YELLOWKNIFE - Warmer temperatures are creating challenges for transportation systems in Canada. The Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories today announced their financial support of a joint study on the effects of climate change on transportation in the Northwest Territories. Other areas across northern Canada will also benefit from the results. The project, which began in early 2004 and will continue until March 2006, is the result of a partnership among Natural Resources Canada, the Northwest Territories Department of Transportation, Transport Canada and Environment Canada. The Department of Transportation will manage the project. "The project will answer important questions about whether the current transportation system is capable of withstanding projected climate changes in the North," said the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. "This assessment is an important step in ensuring a safe and reliable transportation system in the future." "Transportation is vital to the economic and social well-being of northerners," said the Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Minister of State (Children and Youth). "It is important to become more aware of the effects of climate change on transportation, so that we can prepare for the future." Researchers will assess the susceptibility of the existing road and runway infrastructure to potential climate changes in the Northwest Territories, and will develop strategies to reduce the impacts. A best-practices model will also be developed to ensure other northern communities will benefit from the results. It is well understood that northern Canada is particularly sensitive to future changes in climate. This is especially true of its transportation system. For example, winter roads, constructed by clearing a route across frozen ground, lakes or rivers, are essential in many areas for resource development and transporting supplies to communities without year-round access. Milder winters could reduce their durability and reliability, with significant economic and social implications for many northern communities. "The benefits of this research will be far-reaching for the Northwest Territories as well as for the rest of Canada. By being proactive, we will be able to identify what can be done to prepare for and adapt to climate changes - thereby reducing the vulnerability of transportation systems," said Michael McLeod, Minister of Transportation for the Northwest Territories. The Government of Canada's Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Program is contributing $150,000 to this $424,000 project with matching support from the Northwest Territories Department of Transportation, and in-kind contributions by Transport Canada, Environment Canada and NRCan. Government of Canada funding for this project is built into the existing fiscal framework. The Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories are committed to better understanding the impacts of climate change and developing ways to adapt to these changes. This program supports the Government of Canada's agenda of strong social foundations, a strong economy for the 21st century and ensuring Canada's role in the world. For more information, media may contact: Alexandra MuirDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the MinisterNatural Resources CanadaOttawa(613) 947-8246 Ghyslain CharronMedia RelationsNatural Resources CanadaOttawa(613) 992-4447 Bob KellyManager, Public Affairs and CommunicationsDepartment of TransportationGovernment of the Northwest Territories(867) 873-7712
