NWT Government's Role at London Mining Conference Draws Criticism

Post by : Mina Rahman

Caitlin Cleveland, the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment for the Northwest Territories (NWT), has labeled the government’s engagement at the international mining event Resourcing Tomorrow in London as “crucially significant.” The participation of three delegates incurred travel expenses approximating $21,000.

Minister Cleveland stated that global industry gatherings like this are essential for fostering direct connections with potential investors. She emphasized the importance of establishing the Northwest Territories as a reliable and appealing location for international mining operations.

Nevertheless, this overseas excursion has ignited political and public scrutiny. MLA Kieron Testart from Range Lake raised concerns regarding the prudence of using public funds for investment promotion abroad, especially given the territory's unclear mining regulatory framework. He highlighted that investors predominantly focus on the ease of conducting business in a region.

While the Northwest Territories enacted the Mineral Resources Act in 2019, the necessary accompanying regulations remain unimplemented, with the government anticipating complete enforcement of the legislation by 2027.

Wally Schumann, a former ITI minister, noted the urgency of drawing new investments as the territory's three diamond mines near their closure. However, he asserted that mere marketing isn’t sufficient. Achieving resolutions on land claims and ensuring collaboration between Indigenous governments, territorial authorities, municipalities, and communities around a unified development strategy are equally important.

The conference also showcased Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty, who advocated for Indigenous leadership, environmental responsibility, and collaborative development. He conveyed a strong message: Indigenous communities now wish to be proactive in decision-making processes influencing their territories.