Territorial leaders talk trade at premiers' forum in the Yukon
Eliminating trade barriers, establishing a territorial trade zone and securing funding for 'nation-building projects' were some of the priorities set out by leaders of the territories at the Northern Premiers' Forum in the Yukon last weekend.
Premiers P.J. Akeeagok of Nunavut, Ranj Pillai of the Yukon and R.J. Simpson of the Northwest Territories met in Haines Junction and Whitehorse from May 2 to 4 as part of their annual trilateral forum.
At a news conference Sunday, the leaders focused on economic development in the North through infrastructure and resource development.
'We're seeing so much uncertainty around the world, right across this country, and I think one thing as northern territories that we provide all Canadians is certainty,' Akeeagok said.
The premiers spoke about a promise Prime Minister Mark Carney made to eliminate federal barriers to
internal trade
among provinces and territories by July 1.
One barrier Simpson said needs to addressed was how regulations on the transportation and trucking of goods can vary from jurisdiction.
Reviewing trade barriers will require consultation with Indigenous groups across the territories and respect for treaties, Pillai said. He wants the process to lead to establishment of a 'territorial trade zone' that would allow better commerce and transportation among the territories.
'I think it gives us an opportunity to be willing partners at the table, but it also gives us a chance to educate our other colleagues about what's unique here,' Pillai said about eliminating barriers across the country.
'But we do need Canada on this one. We need them more committed than ever, and I think that'll be how we position the conversation as we go into July 2.'
To eliminate trade barriers, the three premiers spoke of the need to develop 'nation-building' projects across the North.
Akeeagok repeated his and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.'s wish list of federal support for four
major projects
for Nunavut — West Kitikmeot Resources Corp.'s Arctic Security Corridor/Grays Bay road and port project, Nukik Corp.'s Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link, and Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corp.'s Iqaluit hydroelectric project.
He mentioned the Alaska Highway, which runs through the Yukon from British Columbia and was built during the Second World War at a time of 'urgency.'
'We are at that moment again, but it requires Canada, as a great country that we are, to actually invest here right at home,' Akeeagok said.
Pillai, who chaired this year's Northern Premiers' Forum, said he expects the trio to meet with Carney soon after the prime minister visits U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington D.C. on Tuesday — a visit the three said they will watch closely.
The premiers also said they look forward to northern investments in the next federal budget, expected to be released sometime after King Charles delivers the speech from the throne in Ottawa on May 27.
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