to cleaner air, cleaner water, and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Across the Northwest Territories, municipalities have invested close to 70 percent of their Gas Tax funds in drinking water and wastewater upgrades. These investments have improved the quality of life in communities across the territory. Between 2005 and 2014, the Northwest Territories will receive a total of $97.5 million from Canada's Gas Tax Fund for local infrastructure priorities.

Gas Tax Expenditures by Category,
2005-06 to 2010-11

Supporting the Local Economy

In addition to infrastructure funding under the Building Canada Plan and the Gas Tax Fund, communities in the Northwest Territories have benefited from funding under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the cornerstone of the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan. Infrastructure projects worth more than $13.4 million have helped to create jobs and boost the economy in the Northwest Territories.

Through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, new air terminal buildings were constructed in the remote communities of Sachs Harbour, Paulatuk and Tuktoyaktuk. Territorial parks across the Northwest Territories were also enhanced with new facilities, trails and picnic shelters. Other community projects included solid waste infrastructure, maintenance garages, road upgrading, and community and fire hall renovations. These projects provided local jobs and improved economic opportunities across all communities when they were most needed.