PM Carney Names Grays Bay Road and Port Among 10 Nation-Building Projects
Press Release
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced today that the “Arctic Economic and Security Corridor,” and within it the Grays Bay Road and Port, is among 10 nation-building projects that will be under the remit of the newly created Major Projects Office.
In a press release, PM Carney described the “Arctic Economic and Security Corridor” as “An all-weather, dual-use, land and port-to-port-to-port infrastructure project that will contribute to Canada’s defence and northern development. The project will support Northern critical mineral projects, create new opportunities for sustainable development, and connect communities to the rest of Canada, while increasing capability for the Canadian Armed Forces in the North.”
In remarks today in Edmonton, the Prime Minister said that “by creating a new port at Grays Bay, and unlocking our resources, we can assert our economic sovereignty while building our defences.” He further noted that the project will require significant federal financial support, given that “The anchor there is a new dual-use port at Grays Bay, and an associated road – dual use because it would have military applications, security applications, as well as commercial. That’s kind of the federal government’s job, or largely the federal government’s job in terms of that port.”
This announcement validates the leadership of generations of Inuit leaders, who have worked to build national recognition and support for this project, consistently advocating for the security, economic, and community benefits it will bring. West Kitikmeot Resources (WKR) further notes the support of Kitikmeot Inuit Association (KIA) President Robert Greenley, who sadly passed away last week, acting KIA President James Eetoolook, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Jeremy Tunraluk, and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok, who have worked together closely during their respective terms.
The PM’s announcement noted that this project is “at an earlier stage and require[s] further development,” and as such “The Major Projects Office will create business development teams that will work with private-sector proponents, provinces, territories, and Indigenous Peoples to advance these concepts.”
WKR agrees with the PM’s assessment that further development of the Grays Bay Road and Port Project, within the broader Arctic Economic and Security Corridor, will be required.
WKR looks forward to working with the Major Projects Office, in particular:
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Advancing the Grays Bay Road and Port Project through the environmental assessment process and continuing work on engineering design;
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Collaboration with the Government of the Northwest Territories and NWT indigenous groups on an all-season connection from the Grays Bay Road and Port to the national highway system, through the Slave Geological Province; and
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Detailed scoping of the national security requirements for the project, as directed by the Department of National Defence.
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