Tli Cho Construction Ltd. Acquires Majority Interest in ARCAN Group Inc., Strengthening Indigenous-Led Construction Capacity Across the Tł̨ıchǫ Region and the North
Yellowknife, NT February 23, 2026 — Tli Cho Construction Ltd. (TCC) a Tł̨ıchǫ Investment Corporation-owned company, is pleased to announce the acquisition of a 51% ownership interest in ARCAN Group Inc., a strategic investment made possible through $1,600,000 in funding support from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor).
This acquisition represents a significant step forward in building a scalable, Indigenous-led construction company with the capacity to deliver larger and more complex infrastructure projects across the North, while strengthening Indigenous participation throughout the construction sector.
Beyond increased project capacity, the partnership brings meaningful operational benefits. TCC will gain access to enhanced systems, project management practices, operational processes, and governance frameworks, strengthening overall delivery, efficiency, and consistency. At the same
time, ARCAN Group Inc. benefits from local and regional knowledge, Indigenous workforce connections, and community-driven approaches to project execution.
“This partnership allows us to strengthen not only our project capacity, but how we plan, manage, and deliver work,” said Paul Gruner, CEO of the Tł̨ıchǫ Investment Corporation. “There is tremendous value in the shared learning between our teams — from project management systems and construction processes to workforce planning and safety — all of which will strengthen long term performance.”
With CanNor’s support, the investment directly advances Indigenous economic development by expanding employment, hiring, training, and apprenticeship opportunities for Tł̨ıchǫ citizens. The partnership supports the development of a skilled and mobile northern labour force, improving labour readiness and integration across regions and projects.
One of the most significant benefits of the acquisition is enhanced labour supply coordination and workforce integration. By aligning recruitment, training pathways, and project scheduling, the combined organization is better positioned to respond to labour demands, support local hiring, and create sustainable career pathways in construction for Northern residents.
As a result of the acquisition, the partnership will be better positioned to:
- Compete for larger, multi-year infrastructure and construction projects
- Strengthen project management, systems, and operational processes
- Expand training, apprenticeship, and skills development opportunities
- Improve labour supply coordination and workforce mobility
- Create long-term employment opportunities across the North
ARCAN Group Inc. will continue to operate under its existing name and structure, with a shared commitment to safety, quality, and excellence in project delivery. The partnership reflects a long-term vision focused on capacity building, shared learning, and sustainable Indigenous-led growth.
“Through projects like this, the Government of Canada is investing in a northern economy that is Indigenous-led and grounded in work that benefits our communities and Canada as a whole,” said the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor
“In order to truly Build Canada Strong we need to build in partnership with Indigenous People while also building economic resilience here in the North. This investment does both. It will create good jobs for Tł̨ıchǫ citizens and increases construction capacity in the Northwest Territories. It will also
open new opportunities for businesses and greater economic development” said the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for the NorthwestTerritories.
About Tli Cho Construction Ltd.
Tli Cho Construction Ltd. is a Tł̨ıchǫ-owned company delivering construction and infrastructure services that support economic development, workforce participation, and long-term community benefits in the Tł̨ıchǫ region and across the North.
About ARCAN Group Inc.
ARCAN Group Inc. is a northern-based construction company with over 30 years’ experience delivering commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects across northern Canada.
About CanNor
The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) supports the development of a diversified and sustainable northern economy by funding initiatives that strengthen Indigenous participation, workforce development, and regional capacity.