The Governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories are working together to protect nature.
Today, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, alongside the Honourable Jay Macdonald, Minister of Environment and Climate Change for the Government of Northwest Territories, jointly announced the signing of the Canada-Northwest Territories Nature Agreement to advance nature-related priorities, in collaboration with Indigenous governments, across the territory.
The 10-year Agreement reflects the governments' shared commitment to long-term environmental sustainability and addresses the critical challenge of biodiversity loss. This is done by providing support for Indigenous-led Protected and Conserved Areas, improving outcomes for key species at risk, supporting Indigenous leadership in conservation and stewardship, and facilitating data exchange.
The Government of Northwest Territories will work with Indigenous governments and organizations toward the protection and conservation of 6% of the territory by 2028, with the potential to protect and conserve up to 9.6% of the territory by 2035. This represents a significant contribution to Canada's goal of conserving 30% of land and water in Canada by 2030, ensuring future generations of Canadians can continue to access and connect with nature.
Canada and the Government of Northwest Territories have agreed to an initial confirmed investment of $7 million in the fiscal year 2025-2026. The Agreement will be supported by up to $20 million in federal funding, subject to government appropriations. Periodic renewal of federal funding will also be sought over the life of the Agreement.
This investment will support and advance the ongoing collaboration between Canada, the Government of Northwest Territories, and Indigenous governments, including through the Indigenous-led NWT: Our Land for the Future initiative, which has the potential to increase the amount of conservation in the territory while providing good, sustainable jobs in the conservation economy.
