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Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Carney points to Grays Bay as key nation-building project
After meeting with Canada's premiers in Saskatoon Monday afternoon, Prime Minister Mark Carney name-dropped Nunavut's Grays Bay road and port as a major project of national significance he wants to see get approved quickly. The comment came in response to a reporter asking why a joint news release from the prime minister and premiers did not list any specific projects. 'I can give you, if I may, lots of examples of those projects, which range from Grays Bay port and road,' Carney said, before naming several other projects across Canada. 'There is a long list of projects that bring the country together, diversify our markets, make us more resilient, create good jobs and growth, have very good prospects of Indigenous partnerships, and beyond.' Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok welcomed seeing Grays Bay on the list, as the project is one of four he and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. president Jeremy Tunraluk are advocating for. The other projects are the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link, Qikiqtarjuaq deepsea port, and a hydroelectric project in Iqaluit. 'I was reflecting back to all the leaders that had and continue to push this major project forward,' Akeeagok told reporters Monday, making reference to Tunraluk and Kitikmeot Inuit Association acting president James Eetoolook. 'It was a great day for Nunavut to be recognized as an opportunity for these big nation-building [projects] to happen in the Arctic.' Brendan Bell, CEO of project proponent West Kitikmeot Resources Corp., also welcomed Carney's comments though, he said, he's not surprised. 'It's certainly a validation for all of the work that's gone on here,' Bell said in an interview. 'There's just no daylight between the leaders in Nunavut on this project, and that makes it a fairly safe and easy project for the prime minister to advocate for and to promote.' Grays Bay road and port would consist of a 230-kilometre all-season road and deepsea port that would link the mineral-rich lands of western Nunavut to the rest of Canada. The estimated cost sits at nearly $1 billion. Bell said in October that he's aiming for the federal government to cover 75 per cent of the cost, with the Government of Nunavut funding the rest. Carney and the premiers released a statement after Monday's meeting, agreeing to collaborate on speeding up the approvals of projects of 'national interest.' Among the criteria for the projects is that they must strengthen Canada's resilience and security, support economic growth, have a high likelihood to be achieved, be a high priority for Indigenous communities, and offer potential for clean growth. Another key requirement is consultation with Indigenous Peoples. In Nunavut, projects must go through the Nunavut Impact Review Board before they are approved. Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok, right, speaks in Saskatoon Monday. Also pictured are Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai, left, and Newfoundland Premier John Hogan. (Photo courtesy of Premier P.J. Akeeagok/X) Akeeagok said his priority projects include 'certainty' they will be approved. 'All the projects that we put in [were] really from the lens of making sure that these are being led by Inuit, for Inuit, that really will have a huge benefit not only for the territory, but for the country,' he said. There was a tone of unity from the premiers Monday. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said it was the 'best meeting' he had in 10 years, and colourfully described Carney as 'Santa Claus.' 'He's coming and his sled was full of all sorts of stuff. Now, he's taking off back to the North Pole, he's going to sort it out and then he's going to call us,' Ford said. Akeeagok said he 'couldn't agree more' with what Ford said. '[Monday] was about having really good discussions around identifying some of these key projects,' 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
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.
