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Hamilton Spectator
06-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
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.
CBC
16-04-2025
- Business
- CBC
Premiers Kinew, Akeeagok ink deal to build hydro transmission line from Manitoba to Nunavut
The premiers of Manitoba and Nunavut are hopeful a proposed hydroelectric and fibre optic project is moving closer to fruition, and are seeking federal money. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok have signed a memorandum to work together on the project and ask Ottawa for capital funding. The proposed Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link would see a 1,200-kilometre line built through northern Manitoba to several Nunavut communities west of Hudson Bay that currently use diesel to generate electricity. It has been talked about for years, and a recent estimate put the cost at $1.6 billion. Manitoba announced this week it would dedicate 50 megawatts from its Crown energy corporation to the project, which Kinew says is only a start. Kinew and Akeeagok met at the Manitoba Legislature and said, given the current trade dispute with the United States, there is appetite for nation-building projects and efforts to build up the North. "In terms of the price tag, these are things we'll sort out when they come to the table, which I'm sure they will," Kinew told reporters Wednesday. "We need Ottawa to be able to come to site with us as well," Akeeagok added. "All the political leaders so far have identified that there's going to be significant investments come to corridors or nation-building projects, and we really see this one aligning really well." Neither premier would say what level of funding they're seeking from the federal government. Ottawa has already put up money for early stages of the project. Last year, it announced $2.8 million for design, environmental fieldwork and other tasks. The project, put forward by the Inuit-owned Nukik Corp., could see construction begin as early as 2028. Aside from communities in Nunavut, it could also supply mines in the region and spur more economic development, backers say. Kinew says he intends to sign trade deal with Ontario The premiers of Manitoba and Nunavut weren't the only regional leaders signing trade agreements on Wednesday. Ontario Premier Doug Ford signed memorandums of understanding with the premiers of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick agreeing that a good, service or registered worker that is recognized in one province is acceptable in the other. Kinew said his meeting with Akeeagok meant he couldn't join Ford, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston and New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt at Queen's Park in Toronto on Wednesday, but he intends to also sign a memorandum of understanding. "What an amazing time to be a Canadian, where leaders from different parts of the country are stepping up to build Canada," Kinew told reporters. "We're knocking down interprovincial trade barriers and, yes, I intend to travel to Toronto and … do the same work with premier Ford just as soon as I can."
