Leaders from Canada’s territories and western provinces have agreed to develop a shared critical minerals strategy.
In a press release, ministers from the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan announced they had signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly advance a western Canadian critical minerals strategy.
“Western Canada is rich in critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper and rare earths, which are crucial for clean energy, advanced technology and defence applications,” stated Jagrup Brar, BC’s minister of mining and critical minerals.
“There’s a generational opportunity beneath our feet. Together, we can advance a robust critical mineral value chain in western and northern Canada that accesses new export markets, increases trade opportunities, creates jobs and brings in investment across the region.”
The ministers signed the agreement at a summit meeting in Vancouver that involved presentations and a roundtable discussion with industry, investment and Indigenous leaders.
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During the western premiers’ conference held in Yellowknife last May, premiers from the territories and western provinces said they were united in advocating for major infrastructure projects and unlocking economic potential in the region.
In signing the agreement on Sunday, critical minerals ministers have committed to work together to accelerate development, enhance supply-chain resilience, diversify export markets and promote Canada’s west as a preferred global supplier of critical minerals.
The leaders also pledged to create opportunities for Indigenous leadership, partnership, participation and ownership in critical minerals development.
“The Northwest Territories is a vast territory with diverse geology and enormous potential for new critical mineral discoveries,” stated Caitlin Cleveland, the NWT’s industry minister.
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“We see opportunity across our shared borders and we are stronger and more successful when we advance this potential together.”
The final critical minerals strategy is expected to be published in June, in time for the 2026 energy and mining ministers’ conference set to take place in Yellowknife.
Correction: January 28, 2026 – 12:46 MT. This article initially states the 2026 energy and mining ministers’ conference is set to take place in Charlottetown. In fact, the conference is set to take place in Yellowknife.
