The premiers of the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut came together in Haines Junction, Yukon, over the weekend for their annual Northern Premiers’ Forum.
Ranj Pillai, RJ Simpson and PJ Akeeagok – meeting for the first time since the federal election – said they had discussed issues including Arctic security and sovereignty, growing the economy, infrastructure and health.
In a statement, NWT Premier Simpson said this year’s meeting “felt especially energizing.”
“With a new federal government taking shape in Ottawa and more national attention on the North, it’s more important than ever that we stand together and speak with a clear and united voice,” he said.
“By working together as northern governments, and in partnership with Indigenous governments and communities, we can keep pushing for the investments and support northerners need and deserve.”
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In a news release, the premiers congratulated Prime Minister Mark Carney on his election win. They called for “meaningful action to connect the country from coast to coast to coast, in collaboration with Indigenous partners to strengthen Canadian sovereignty and fully realize the territories’ economic potential.”
The northern premiers further stressed that “federal policies must consider the distinct needs of the territories, including their fiscal capacity, higher costs, and large Indigenous populations.”
The premiers highlighted the need to address health and educational disparities in the North as well as access to safe, affordable and quality housing among their key priorities.
The premiers called for increased defence spending while saying Arctic security and sovereignty decisions need to be guided by northern voices and investments should directly benefit communities.
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Regarding the removal of internal trade barriers and accelerating economic development, they said they plan to explore creating “a territorial trade zone” that would recognize modern treaties and land claims while enhancing economic opportunities in the region.
The premiers highlighted the need to advance strategic nation-building and critical infrastructure projects in the territories – including critical minerals and energy projects – while balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
They called for more federal support for Indigenous governments to participate in resource development.
They said there is also a need to strengthen economic corridors between the territories including rail, port, air and highway systems.
Finally, the premiers raised concerns about the “alarming increase in transphobic policies based on hate and ignorance” that are being passed internationally and “stripping transgender and gender-nonconforming people of their fundamental rights to self-expression.” All three premiers said they support 2SLGBTQQIA+ people and want to ensure all northerners “feel seen, safe and supported.”
Campaigning ahead of the federal election, the Liberal Party made several promises in areas highlighted by the premiers, including Arctic sovereignty and security, housing, healthcare, infrastructure and support for 2SLGBTQQIA+ rights,
The NWT is set to host the 2026 Northern Premiers’ Forum.
