In the Northwest Territories government, the responsibility for industry and mining resides with the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment.
The Hon. Caitlin Cleveland was appointed its newest minister in December. A two-term Member of the NWT’s Legislative Assembly, Ms. Cleveland was acclaimed in the last election. She also holds ministerial responsibilities for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.
In addition to owning and operating her own business in Yellowknife for the past 20 years, Ms. Cleveland is a passionate advocate for small businesses and has worked in a variety of communications and policy roles in both the public and private sectors.
We sat down with the Minister to talk about her newest job…
Image
What has you most excited about your new role as the NWT’s minister responsible for resource-development and mining?
(MCC) The North is my home. I was raised here, I work here, and I am purposefully raising my family here. I know firsthand how important these industries are to our territory and want to see my family, friends and neighbours thrive in this beautiful territory. Mineral resource development is still a main driver of employment and opportunity in the NWT. As we push our territory into its next economic chapter, I look forward to supporting the evolution of projects that prioritize environmental, social, governance and Indigenous partnerships and will benefit all NWT communities and residents.
What is your biggest priority when it comes to the territory’s resource sector?
(MCC) There is so much opportunity within our territory. With a commitment to responsible and sustainable industry practices, I want to build on the momentum that we have seen in the exploration sector in recent years. The NWT’s exploration spending increased by 11 percent in 2023 compared to 2022 – growth driven primarily by the search for critical minerals. This rise in exploration presents the Northwest Territories with a unique and timely opportunity to further increase investment in our mineral sector. I am committed to working with community and Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations and industry partners to ensure that opportunity is captured to the greatest benefit of NWT residents. Processes need to be clear, legislation interpreted as intended, and our system needs to work collaboratively to capture the NWT’s exciting next projects.
As NWT diamond mines wind down their operations over the next decade, our government is working not only to support new projects, but to ensure that our skilled workforce has new projects and positions to evolve into while staying in the North. This is crucial to our workforce development and being ready to take on the next generation of opportunities.
What do you see as the NWT’s biggest strengths when it comes to attracting mineral investment?
(MCC) One clear strength is the shear abundance of resources available in the Northwest Territories. If you throw a rock in the NWT, you will most likely hit a rock of significant value, and odds are the rock you threw was one too!
Critical minerals, gold and diamond projects are poised to play a central role in our territory’s future. As leaders from around the world work to identify the renewable energy and clean technology solutions of tomorrow, I am beyond excited that 23 of the 31 critical minerals essential to Canada’s Critical Mineral Strategy can be found right in our backyard. So, while this is a global challenge, the solutions can be found much closer to home, right here in the Northwest Territories. I believe our extraordinary resource wealth is poised to fuel tomorrow’s green economy.
That said, the Northwest Territories is also a global leader in environmental, social, governance with a focus on Indigenous partnership (ESG-I). And by continually embracing this philosophy, I am committed to maintaining a reliable and responsible regulatory environment that provides benefits for community and Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, industry partners and NWT residents alike.
What are the challenges?
(MCC) It is no secret that our territory will soon face economic impacts from reduced activity at NWT diamond mines. It is vital that we continue to build on exploration sector momentum while championing investment in critical infrastructure that will support the mineral resource sector. Investments in energy and transportation infrastructure projects are needed to bridge the substantial infrastructure gap that exists in the Northwest Territories. It is clear that significant investment in this area is necessary not only for the prosperity of residents, but also for the success of Canada’s Critical Mineral Strategy, access to crucial resources for our global energy transition, and Arctic Sovereignty.
You are replacing Minister Wawzonek who is now the Minister of Infrastructure. Are there synergies there that you can capitalize on?
(MCC) Absolutely. Minister Wawzonek and I have a very strong working relationship that dates back to before either of us was involved in politics. I look forward to our continued friendship, but more so our shared goal of a prosperous Northwest Territories, and that includes actively pushing critical infrastructure projects that support the current and future needs of our mineral resource sector. I believe we are well-positioned to accomplish this important work together and have the drive to see it through.
Where would you like to see the NWT’s mining sector in 10 years?
(MCC) As Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, I am dedicated to cultivating an environment that promotes economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and social inclusivity. Within the realm of mineral resource development, I want the Northwest Territories to stand as a beacon for responsible and sustainable practices. With abundant resources, a stable political climate, and a business-friendly atmosphere, I envision taking our territory to new heights by tapping into our vast potential and forging even stronger partnerships across the sector. I have my sleeves rolled up and I am ready to take on this important work.