MLAs concerned about how planned new highways could affect caribou – Cabin Radio
June 2, 2026
MLAs are suggesting the GNWT consider hunting bans and road closures to protect caribou herds with the upcoming construction of two new roads through the territory.
At a public briefing last Friday, the minister and staff from the Department of Environment and Climate Change updated MLAs on caribou harvest monitoring along the Tibbitt to Contwoyto winter road that connects Yellowknife to the territory’s diamond mines.
The GNWT opened six investigations this year into cases of illegal harvesting, wastage and wounding involving about 14 caribou, said ECC deputy minister Robert Jenkins. This is a decrease from the 48 caribou the GNWT said were wasted last year. including 22 pregnant cows along the winter road north of Yellowknife.
