The Government of Canada invests $405 million to advance the Mackenzie Valley Highway Project and strengthen Arctic connectivity

NORMAN WELLS, NT, Sept. 8, 2026 /CNW/ -- Safe and reliable transportation infrastructure is essential to strong, connected communities across Canada's North and Arctic. As climate change puts increasing pressure on northern transportation systems, investments in all-season infrastructure are helping communities stay connected, while strengthening supply chains and supporting Canada's security and sovereignty in the Arctic.

Today, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, and the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced federal funding of $405 million through the Arctic Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to advance the proposed Mackenzie Valley Highway (MVH) Project in the Northwest Territories.

This investment represents an important step toward the long-term goal of establishing a continuous all-season transportation connection between Wrigley and Norman Wells, and connecting with the Dempster Highway south of Inuvik. By reducing reliance on seasonal transportation infrastructure, the project will make it easier and more reliable to move people, goods and essential supplies throughout the region.

The vision for a Mackenzie Valley Highway has been around for decades. Now, we are finally seeing that vision move forward at a pace not seen in generations. This investment will help strengthen regional supply chains, support year-round community resupply, improve access to health and emergency services, and provide safer and more dependable transportation for residents, and Indigenous communities. A more reliable Mackenzie Valley corridor will also strengthen the resilience of Canada's northern transportation network and contribute to Canada's long-term presence, security and sovereignty in the Arctic.

Funding announced today will support:

• Finalizing the portion of MVH's Environmental Assessment and design of the MVH between Wrigley and Norman Wells;
• Construction of the Great Bear River Bridge near Tulita;
• Construction of Prohibition Creek Access Road – Phase 2, a 6 km all-season road. It will extend south from the existing road which was funded in 2022 under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP); and,
• Preliminary engineering and design for two additional bridges – the Liard River and Mackenzie River (N'Dulee) – located on Highway 1, approximately 15 km southeast of Fort Simpson and 70 km northwest of Fort Simpson respectively.

Through the AIF, the Government of Canada is making targeted investments in dual-use – civilian / community and defence – and nation-building infrastructure that strengthen northern transportation corridors, improve supply chain reliability, increase economic opportunities, and support Canada's long-term presence and operational readiness in the Arctic.

Quotes

"Safe and dependable transportation infrastructure is essential to strong, connected communities across Canada's North and Arctic. This $405 million investment will help build more dependable connections, strengthen supply chains, create economic opportunities and improve access to essential services. Through the Arctic Infrastructure Fund, we are investing in infrastructure that responds to the needs of northern and Indigenous communities while strengthening Canada's resilience, security and sovereignty in the Arctic."

The Honourable Steven MacKinnon
Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

"Today's investment brings a decades-long vision for a stronger, better-connected North another step closer to reality. By improving year-round connectivity, supporting economic development, strengthening Canada's security and sovereignty, and helping communities access the essential services they need, the Mackenzie Valley Highway reflects what can be achieved when federal, territorial, and Indigenous governments and organisations work in partnership to advance shared priorities. The benefits of this transformative project will be felt for generations to come as we move quickly to build a more resilient and prosperous North."

The Honourable Rebecca Alty
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

Quick facts

• Introduced in Budget 2025, the $1 billion Arctic Infrastructure Fund will strengthen reliable year-round transportation connectivity for Northern and Arctic communities in Canada.
• The Arctic Infrastructure Fund supports dual-use – civilian / community and defence – transportation infrastructure that serves civilian, community, and defense needs in Arctic and Northern regions in Canada.
• The Government of Canada is committed to engaging Indigenous groups and upholding its duty to consult and, where appropriate, accommodate, consistent with section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
• Investments announced today build upon previous investments in the Mackenzie Valley Highway Project as a whole, including:
  • Since June 2020: the federal government approved over $18.6 million under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program for the planning and design of the new all-season access road from Canyon Creek Bridge to Prohibition Creek Bridge, and construction of the first half of the road. The Government of Northwest Territories funded the remaining $6.2 million.
  • June 2018: A total of $102.5 million in National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) funding was announced for the environmental and planning studies for the Mackenzie Valley Highway, as well as the planning and construction of the Great Bear River Bridge and the 15-kilometer all-weather road from Wrigley north to Mount Gaudet.
• The Mackenzie Valley Highway was referred to the Major Projects Office on March 12, 2026, and work is underway with the Government of the Northwest Territories to advance the project.
• On June 26, 2026, the Government of Canada launched a process to consider listing the project under Schedule 1 of the Building Canada Act.
• A Canada Gazette notice seeking public input on the potential listing was published on August 29, 2026. The comment period closes on October 1, 2026.
• On August 14, 2026, the Government of the Northwest Territories requested that the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board expand the project scope from the Wrigley-to-Norman Wells corridor to a corridor extending from Wrigley to a connection with the Dempster Highway, south of Inuvik. On August 28, 2026, the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board issued a Notice of Proceeding regarding the proposed change in project scope.

Associated links

• Arctic Infrastructure Fund – Webpage
• Government of Canada announces modernization of the Inuvik (Mike Zubko) Airport to begin this fall - Canada.ca
• The Government of Canada invests in transportation infrastructure in the Northwest Territories - Canada.ca
• Canada and the Northwest Territories invest in Prohibition Creek Access Road, improving travel for Northerners - Canada.ca

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SOURCE Transport Canada - Ottawa

Contacts: Philippe-Alexandre Langlois, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Ottawa, 873-455-2432, [email protected]; Media relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055, [email protected]