Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor
Sector
Electricity, Mining
Location
Northwest British Columbia, Southern Yukon
Sector
Electricity, Mining
Location
Northwest British Columbia, Southern Yukon
Description
Canada’s northwestern coast is home to the Golden Triangle, one of the world’s richest reserves of minerals and metals essential for the global economy, including energy transition and defence supply chains for Canada and our allies. This region, encompassing Northwest British Columbia and the Yukon, also serves as one of Canada’s gateways to global markets through the Pacific Ocean and is home to vibrant communities in a spectacular environment rich with mountains, glaciers, watersheds and coastal ecosystems. The Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor represents an opportunity to align economic development with environmental stewardship and Indigenous leadership.
Indigenous governments and organizations, including the Nisg̱a’a Nation, Tahltan Nation, Gitxsan, Tsetsaut Skii Km Lax Ha and Gitanyow, are working with federal and provincial partners to realize the corridor’s vision. Through capacity funding agreements, memoranda of understanding, and meaningful engagement, the initiative upholds Indigenous rights, integrates Indigenous Knowledge, and fosters Indigenous leadership in project stewardship and economic benefit-sharing.
The Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor strategy will focus on developing mining, energy, and trade infrastructure needed to unlock the region’s full economic potential, while at the same time dedicating areas for nature conservation, to help Canada meet its goal to protect 30% of land and marine areas by 2030. Key projects in the region, such as the Red Chris Mine Expansion, and Ksi Lisims LNG, have been referred to the Major Projects Office (MPO).
Description
Canada’s northwestern coast is home to the Golden Triangle, one of the world’s richest reserves of minerals and metals essential for the global economy, including energy transition and defence supply chains for Canada and our allies. This region, encompassing Northwest British Columbia and the Yukon, also serves as one of Canada’s gateways to global markets through the Pacific Ocean and is home to vibrant communities in a spectacular environment rich with mountains, glaciers, watersheds and coastal ecosystems. The Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor represents an opportunity to align economic development with environmental stewardship and Indigenous leadership.
Indigenous governments and organizations, including the Nisg̱a’a Nation, Tahltan Nation, Gitxsan, Tsetsaut Skii Km Lax Ha and Gitanyow, are working with federal and provincial partners to realize the corridor’s vision. Through capacity funding agreements, memoranda of understanding, and meaningful engagement, the initiative upholds Indigenous rights, integrates Indigenous Knowledge, and fosters Indigenous leadership in project stewardship and economic benefit-sharing.
The Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor strategy will focus on developing mining, energy, and trade infrastructure needed to unlock the region’s full economic potential, while at the same time dedicating areas for nature conservation, to help Canada meet its goal to protect 30% of land and marine areas by 2030. Key projects in the region, such as the Red Chris Mine Expansion, and Ksi Lisims LNG, have been referred to the Major Projects Office (MPO).
Quick facts
- World-class critical minerals reserve: The Golden Triangle is one of the world’s richest reserves of minerals and metals, essential for the energy transition and defence supply chains.
- Unlocking Northern development: The Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor in BC and the Yukon will enable infrastructure like the North Coast Transmission Line and unlock investments in mining, LNG, and sustainable development.
Benefits
- Once realized, this Corridor will enhance Canada's climate resilience by securing land for conservation, while supporting sustainable resource development and enhancing Canada’s climate competitiveness by enabling the sustainable extraction of critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies.
- These advancements will fundamentally transform the lives of thousands of Canadians, position Canada as a global leader in critical minerals, and drive prosperity across the country.
Latest updates
- On November 13, 2025, the transformative strategy was referred to the MPO.
- To finalise investment decisions on all key pieces of infrastructure and conservation areas that support the accelerated development of the Golden Triangle area, the MPO is working on a coordinated plan for the region with British Columbia and the Yukon, with Rights Holders and with key stakeholders. The investments needed will be evaluated and accelerated to ensure the potential of the region is achieved.
Page details
- Date modified: