N.W.T. gov't will negotiate directly with Tch on future infrastructure projects

The N.W.T. government will now negotiate directly with Tch businesses for infrastructure projects on Tch territory, according to a news release sent Friday.

Tch Grand Chief George Mackenzie had called the government's public tender process for the projects "an insult" after several major infrastructure projects were awarded to non-Indigenous firms.

The release says the new agreement could become a "turning point" in the treaty relationship between the territory and the Tch government.

"The [territorial government] signed a treaty with the Tch and Canada that promised to help Tch become self-sufficient," Mackenzie is quoted as saying. "We took up the fight over this project because it is essential for our people to share in the wealth and economy of the N.W.T."

The agreement also includes a new commitment from RTL Construction, the company controversially awarded the contract to build a new access road between Behchok, N.W.T., and Highway 3.

The company has agreed 25 per cent of the labour will be performed by the Tch Investment Corporation, which will employ Tch citizens on the project.

The joint release from the two governments said the territory "takes seriously its role as a treaty partner."

"This agreement will ensure that there is a clear understanding of the [government's] approach to procurement in the region," Premier Caroline Cochrane is quoted as saying.