Jay Macdonald: Building Resilience Together: Advancing Climate Adaptation in the NWT

Press Release

March 11, 2025

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Mr. Speaker, climate change is creating significant challenges for the Northwest Territories, impacting communities, people, ecosystems, and infrastructure. The GNWT is addressing these challenges by integrating Indigenous knowledge and fostering partnerships to build resilience and sustainability for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, over the past year, we have achieved significant milestones with Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, and community partners on climate adaptation initiatives. This includes building consensus on the most pressing climate risks, implementing practical solutions, and sharing information to support residents and protect the environment.

A critical part of this work is flood mapping. Recent floods in several NWT communities highlight the need for updated maps. The Department of Environment and Climate Change, in collaboration with the NWT Centre for Geomatics and funding support from the federal government, is working to update flood maps for ten at-risk communities. We have developed draft flood maps for Hay River and the Kátł’odeeche First Nation Reserve, Fort Simpson, and Aklavik and are working on Fort Good Hope and Nahanni Butte. Mapping for Jean Marie River, Fort Liard, Fort McPherson and Tulita will be initiated over the next few years. When finalized, the updated flood maps will provide essential tools for emergency and community land-use planning.

Mr. Speaker, we are also addressing extreme water level fluctuations, which have ranged from record highs to record lows over the last five years, impacting transportation, hydroelectricity generation, public safety, and harvesting. The GNWT has expanded its water monitoring networks, improved data management, partnered with researchers, and shared updates through monthly water monitoring bulletins. This past year, departmental staff met regularly with Marine Transportation Services to share data and information that informed decision making for the upcoming barge season. In addition, our ongoing snow and climate monitoring will support assessment of climate change impacts on northern hydrology, aligning with NWT Water Stewardship Strategy.

Adaptation planning is another priority. Together with Indigenous governments, community representatives, and federal partners, the GNWT is conducting climate risk assessments to address vulnerabilities in housing, infrastructure, ecosystems, and health. Recent projects include developing hazard maps for high-risk areas, permafrost sensitivity studies, and deeper integration of Indigenous knowledge into climate resilience planning.

Mr. Speaker, federal funding and partnerships with institutions like the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University are advancing our work to create new opportunities for Northerners through skill-building and adaptation programs. Training programs and resources are being developed to build climate adaptation skills in communities across the territory, empowering them to respond effectively to climate impacts.

These initiatives deliver real benefits. Updated flood maps and expanded water monitoring enhance safety and preparedness, ensuring safe communities for Northerners. Greater climate knowledge strengthens decision-making at all levels. By integrating Indigenous knowledge, we are ensuring our approach is inclusive, collaborative, and reflective of northern values.

Mr. Speaker, our efforts today are crucial for building resilience and adapting to climate change. We are committed to securing a sustainable future for residents and communities across the Northwest Territories.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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