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Describing it as one of the most "complex operations undertaken in recent memory," Infrastructure Minister Vince McKay announced the conclusion of the winter fuel resupply season on April 23.
In total, more than 7.3-million litres of diesel, 2.1-million litres of gasoline, and 200,000 litres of jet fuel were delivered to eight communities SA国际影视传媒� two more than normally serviced, those being Fort Good Hope and Tulita.
"What made this season especially challenging was the cancellation of barge deliveries due to record low-water levels on the Mackenzie River," McKay stated. "The reality is that climate change is fundamentally altering how we deliver essential goods and services in the North. Unpredictable ice conditions, low water levels and shorter winter road seasons are no longer the exception SA国际影视传媒� theySA国际影视传媒檙e becoming the norm.
"ThatSA国际影视传媒檚 why this work matters. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 not just about fuel SA国际影视传媒� itSA国际影视传媒檚 about resilience, reliability and adapting our systems to serve Northerners in an era of growing uncertainty."
Another factor that made this year's winter fuel supply delivery unique was the situation in Norman Wells, which was subject to months of skyrocketing fuel prices following the cancellation of its barges due to unsafe shipping conditions. While the GNWT had accounted for the communities it supplies fuel to, Imperial Oil, which is responsible for supplying Norman Wells, only increased fuel supplies by 30 per cent in preparation for a potential barge cancellation. During a legislative debate last October, Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek said the GNWT had shared information on potential barge closures throughout the 2023-24 resupply season with the international oil company.
McKay said that between the GNWT and the private sector, more than 500 trucks traversed the Mackenzie Valley ice road to bring over 17.5-million litres of fuel to Norman Wells to reduce the financial pressure SA国际影视传媒� four times the volume normally carried over the ice road. McKay said the load was split relatively evenly between the government and the private sector, with 233 government trucks and 280 private fuel tankers making up for the lack of barges.
These efforts have not shielded the GNWT from criticism. Norman Wells Mayor Frank Pope has criticized the GNWT's response throughout the process, lambasting the government for not declaring an official state of emergency.
McKay said the GNWT needed more support from Ottawa to ensure supply lines and transport corridors are more reliable as climate change progresses.
"We have more work to do," he said. "The GNWT is committed to protecting our supply chains and making sure no community is left behind. We will keep pushing forward on the Mackenzie Valley Highway and advocating for investment in this critical, nation-building infrastructure that will strengthen our transportation networks and create new opportunities for Northerners."
