Northern Gateway: How New Roads, Power Grids and Mining Could Transform the Northwest Territories

Michael Fox interviews the Honourable Caroline Wawzonek, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance for the Northwest Territories, about the Northern Gateway initiative and the proposed paved road linking Yellowknife to Grace Bay in Nunavut. They discuss how year-round transportation access could unlock mineral-rich regions, lower costs for northern communities, support mining investment and strengthen Canada’s Arctic defense capabilities. The conversation also explores territorial infrastructure gaps, boom-and-bust mining cycles, federal support for major projects, the Mackenzie Valley Highway, community readiness, social and economic challenges, and plans to connect the Northwest Territories’ hydro grids across Great Slave Lake. Caroline Wawzonek explains how future developments—including the potential revival of the Pine Point Mine, Honey Badger Silver’s projects, defense facilities, and new gold and lithium mines—could increase demand for reliable energy and create employment opportunities across the North.

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