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.

Documents show the mining industry has ‘captured’ NWT regulator

Alternatives North has uncovered that the GNWT met secretly with the mining industry about developing new mining regulations for at least a year before allowing the rest of the public into the latest public engagement. The discovery was made through an Access to Information request that resulted in the release of more than 800 pages of documents concerning communications between the GNWT Department of Industry Trade and Investment (ITI) and the mining industry on the development of regulations that will govern that sector. The documents offer very strong evidence of ‘regulatory capture’ with the Mineral Resources Act regulations policy intentions appearing to reflect industry positions and interests which are not necessarily the same as the public interest.

Regulatory Capture Press Release

Backgrounder on ATI request

Link to the full Access to Information Response Package on communications between ITI and the mining industry on mining regulation development January 1 and September 5, 2025 (warning, 807 pages, large file, over 24 MB):

Alternatives North and Ecology North Letters and Submissions on the Policy Intentions for the Mining Regulations December 2025 and January 2025 [GO HERE]

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