Feds invest $94M to make it safer, faster to send goods to the North

The government of Canada said it's investing $94.3 million over five yearsto make it easier, faster and safer to transport goods to remote northern communities.

The investment isdedicated to infrastructureand safety equipment that can help with Arctic resupply operations by making themsafer for the environment and more ready to respond to pollution incidents, according to a government news release Monday.

It will come from the federal$1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan, which aims to protect Canadian coasts and waterways.

Transport Canada said it's now accepting proposals from the Northwest Territories and Nunavut governments for prospective projects that can be made possible with the investment.

The territorial governments will work closely with local Indigenous groups and communities, said the release.

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"Our communities rely on [sealiftoperations] for fuel, building supplies, equipment, non-perishable food and dry goods. I am pleased that the federal government has recognized the importance of this life line," saidJoe Savikataaq, Nunavut's minister of economic development and transportation, in the release.

Wally Schumann, N.W.T.'s minister of infrastructure, said the investment will help improve operations in the Mackenzie River and the High Arctic corridor, in the release.