The Northwest Territories has joined other Canadian jurisdictions and some US states in passing a resolution designed to express solidarity amid the nations’ growing trade war.
The NWT is a member of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region Foundation (PNWER), a non-profit created in 1991 that calls itself “the gold standard of US-Canada relations.”
Other members include British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Yukon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Alaska and Oregon.
A PNWER statement on Friday announced the passing of a resolution “to reaffirm the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship” between the US and Canada.
That came as Prime Minister Mark Carney held a phone call with US President Donald Trump that both sides suggested had been constructive, though Carney warned later on Friday that Canada must still adjust to a new reality as America tries to reshape its own – and by extension, Canada’s – economy.
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Tariffs on vehicles and car parts announced this week are expected to have damaging consequences for industries on either side of the border. More tariffs may be on the way.
In a “rapidly evolving trade landscape and on the eve of impending tariffs that could disrupt cross-border trade and economic stability,” a PNWER spokesperson wrote, the foundation’s members felt it “more important than ever” to reaffirm their partnership.
The resolution adopted on Friday calls for a “commitment to consistent bi-national cooperation guided by open dialogue, shared priorities and a spirit of unity.”
In the resolution – which will be sent to the offices of Trump and Carney – PNWER’s members urge the two nations “to continue to prioritize and strengthen” their relationship, and call for national sovereignty to be respected.
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The text goes on to demand more cooperation on the likes of critical minerals, infrastructure development and emergency preparedness.
Caitlin Cleveland, the NWT’s industry minister and the territory’s PNWER delegate, is among the 25 delegates who signed on to the resolution.
US signatories included eight Democrats and eight Republicans, the foundation spokesperson noted.
