Volunteer Run Since 1992

Welcome to Alternatives North

A social justice coalition in the Northwest Territories

Alternatives North acknowledges that we live and operate on treaty and unceded lands of the Dene, Métis and Inuit of the Northwest Territories. We also recognize that inherent Indigenous rights to lands, resources and self-government have not been fully implemented. We will work with Indigenous peoples when and where we can in mutually respectful relationships.

Alternatives North Members at Giant Mine

Alternatives North meets weekly on Wednesdays over the noon-hour in the Ecology North boardroom located at 5016 50 Avenue, First Floor, Yellowknife. Participation by Zoom is possible. Email alternativesnorthinfo@gmail.com for the link.

A grassroots approach to democratic change

We inform and promote social, environmental and economic justice to NWT citizens, policy makers and politicians.

We work across all levels of government in the NWT, but our primary focus is analysis and recommendations to the GNWT. Alternatives North works for you, and with your support and suggestions we will be able to continue building a progressive North.

Transparency Still Missing in Mining Regulation discussion

A joint submission by Alternatives North and Ecology warns that the GNWT’s proposed Mineral Resources Act regulations lack the transparency, environmental safeguards, and public accountability needed to protect NWT lands and communities. Their submission calls for clearer rules, stronger oversight, and a more balanced approach to mining regulation. Go here to view the full submission to Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI).

NWT Groups Urge Premier to Push Pension Funds Away from Fossil Fuel Investments

IIn an October 2025 letter to NWT Premier R.J. Simpson, Alternatives North, Seniors for Climate Change, and Ecology North commend the GNWT’s support for renewable power but condemn the contradiction of public pension funds investing in fossil fuels. They urge the Premier to press pension plan administrators – including the Canada Pension Plan, Superannuation Plan, and Northern Employee Benefits Plan – to divest from fossil fuel industries. Citing Canada Pension Plan Investments’ retreat from its net-zero policy, they call on the GNWT to be a strong voice for climate accountability and request copies of any related government correspondence and meeting reports. READ MORE

Office of Canadian Prime Minister Reply to Alternatives North letter on Taltson Hydro July 17 2025

AN Urges Ottawa to replace $2–3B Taltson Hydro Expansion with sustainable community projects

Alternatives North is calling on the federal government to reject the GNWT’s proposed $2–3 billion Taltson River Hydro Expansion, warning it is a costly, high-risk mega-project that will fail to deliver for people or the environment. READ MORE

Ecology North creates tool for citizens to help craft environmental policy

The goal is to empower citizens to share their input and insights with government decision-makers, as they create new rules that will shape and improve the environmental health of the Northwest Territories. This website is hosted by Ecology North. https://responsible-nwt.ca/

Mining Subsidies Without Debate: Alternatives North Urges MLAs to Act

Alternatives North urges Yellowknife MLAs to question Cabinet’s recent approval of public subsidies for diamond mines, made without public debate or transparency. Our concern is the lack of clear terms, accountability, and the decision to subsidize wealthy corporations amid GNWT’s fiscal challenges. We call for disclosure of any agreements, flag regulatory capture risks, and question whether funds would be better spent on workforce development. We encourage MLAs to raise these issues during the upcoming May-June sitting. READ MORE

Alternatives North Comments on 2025-2029 Draft Climate Change Action Plan

Go Here To Read Our Specific Recommendations

What We Do

Health and Social Services

Our goal is to research and promote evidence-based social and economic policies for fostering healthy NWT communities.

Giant Mine Remediation

We provide public oversight for efforts to repair and contain decades of devastating industrial impact that threatens our lands, animals, and people.

Mining

We advocate for best practices in regulatory controls to minimize damage and maximize benefits from mine development.

Resource Management

Ensuring public input and ongoing engagement are essential components of government legislation dealing with the NWT’s natural resources.

Climate Change Policy and Energy

We assist in the mitigation of present and future consequences of the climate change emergency through policy research and promotion of practical applications of carbon-neutral projects

Anti-Poverty Strategy

Alternatives North has been a leading activist in efforts to reduce poverty in the Northwest Territories including assisting in the development of an Anti Poverty Strategy, and leading efforts to introduce a living wage in Yellowknife.

View All OUr Work