Northern representation in federal cabinet could lead to better outcomes, two territorial premiers say

Globe and Mail

18-05-2025

Two premiers of Canada's territories say they are optimistic that the three ministers who mark significant Northern representation in the new federal cabinet might lead to better co-operation and significant projects being completed.
Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai said it will make 'a world of difference' not to have to explain the opportunities and challenges of the North to federal counterparts. Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson agreed, saying they will be able to get right to the issues at hand during meetings.
'The fact that we're going to have people at the cabinet table who have that knowledge and have that background and are able to educate their federal colleagues, is going to go a long way to ensuring that the decisions that are made about Canada and about the North are actually informed,' Mr. Simpson said in an interview Friday. 'To me, that's the most exciting part.'
Prime Minister Mark Carney's cabinet, unveiled last week, includes Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, whose riding includes Northern Quebec; Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty, who represents the Northwest Territories; and Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand, whose riding is in Northern Manitoba.
Buckley Belanger, named the secretary of state for rural development, represents Northern Saskatchewan. Mr. Carney was born in Fort Smith, NWT.
The Liberal platform in the federal election outlined a number of priorities around Canada's North, including strengthening the presence of Canadian Armed Forces and creating a new Canada-Europe Arctic security co-operation agreement. It also promised to build more northern infrastructure, including energy projects, housing and ports.
The cabinet representation is a good first step, Mr. Pillai said, but he is waiting to hear the May 27 Speech from the Throne to hear what the federal government plans for the North.
'The Throne Speech will be incredibly important to see if the platform commitments translate into the key priorities of this government as they start to work,' he said in an interview Friday.
The federal government at first opted against a spring budget in favour of what it called a substantive early fall economic statement. On Sunday, Mr. Carney said there will be a full budget this fall.
Mr. Pillai – who announced earlier this month that he plans to step down after a new Yukon Liberal leader is chosen – said he would like to see the federal government streamline the environmental assessment process. He is also looking to see what the Throne Speech says about Arctic security and defence, he said.
The Premier said he and Mr. Carney spoke Wednesday about the need for bail reform and more health care infrastructure funding.
Mr. Simpson also has a list of priorities he would like to see the federal government move forward with, including projects such as the Mackenzie Valley Highway, the Slave Geological Province Road and the Taltson Hydro Expansion Project.
He said he would like to see land claims settled and self-government agreements advanced, as doing so would provide more certainty to natural resources companies looking to do business in the territory.
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok has also been posting on X about his recent meetings with federal ministers. He has spoken with Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, Ms. Chartrand and Ms. Alty, he said, where he spoke about housing, infrastructure and projects that support Arctic security and sovereignty.