Latest news with #R.J.Simpson
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- 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
NWT, Nunavut and Yukon sign free trade framework agreement with Ontario
Premiers of Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Ontario have signed a memorandum of understanding to break down barriers to free trade among the four jurisdictions. Details of the agreement were announced July 22. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) itself was signed a day earlier in Huntsville, Ont. 'For the North to reach its full economic potential, we need to reduce the barriers that make it harder for our people and businesses to connect with the rest of the country — and for them to connect with us,' said NWT Premier R.J. Simpson. 'This agreement is a step toward that: supporting labour mobility, streamlining certification and opening up new opportunities for Northerners. 'It reflects a shared commitment to building a more open, connected and resilient Canadian economy.' Under the terms of the agreement, all four governments say they will work to align safety regulations to eliminate barriers to moving goods and services, as well as aim to align professional regulations to enable better cross-border employment opportunities. All parties also agree to strive, 'where feasible,' to eliminate any unnecessary costs to businesses and workers in moving and trading across jurisdictions. They are also promising to adopt a 30-business-day standard for issuing certifications and licences to regulated professions. Nothing in the MOU is legally binding. The document also notes all parties recognize that Ontario no longer has any exceptions under the Canada Free Trade Agreement. 'This MOU is a strategic opportunity for Nunavut to enhance labour mobility, reduce trade barriers and strengthen our economic ties with other jurisdictions,' said Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok. 'It positions Nunavut to be a more connected and competitive player in Canada's economy.' In 2021, trade between Ontario and Nunavut was estimated at $1.7 billion. Trade between Ontario and the NWT was estimated at $800 million, the same amount value as the province's trade with Yukon. Making it easier to move goods, services and workers through the country will help shield the economy from outside threats, such as those made by current U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly stated he wants to annex Canada and turn it into a 51st state in addition to imposing tariffs on various goods. 'This agreement between Ontario and the territories is about making it easier for people, goods and ideas to move across the country,' said Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton. 'It's an important step in reducing barriers and expanding opportunities for workers, businesses and communities in the North — building on progress we've already made. 'By working together, we're helping ensure that the territories, including the Yukon, can fully participate in and contribute to Canada's economy,' Pemberton added. 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 .
CTV News
23-07-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Prime Minister Mark Carney visits his birthplace in Northwest Territories
Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to make a visit to his birthplace of Fort Smith as he travels across the Northwest Territories. FORT SMITH -- Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the town where he was born Wednesday, as he travels across the Northwest Territories. Carney spent his early childhood in Fort Smith, south of Yellowknife along the Alberta boundary, before he moved with his family to Edmonton. On Wednesday he visited the town's community centre, spoke with children attending a local summer camp and discussed affordability issues and employment with their parents. In the lobby, a woman held a sign expressing opposition to Bill C-5, the government's major projects legislation. Mark Carney Prime Minister Mark Carney, centre, walks by his former childhood home as he visits Fort Smith, N.W.T., Wednesday, July 23, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press) He also spoke with passersby in the town and with locals gathered at the local Berro's Pizza restaurant, where a meat-topped pizza had been rebranded as the 'Carneyvore.' Carney also met with Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson and discussed wildfires with community leaders. He was set to head to Inuvik in the territory's northwest corner in late afternoon Wednesday. The prime minister is set to co-host the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee on Thursday with Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, a national organization representing Inuit. It will be Carney's second meeting with Indigenous groups on Bill C-5, which gives Ottawa the ability to fast-track projects it deems to be in the national interest by sidestepping some review requirements. -- Written by Dylan Robertson in Ottawa and Jeff McIntosh in Fort Smith This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2025.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Carney to visit his hometown of Fort Smith, N.W.T., on Wednesday
Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit his hometown of Fort Smith, N.W.T., on Wednesday — his first official visit to the territory since he was elected. According to the Prime Minister's Office, Carney and Premier R.J. Simpson will meet with local families Wednesday morning in Fort Smith to discuss affordability challenges and food insecurity. Carney is also scheduled to meet with local leaders there about the impact of wildfires in the N.W.T. Though this wildfire season has been relatively calm so far, the territory has been hit hard by fires in recent years, including the evacuation of Fort Smith, Hay River and Yellowknife in 2023. Carney was born in Fort Smith and lived in the southern N.W.T. town until his family moved south when he was about six years old. He will be in Inuvik on Wednesday evening, where he will visit the local community centre and meet with Natan Obed, the president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and Duane Smith, the chair of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. He's expected to discuss Bill C-5, the federal government's major projects legislation. The federal government said it would hold a series of "summits" over the summer with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to discuss the Building Canada Act, which gives the government the power to fast-track projects and bypass certain laws, government regulations and environmental assessments if an industry project is deemed in the national interest. The legislation has been controversial, with many First Nations groups saying it is a violation of their treaties and constitutional rights.
CBC
23-07-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Carney to visit his hometown of Fort Smith, N.W.T., on Wednesday
Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit his hometown of Fort Smith, N.W.T., on Wednesday — his first official visit to the territory since he was elected. According to the Prime Minister's Office, Carney and Premier R.J. Simpson will meet with local families Wednesday morning in Fort Smith to discuss affordability challenges and food insecurity. Carney is also scheduled to meet with local leaders in Fort Smith about the impact of wildfires in the N.W.T. Though this wildfire season has been relatively calm so far, the territory has been hit hard by fires in recent years, including the evacuation of Fort Smith, Hay River and Yellowknife in 2023. Carney was born in Fort Smith and lived in the southern N.W.T. town until his family moved south when he was about six years old. He will be in Inuvik on Thursday, where he will visit the local community centre and meet with Natan Obed, the president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and Duane Smith, the chair of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. He's expected to discuss Bill C-5, the federal government's major projects legislation. The federal government said it would hold a series of "summits" over the summer with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to discuss the Building Canada Act, which gives the government the power to fast-track projects and bypass certain laws, government regulations and environmental assessments if an industry project is deemed in the national interest.
