YELLOWKNIFE, N.W.T. — The northern territories have banded together in a joint effort to improve the region’s transportation system.

The Ministers Responsible for Transportation for Yukon, Nunavut and Northwest Territories have jointly released Northern Connections: A Multi-Modal Transportation Blueprint for the North.

The transportation blueprint outlines a vision for the development of northern transportation infrastructure to address the northern infrastructure deficit, promote economic development and build sustainable northern communities.

“The northern transportation system of the future must support economic development, connect communities to each other and to the South, and provide enhanced sovereignty and security in Canada’s North,” Yukon Highways and Public Works Minister Archie Lang stated.

The document was prepared to complement and build upon the northern components included in the national transportation strategy: Looking to the Future: A Plan for Investing in Canada’s Transportation System released by the Council of the Federation in December 2005.

“Investment in the northern transportation system is required to meet the demands of the North’s booming economy and to promote economic diversification opportunities for northern communities,” said Northwest Territories Transport Minister Norman Yakeleya.

Northern Connections not only identifies the ways in which the northern territories and their residents would benefit from investment in transportation infrastructure, but also how all Canadians stand to gain from true ‘northern connections’ that are established, maintained and improved to connect Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

“The Building Canada Fund is a good start to providing the long term funding to address the unique needs and priorities of the North. Investment in transportation infrastructure will help facilitate a prosperous and sustainable future for northerners,” added Minister Patterk Netser of Nunavut.