N.W.T. continues to lobby Ottawa for support
YELLOWKNIFE, N.W.T. — The Northwest Territories are continuing to build support in Ottawa for further infrastructure funding to aid the region’s deteriorating transportation system.
Recently, N.W.T. Finance Minister, Joe Handley, and Premier Stephen Kakfwi, visited Ottawa to rally support from key federal ministers.
"Support is growing among federal ministers for federal investments now," says Handley. "A key feature of our package is strong private sector and industry support."
In fact, a significant chunk of the funds needed will be raised through tolls on the proposed Deh Cho bridge and other industry contributions.
So far, federal ministers have pushed N.W.T. representatives to prove how funding could improve life for all Canadians.
"Benefits are not limited to improving the quality of life for N.W.T. residents who drive and depend on N.W.T. highways," says Kakfwi. "Federal investment will serve to accelerate and facilitate diamond mine, natural gas and pipeline developments in the N.W.T. which will benefit all of Canada and particularly Alberta, B.C. and Ontario."
A response is expected from the feds, one way or another, by fall of this year.
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