Department of Transportation recognized for innovative management
Publication Date
News Release
YELLOWKNIFE (AUGUST 29, 2012) – The Department of Transportation (DOT) has been recognized for innovative management by the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC). DOT was one of nine national finalists for the IPAC/IBM Award for Innovative Management for its New Aboriginal Engagement Processes for Planning Major Infrastructure Projects. The submission, which was for planning and consultation work required for the Mackenzie Valley Highway Project, came in second overall. This is the second IPAC/IBM Award for Innovative Management for the Government of Northwest Territories in the past seven years. This project shared information and knowledge with Aboriginal governments and helped build capacity within Aboriginal governments and at the community level.
Through the Aboriginal Engagement Strategy, "Respect, Recognition and Responsibility", the GNWT is committed to principles and action to strengthen and renew relationships with Aboriginal government partners through projects such as the Mackenzie Valley Highway. The strategy commits the territorial government to be open, flexible, and responsive in working with the diverse governance structures of regional Aboriginal governments and in understanding the unique interests and challenges of each region and community.
Premier Bob McLeod congratulated the department for its recognition. “The Government of Northwest Territories is continually seeking ways to improve our engagement of our Aboriginal stakeholders and partners,” he said. “This initiative, which is focused on bringing Aboriginal governments and organizations into the decision-making process, has now been recognized nationally as a model for best practices in Aboriginal consultation and engagement.“
Minister of Transportation David Ramsay was pleased. “The department, led by Mackenzie Valley Highway Director Jim Stevens, developed effective partnerships with Aboriginal governments and organizations along the proposed right-of-way to develop project description reports for the highway,” he said. “We expect those partnerships will continue to grow, ensuring that the people and communities benefitting from the construction of the Mackenzie Valley Highway will be key participants in its planning and construction.”
The Department established partnerships with land claim groups and organizations to lead, develop, and manage the project description reports for sections of the proposed Mackenzie Valley Highway within their regions (Dehcho, Tulita District of the Sahtu, K’ahsho Got’ine District of the Sahtu, Gwich’in Settlement Area). The reports are used to initiate the environmental assessment of the project, and provide an overview level of terrain, wildlife, vegetation and archaeology in the area where the highway and material sources are being considered.
Earl Blacklock Manager, Public Affairs and Communications Department of Transportation Government of the Northwest Territories Tel: 867-873-7712 Cell: 867-445-3494 E-mail: earl_blacklock@gov.nt.ca