Socio-Economic Agreement Report 2024.pdf

Resource development, particularly diamond mining, has been a key economic driver in the Northwest Territories (NWT) for decades, significantly benefiting Northern and Indigenous communities. This success is supported by Socio-Economic Agreements (SEAs), which are integral to the NWT’s environmental assessment process. SEAs facilitate the maximization of positive outcomes while mitigating the adverse effects of resource development.

The SEAs define commitments between the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) and mining companies to ensure tangible benefits for local residents, focusing on employment, training, procurement, cultural well-being, and sustainable development. Measurable objectives in SEAs, such as local employment and wellness initiatives, are closely monitored by the GNWT, with active collaboration between the government and mining companies to improve outcomes.

In 2024, NWT diamond mines provided a total of 3,163 Person-Years (PY) of employment, 1,015 PYs by NWT residents, and 507 PY by Indigenous NWT residents. NWT Employment was largely in entry-level roles. None of the three mines met their Indigenous or NWT resident employment targets. However, efforts are underway to address the representation gap in higher-skilled positions, including  career fairs and training programs like Diavik’s MyPath. These initiatives aim to strengthen local employment within the sector.

In 2024, the three operating mines spent nearly $1.15 billion. A total of $800 million went to NWT businesses, with $458 million going to Indigenous NWT businesses. Mining companies performed well on procurement, with virtually all targets being met. A notable example of Indigenous-led sustainable development is the partnership between Tłıc̨ hǫ Investment Corporation and Solvest Inc., which provided solar power to Diavik.

To meet labour demands in the resource sector, NWT mines are working with the GNWT and educational institutions to foster a skilled 
local workforce. Ekati, Diavik, and Gahcho Kué collectively mentored 47 apprentices. The GNWT’s student financial assistance program funded the post-secondary educations of 1,251 students this past year, bolstered by programs from mines including the Rio  Tinto Diavik Diamond Mine Community Scholarship Fund, De Beers STEM Scholarship Program for Women in Canada, and Ekati Plus Program to encourage students into mining careers.

Diversity and inclusion remain priorities. In 2024, women’s workforce representation saw a slight improvement to 14.42%, still slightly below the national average. Additionally, NWT diamond mines make significant community investments, giving back to the NWT’s longterm prosperity. Highlights from 2024 include a $450,000 commitment by De Beers over three years to fund Aurora College’s School of Health and Human Services for elder and community health, and Diavik’s donations to the Yellowknife Community Foundation Legacy Fund reaching half a million dollars!

In conclusion, SEAs continue to play a crucial role in ensuring that the economic benefits of resource development are equitably shared among NWT residents, businesses, and communities, contributing to sustainable growth and prosperity in the region.