Latest news with #Akeeagok
01-08-2025
- Business
Preferential treatment for northerners key for trade zone between territories: N.W.T. premier
The N.W.T.'s premier says an eventual trade zone between Canada's three territories will ideally make sure northerners benefit from economic activity in the North. The three territorial premiers announced Tuesday that they had signed a memorandum of understanding to create a territorial trade zone. In a joint news release, Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton, N.W.T. Premier R.J. Simpson and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok said the memorandum — which is non-binding — would help improve both the economy across the North and labour mobility, and would include a shared credential registry so workers can move more freely between the territories. It was signed in Huntsville, Ont., last week when the premiers were attending a three-day meeting of the Council of the Federation (new window) . In an interview with CBC, Simpson said territory-and province-specific laws about goods and services are inefficient and costing our economy money. He added efforts to break down those barriers in the North have to be tempered by other considerations, though. What we don't want to do is drop all of our trade barriers and become, essentially, a colony for the South again, where companies from southern Canada would come up here, extract resources and then leave and not leave anything in the territory, he said. We want to be able to give preferential treatment to northern businesses to ensure that there's benefits for northerners when there is activity in the North. The agreement also allows the northern governments to co-ordinate efforts to lobby the federal government and the private sector for investment. Tuesday's news release mentioned that any agreement must respect land claims agreements and other deals governments have made with Indigenous nations and organizations, along with actively supporting Indigenous participation in the economy. CBC News has requested an interview with Pemberton, whose office first announced the deal on Monday. Akeeagok was not made available for an interview prior to publication. Cautious optimism among industry The deal is still in its early stages. Simpson said he doesn't expect N.W.T residents to see any immediate impacts from this, saying it's more of a longer-term vision. In Nunavut, Tony Rose, the executive director of the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce, said it's too soon to speculate on the potential impacts, but that the organization will be getting input from its members about the proposed trade zone. Enlarge image (new window) Tony Rose is the executive director of the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce. He says the memorandum allows them to communicate with the incoming Nunavut government to discuss the priorities of businesses in the territory. Photo: CBC / TJ Dhir This is a very interesting time for this to be happening, because there's a brand new government coming in the fall, Rose said, referencing Nunavut's upcoming territorial election. For us, this represents a really interesting opportunity to communicate with that incoming government to discuss the priorities of businesses, both within the Baffin region and throughout the rest of the territory. The Yukon will also be having a territorial election this fall. This theme of cautious optimism was echoed by at least two companies that have a major presence in the North. In respective statements, Agnico Eagle Mines said they welcome regulatory reform that can help streamline processes and support a stronger Canadian economy, while Northwestel said the trade zone is a positive step for private businesses operating across all three territories. Both of them added that they would be following any developments before commenting further. The memorandum comes amid national economic uncertainty, as the federal government continues to negotiate a new trade deal with the United States under the threat of more tariffs. The deadline before tariffs kick in automatically is this Friday. With files from Lawrence Nayally
Hamilton Spectator
31-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Northern premiers strive to create territorial trade zone
Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Yukon have signed a memorandum of understanding with the aim of creating a Northern trade zone. An announcement of the non-binding agreement was released July 29. 'This agreement is about Northern leadership,' said NWT Premier R.J. Simpson. 'Through the territorial trade zone, the three territories are taking concrete steps to reduce barriers, grow our workforce and attract investment — all in ways that reflect our unique Northern and Indigenous realities. 'We're not waiting to be invited into the national economy. We're shaping it, together.' All three territories have agreed to explore the development of a joint credential registry to allow for more mobility in the workforce across the North. Another aim of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) is to promote the North as a unified trade zone. The three parties will share knowledge on how to move goods and labour through the challenging terrain of the North and work to harmonize regulatory regimes. The territories will also work together to push for more funding from Ottawa to help further economic development. 'For Nunavut, these agreements represent more than just economic collaboration — they are about creating opportunities for Nunavummiut to fully participate in the Canadian economy,' said Nunavut premier P.J. Akeeagok. 'By strengthening labour mobility and reducing trade barriers, we are helping to build a more connected North and ensuring that our communities benefit from the growth and innovation happening across the country. 'I look forward to working with our partners to advance this shared vision,' Akeeagok added. Coming just two months after Simpson, Akeeagok and then-Yukon premier Ranj Pillai agreed to explore the idea in May, the MOU is part of larger efforts to reduce trade barriers across the country. In June, as part of these trade liberalization efforts, the Yukon Government announced it was removing limitations on procurement, real estate licensing, forestry, fisheries and agricultural land use. These were identified as the least complex barriers to remove while minimizing impacts on local economies. 'A territorial trade zone is the kind of innovation we need right now as we seek to support Team Canada's broader efforts to expand trade across the country, while recognizing the realities of living and doing business in the North,' said Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton. 'The territories are a distinct and vital economic region within Canada and they deserve tailored solutions that reflect their unique opportunities and challenges.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
24-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Time of ‘opportunity' as Canada asserts its sovereignty, premier says
Canada is at an 'incredible moment' for provinces and territories to work together on security and large infrastructure investments including in the Arctic, says Premier P.J. Akeeagok. 'There is so much that we have in terms of opportunities. We have to look from within — the critical mineral potential we have across this country and particular to the North,' he told reporters Wednesday on the final day of the three-day Council of the Federation's meeting in Huntsville., Ont. Akeeagok listed Nunavut-specific 'nation-building' projects — including Grays Bay road and port, the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre link and a deepsea port in Qikiqtarjuaq — adding that Canada's communities have to be 'healthy' for the nation to assert its sovereignty as a country. Following Akeeagok's comments, British Columbia Premier David Eby bid farewell to the outgoing Nunavut premier who will not seek re-election in October, calling him a 'huge champion of northern sovereignty and defence.' Other premiers joined Eby in a round of applause for Akeeagok, who announced earlier in July he will not seek re-election as an MLA in October's territorial election. During the premiers' press conference, a dominant theme was the need to eliminate inter-territorial restrictions on trade and worker mobility during a time of uncertainty in the Canada-U.S. trade relationship. 'We talked about cutting red tape, opening internal markets and building a stronger, more self-reliant economy,' said Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who chaired the gathering that included all 13 of Canada's premiers. On Tuesday, Nunavut signed a memorandum of understanding with Ontario, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories, agreeing to work together to remove barriers that make it difficult for goods and workers to move between the jurisdictions. Tariffs imposed and threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump and his musings about Canada becoming the 51st state have united the premiers across the country, New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said. She noted that in the eight months since she was elected premier, she has spent more time talking with the other premiers than her predecessor did in six years. 'Economic conversations that we have been having because of the threat that Trump posed is critical and takes up a lot of space,' Holt said. Because the premiers meet more frequently, she added, they've been able to discuss other issues like immigration, bail reform, and the need for more federal health-care funding. The meeting in Huntsville happened against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations for a new Canada-U.S. trade agreement. Those talks 'absolutely' must include Arctic security because the region is Canada's 'strategic card' in maintaining sovereignty, Akeeagok said Tuesday during a news conference, streamed on CPAC. Negotiators for the two countries are working toward an Aug. 1 deadline after which Trump said he will impose new 35 per cent tariffs on some Canadian imports. 'Our objective is not to reach a deal whatever it costs,' cautioned Prime Minister Mark Carney, who attended the premiers' meeting Tuesday. 'We are pursuing a deal that will be in the best interest of Canadians.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
22-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
GN ready to ‘share' risks, benefits of owning Canadian North: Community services minister
The Government of Nunavut could become part-owner of the territory's biggest airline under a new 10-year agreement it has entered with the owner of Canadian North. 'Our airline is our only road system,' said David Akeeagok, the territory's community services minister. 'What better thing to have than an equity stake, because we rely solely on it.' The agreement with Bradley Air Services — a subsidiary of Exchange Income Corp. — was announced July 16. Exchange Income Corp. owns Calm Air, Keewatin Air and Canadian North. The parties started negotiating the contract in February after the $205-million acquisition of the airline by the Winnipeg-based company was announced. The new agreement replaces existing separate agreements the territorial government had with Calm Air and Canadian North. It covers duty travel, medical travel and cargo services that the airlines provide to the government, Carmele Peter, president of Exchange Income Corp., said in a phone interview Thursday. The agreement also tasks the corporation with reporting to the territorial government on the quality of service the airline provides with an aim to prompt 'greater focus on time performance,' a reduction of 'service interruption' and an improvement in the quality of Canadian North's overall services for both for GN and non-GN travellers, Peter said. 'The travel agreement includes clear performance expectations for service delivery, reliability and freight,' said Casey Lessard, communications director for the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. 'If service quality declines, the GN can escalate concerns directly to [Exchange Income Corp.] leadership. The GN also retains influence through the scale of our contracted travel.' The agreement gives the Nunavut government the opportunity to buy equity in Bradley Air Services (operating as Canadian North) as well. If that were to happen, the GN would become the airline's minority owner. The GN has a year to decide this issue. If territorial leaders were to say yes, the move would require policy framework, legislation and a go-ahead from the legislative assembly, along with approval by Exchange Income Corp.'s financial management board, Akeeagok said. The exact amount of equity is still in discussion. A final decision on whether to buy into the airline would not happen in the life of the sixth legislative assembly, seeing as the territorial election will be held Oct. 27, Akeeagok said. Neither Akeeagok nor Exchange Income Corp. said whether Canadian North is a profitable company. In 2023, Pita Aatami, president of Makivvik Corp., the previous owner of the airline, said it was ' losing millions .' The Nunavut government understands the air industry 'hasn't necessarily been a profitable place to be,' Akeeagok said. 'It's something that as a government, I think if we have equity, then we can share those risks and ensure that our road system is intact,' he said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
22-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Ontario, 3 territories agree to work together to remove trade barriers
Ontario and the three territorial governments say they'll co-operate in a push to remove trade and employment barriers as Canada's economy faces 'economic and geopolitical uncertainty.' 'It positions Nunavut to be a more connected and competitive player in Canada's economy,' Premier P.J. Akeeagok said in a news release Tuesday, announcing the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Nunavut, Ontario, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. The agreement was signed by premiers Doug Ford of Ontario, R.J. Simpson of the N.W.T., Mike Pemberton of the Yukon and Akeeagok, during the three-day meeting of the Council of the Federation, which includes all 13 of Canada's premiers, in Huntsville., Ont., north of Toronto. The premiers agreed to 'collaborate wherever possible' in removing barriers to trade between their jurisdictions, and to ease restrictions in recognizing certifications and licences for regulated occupations like doctors, nurses and teachers. Ontario and the three territories agree that 'if a good or service that is deemed safe for sale or use for some Canadians, it should be considered safe for all Canadians,' the agreement said, adding the four jurisdictions will work to put that into practice. In 2021, Nunavut had the largest share of trade with Ontario among the territories with $1.7 billion in goods and services changing hands. The Yukon and the N.W.T. each had $800 million in trade with the province. As well, people certified to work in one jurisdiction should be recognized to do so in the others, 'without unnecessary barriers such as additional training, exams or assessments,' the premiers agreed. Ontario, Nunavut, the Yukon and the N.W.T. will also try to align some of their technical safety laws and 'strive' to eliminate unnecessary costs for workers and businesses operating across provincial and territorial borders. The memorandum, which the news release said is not legally binding, comes a month after the federal government passed Bill C-5 which included the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act. That law aims to help generate $200 billion annually for the Canadian economy by removing federal barriers to trade. In May, the governments of Nunavut, the Yukon and the N.W.T. started discussing establishing a territorial trade zone . Akeeagok said then that Nunavut is 'exploring' the possibility of eliminating paperwork in licensing requirements for lawyers, doctors, nurses and teachers. Akeeagok was not available for comment Tuesday. The Council of the Federation's meeting in Huntsville started Monday and wraps up Wednesday. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
