Mr. Speaker on May 21 and 22 I joined premiers from Western provinces and territories in Yellowknife to discuss shared priorities and joint action on economic and energy corridors, Arctic security and sovereignty, and international trade and tariffs.
I’m pleased to note that there was a great deal of support for Nunavut’s priorities.
My colleagues joined me in acknowledging the importance of major projects such as the Arctic Security Corridor/Gray’s Bay Road and Port in addressing Canada’s sovereignty.
Mr. Speaker we also called for Investment in the North that allow access to natural resources, benefit local economies, and strengthen Northern communities.
As western premiers we called on Canada to do more than assert its sovereignty — we asked for long-term investments that support healthy, resilient Northern communities, build employment opportunities, advance Indigenous and economic reconciliation, and reinforce our strategic position in the region.
Mr. Speaker a large part of our conversation was centered around energy and economic corridors that will facilitate access to reliable power and critical minerals. I used this opportunity to champion the Inuit-led Inuit-driven Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link which is also supported by the Government of Manitoba.
As Western Premiers we supported the ongoing work to strengthen Canada’s Arctic security. We reiterated our call to the federal government to accelerate progress to reach the NATO defence spending target of 2% of GDP, and to identify opportunities from these investments to assist in achieving important development objectives in the North and across Canada.
Mr. Speaker, the conversation continued regarding the financial uncertainty for workers and businesses created by the tariffs imposed on Canada. As western Premiers we reaffirmed our commitment to Team Canada’s collaborative approach to respond to U.S. tariffs and to support local workers and businesses affected by trade disruptions.
My colleagues and I called on the federal government to prioritize work towards the removal of Chinese tariffs and noted the importance of regular and ongoing engagement with China to improve trade relations.
Mr. Speaker, Fisheries are key to Nunavut’s economy, as western Premiers we were pleased to see the Prime Minister’s commitment to assist the seafood sector impacted by Chinese tariffs.
Mr. Speaker these meetings are integral to advancing Nunavut’s priorities. Alberta will be the host of Western Premiers’ Conference in 2026.
Qujannamiik.