The GNWT has pledged to directly negotiate contracts with T艂谋台ch谦 businesses for infrastructure located on T艂谋台ch谦 lands and in T艂谋台ch谦 communities, the territorial and T艂谋台ch谦 governments said in a joint news release on Friday.

The commitment is part of a larger agreement between the T艂谋台ch谦 Government (TG) and GNWT to improve cooperation on infrastructure needs in the region.

Where direct talks aren't possible, the GNWT has committed to including minimum T艂谋台ch谦 labour and contracting requirements in its competitive tenders for infrastructure.

The agreement comes three weeks after the TG and Jackson Lafferty, MLA for Monfwi were left deeply frustrated over the GNWT's putting out for public tender the Rae Access Road reconstruction project near Behchok谦虁.

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The accord also acknowledges that the T艂谋台ch谦 Investment Corporation (TIC) and RTL Construction Ltd, which was the successful bidder for the Rae Access Road scheme, have reached a deal that will ensure 25 per cent of the labour for the project will be provided by TIC.

The TIC, for its part will ensure that T艂谋台ch谦 citizens meet the labour requirements.

"Completing the Rae Access Road Reconstruction Project this year will ensure the safety and well-being of T艂谋台ch谦 citizens traveling into and out of the T艂谋台ch谦 community of Behchok谦虁," the release said.

Commenting on the agreement, TG grand chief George Mackenzie said it could mark a turning point in the Treaty relationship between his government and the GNWT.

SA国际影视传媒淭he GNWT signed a treaty with the T艂谋台ch谦 and Canada that promised to help T艂谋台ch谦 become self-sufficient," he said. "We took up the fight over this project because it is essential for our people to share in the wealth and economy of the NWT. I am pleased that we have found a way to achieve that and move forward in our Treaty relationship.SA国际影视传媒�

The GNWT believes the accord will help in meeting the economic development objectives set out in the T艂谋台ch谦 Agreement, signed in 2003.

Premier Caroline Cochrane praised the reaching of the agreement.

SA国际影视传媒淭he GNWT is committed to building a strong relationship with the T艂谋台ch谦 Government and continuing to find ways to work better together. This agreement will ensure that there is a clear understanding of the GNWTSA国际影视传媒檚 approach to procurement in the region," she said.

"It also ensures capacity building and active participation for T艂谋台ch谦 citizens and government in these projects, which is consistent with CabinetSA国际影视传媒檚 Guiding Principles. I am glad to see this agreement come together and look forward to continuing to build the relationship with the T艂谋台ch谦 government and people."

The Rae Access Road project will involve the reconstruction of the Rae Access Road from kilometre 0 to km 9.74 with the quarry site at km 5.

RTL's bid was for $3,417,784.10.