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.

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 & Ecology North team up to question election candidates

Alternatives North & Ecology North submitted six questions to Kimberly Fairman (Conservative Party), Kelvin Kotchilea (New Democratic Party) and Rainbow Eyes (Green Party). The questions were sent to each of the candidates to an email address identified on their respective websites or social media on April 14, with a request for a response by Friday April 18 at 5 pm. Only Liberal Party candidate Rebecca Alty has responded. See where Alty stands on the issues raised. Read More

https://alternativesnorth.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/City-of-Yellowknife-Climate-Change-Action-Plan_signed.pdf

AN engages with YK’s Climate Change Action Plan

This submission from Ecology North and Alternatives North offers detailed recommendations to strengthen Yellowknife’s Climate Change Action Plan. It emphasizes transparent governance, targeted investment of carbon tax funds, and integrating a climate lens across city decisions. Key actions include protecting natural carbon sinks, advancing renewable energy and biomass heating, supporting low-carbon transport, and preparing for wildfire smoke events—all aimed at building a more resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart Yellowknife. Read More

Heritage Fund falling short for Northerners

The NWT Heritage Fund aims to secure long-term benefits for future generations of people of the Northwest Territories from ongoing economic growth, including non-renewable resource development. Research by Alternatives North reveals that the $49.7 million set aside so far is minimal compared to the over $20 billion in extracted resource value. AN board member Kevin O’Reilly recently advocated for reforms to the Heritage Fund Act before a committee of MLAs. Read More

Basic Income Guarantee for the Northwest Territories by Alternatives January 2025

A Way to Eliminate Poverty in the NWT

Alternatives North has released a report that shows the introduction of a Basic Income Guarantee could eliminate poverty in the NWT.
“Alternatives North has advocated for a real anti-poverty plan for 30 years. This report shows the way to eliminate poverty in the NWT. We need an up-front investment that provides a truly stable foundation for everyone, rather than relying on a safety net approach,” said Suzette Montreuil, Alternatives North. Read More…

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

Go Here To Read Our Specific Recommendations

Alternatives North Members at Giant Mine

Weekly meetings are starting back up on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 (and every Wednesday after until summer break) 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.

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