Question Period Note: Winter Roads

• Our Government recognizes that winter roads are critical to the quality of life of remote communities.

• We work in partnership with Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and 53 First Nations to build, maintain and monitor the status of over 8,000 km of winter roads.

• Support is available to First Nation communities to ship essential supplies when winter roads fail, and to continue to work to ensure they have what they need over the winter season.

If pressed on criticisms
• We recognize there are a variety of factors that must be considered and met, including consistent temperatures and sufficient snow and ice cover as well as sufficient human capacity resources, to ensure the integrity of winter roads each season.

• Our Government recognizes that operating winter roads will only be more challenging with the impact of climate change on freezing and thawing.

• We are committed to working with all partners on responsible, sustainable options that will establish a reliable supply link to remote communities.

If pressed on funding relationships
• The Government of Canada works in a variety of partnerships with the provinces, First Nations, and stakeholders where communities rely on winter roads.

• We support winter road construction and maintenance through cost sharing agreements with Ontario and Manitoba.

• In Saskatchewan, while the Government of Canada does not fund the construction of winter roads, we actively monitor the status of winter roads supporting First Nation communities.

• In Alberta, the Government of Canada works with municipalities and Parks Canada to support two winter roads, and provides funding directly to another community to support the construction of an ice bridge.

If pressed further on funding relationships
• Winter roads are a shared responsibility between the Government of Canada, Provinces, and First Nations partners.

• Provinces ensure winter roads meet provincial standards.

• We will continue to work in close partnership with all parties to ensure winter roads are safe and accessible.

Winter roads are constructed over land and frozen water bodies and are typically open for 3 months each year (i.e. January–March). They are integral to most isolated First Nation communities in providing access to major goods, needed commodities, and services. Winter roads also facilitate economic activities and social connections among nearby remote-northern communities.

The seasonal length of the winter roads, starting when ice thickness is safe, depends on particular climatic factors, such as air temperature, precipitation, and wind. Ice thickness can be enhanced through established construction and maintenance practices such as snow removal, surface flooding and spray-ice techniques.

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) monitors and financially supports the construction, operation and maintenance (O&M) of approximately 6,000 km of winter roads to 53 First Nation communities south of 60◦ in Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta and closely monitors winter roads in Saskatchewan but does not provide funding. ISC’s financial support is provided through cost sharing agreements with the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba, and with one First Nation in Alberta.

Funding relationships by province:
Ontario
• The Government of Canada provides over $7 million annually for 31 First Nations in Ontario to construct and maintain approximately 3,200 kilometers of winter roads to their communities.
• Perimeter security for remote First Nations accessible by winter road was funded in winter 2021 to secure closed communities and to ensure the health and safety of their members.
• The Province of Ontario provides up to $7 million annually to First Nations for the construction, operation and maintenance of winter roads. First Nations can undertake the work themselves or contract out if they choose.
• ISC is working with provincial partners to explore an all-season road network.
Manitoba:
• The Government of Canada provides $5.5 million annually for First Nations in Manitoba to construct and maintain winter roads to their communities.
Saskatchewan:
• The Province of Saskatchewan constructs, maintains and operates winter roads.
• While the Government of Canada does not fund the construction of winter roads, we actively monitor the status of winter roads supporting First Nation communities.
Alberta:
• The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is responsible for maintenance of the south winter road to access Fort Chipewyan.
• The Athabasca Chipewyan and Mikisew Cree First Nations also have a north-bound road to Fort Smith through Wood Buffalo National Park managed by Parks Canada.
• Little Red River Cree Nation builds and operates two winter access roads to their community: Peace River Ice bridge; and the Southern (secondary) Access (crossing of Wabasca River and Little Red River).
• Little Red River Cree Nation receives $25,000 annually directly from the Government of Canada for the construction of their ice bridge and winter road. The Region has provided top-up O & M funding for the last several years for the Peace river ice bridge. In 2021–2022, the top-up is approved at $180,000; however, funding provided is based on actual costs submitted.

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