Press Release
October 9, 2024
New one-time funding is available in the Sahtu and Beaufort Delta to help businesses and Indigenous and community governments offset the increased costs of shipping essential goods and services.
This past summer, the annual resupply barges along the Mackenzie River were cancelled due to record low water levels. The Sahtu and Beaufort Delta regions have both been impacted by this issue. The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is working with Indigenous governments, community governments and businesses to help mitigate the issue, so that store shelves can stay stocked, construction projects can continue, and companies can keep people working.
With barges unable to navigate the low water and complete summer resupply to the Sahtu and Beaufort Delta regions, the affected communities must wait for winter road resupply, or to pay more to fly in essential goods. The new Support Funding for Businesses and Communities Impacted by Barge Cancellations is designed to offset costs directly related to transporting goods usually delivered by barge. With the new funding, businesses and Indigenous and community governments can receive up to 50 percent of the difference between the expected cost for shipping goods on the barge and the increased cost of alternative shipping, to a maximum of $30,000 per business.
The GNWT will continue to pay for actual heating costs for eligible Income Assistance recipients and will monitor cost of living increases connected to the cancellation of barge(s). Income Assistance programs are intended for residents who have financial difficulty meeting their basic needs, such as food, shelter and utilities. Funding is based on family income, and community. The GNWT is also prepared to increase financial supports through the Senior Home Heating Subsidy, as needed and is monitoring home heating costs closely. The Senior Home Heating Subsidy assists low-to-modest income seniors in the NWT with their heating costs. Residents in Norman Wells receiving the Senior Home Heating Subsidy currently receive $750/month for the subsidy period (September – April).
In anticipation of increased traffic, several measures are in place for the winter road season to ensure traveler safety and to protect the highway system. The Mackenzie Valley Winter Road will be widened where possible, with additional signage, including kilometre markers and electronic signs reminding drivers of safe driving requirements. Patrols, checkpoints, and road maintenance activities are increased, supported by extra equipment and collaboration with local bylaw and RCMP officers.
The GNWT is also working with Indigenous and community governments and the government of Canada on long-term solutions. There’s a lot to learn, and a lot to do to prepare for future climate-related supply route disruptions and emergencies. The GNWT continues to seek the Government of Canada’s support to build the Mackenzie Valley Highway and is working with partners on ways to strengthen and protect the NWT’s supply chain. Water levels are continually monitored while working with government partners and academics to better understand the effects of climate change, mitigate impacts or adapt where possible, and work toward a more climate-resilient future.
QUOTES
“As we continue to meet the challenges of the Northwest Territories warming four times faster than the rest of Canada, we have to be prepared to manage supply chain disruptions. Supporting residents, businesses and Indigenous and community governments along the Mackenzie River is imperative. Through this new funding and our existing programs, we are helping to ensure continued access to essential goods and services to maintain economic stability for the people of the Sahtu and Beaufort Delta, while we continue to work with Indigenous governments and partners on addressing climate change impacts, supply chain issues and infrastructure.”
– Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment
“As a lifelong resident of the Sahtu, I understand the profound impact that the cancellation of this year’s barging season is having on our communities. The increased costs and disruptions to essential supplies are a serious burden on both families and businesses throughout our region. The effects ripple through every aspect of daily life, from heating our homes to stocking shelves in our local stores. I am grateful to the GNWT Cabinet for recognizing the severity of this situation and for taking decisive action to provide much-needed relief. Their support will help alleviate the immediate challenges we face, and I look forward to continued efforts to strengthen our region’s resilience in the face of future disruptions.”
– Danny McNeely, MLA for Sahtu region
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For media requests, please contact:
Press Secretary
Cabinet Communications
Executive and Indigenous Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca
Backgrounder:
bg_-_funding_support_low_water_en.pdf
IBF5