Today, the Government of Canada and a member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories announced funding for the construction of a new transmission line in Fort Providence and Kakisa. Accordingly, this initiative will look to increase the safety and well-being of Canadians. Particularly, since these factors have all been affected to various degrees by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Thus, these communities need immediate assistance to ensure their public infrastructure is safe and reliable, the Government said in a media release.
About the Transmission Line project
Accordingly, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; and also the Honourable Diane Archie, Territorial Minister of Infrastructure, announced funding for the construction of this project.
Hence, the Government of Canada is investing $45 million in this project through the Arctic Energy Fund; which indeed, supports energy security in northern communities. Besides, the Government of Northwest Territories is investing up to $15 million in this project.
Particularly, the project involves the construction of a 170 km transmission line. Accordingly, it connects the communities of Fort Providence and Kakisa to the existing Taltson hydropower transmission system south of Hay River.
Therefore, this project will reduce diesel fuel consumption by approximately one million litres. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 2.75 kilotonnes. Additionally, the transmission line will allow the surrounding areas to have access to an energy source; for instance, including the nearby Dory Point service area.
In fact, this project is part of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan; through which the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years; particularly, in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
Reception
Thus, $2 billion of this funding is supporting infrastructure projects that meet the unique needs of rural and northern communities; for instance, facilities to support food security, local access roads, and enhanced broadband connectivity.
In addition, Arctic Energy Fund will administer $400 million to advance energy security in the territories. Also, $4 billion of this funding is supporting infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities.
In this sense, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories commented; “Access to reliable sources of energy is essential for northern communities to thrive. Therefore, this new transmission line will provide a reliable and efficient source of energy for the communities of Fort Providence and Kakisa. Moreover, Canada’s Infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates good jobs across Canada; and also builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”
Similarly, The Honourable Diane Archie, Northwest Territories’ Minister of Infrastructure said; “Climate change is a serious challenge for our economy and for all levels of government. Particularly, by partnering with Canada, local and Indigenous governments on energy projects like the Fort Providence-Kakisa Transmission Line; the GNWT is taking action that will Improve electricity reliability. Specifically, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stabilizing energy costs.”
