Territories concerned about the economy and security of the Arctic

While the Prime Ministers of the provinces and territories of Canada meet in Huntsville, Ontario, territories leaders draw attention to the economy and security of the Arctic.

Commercial agreements

On the sidelines of the meeting of the Prime Ministers, the representatives of the territories signed agreements aimed at bringing commercial barriers to certain provinces.

In a press release, the three territories said they had notably signed an agreement with Ontario. The document aims to energize domestic trade, improve workers’ mobility and bring down the barriers that hinder business between the territories and the province.

This will have a major impact on the whole north and on the rest of the countrysays Mike Pembertonthe Prime Minister of Yukon, of which it was the first meeting with his counterparts.

Same story on the side of the Prime Minister of North West Territories (TN-O.), RJ Simpson: This agreement is a step in the right direction. It will support the mobility of the workforce, rationalize certification and open new possibilities for the inhabitants of the North.

Prime Minister of Nunavut, PJ Akeeagok, appreciates that this agreement does Nunavut A more connected and more competitive actor in Canada’s economy And hopes that the agreements between the territories and the provinces facilitate the realization of infrastructure projects.

Another agreement was signed between Yukon and British Columbia so as to withdraw the price barriers between the province and the territory.

This follows the agreement signed in May which provides for better cooperation as well as the connection of energy networks.

Consensus on the defense of the Arctic

As part of the meeting, RJ Simpson also insisted on the importance of the northern corridor in the security of the Arctic, explaining that it is an essential supply line for the Canadian forces responsible for the protection of the boreal regions.

PJ Akeeagok, for its part, praised the unifying aspect of the Northern security project, recalling that countries like China send scientific ships without authorization to Canadian waters.

He declared his full support for military projects in the Arctic, in cooperation with First Nations and Inuit.

He also announced that part of the surveillance of the territorial coasts will be transferred from the Coast Guard to the armed forces.

The Nunavut Prime Minister also recalled the importance of Canadian sovereignty in its Arctic territories, while indicating that it is a major argument in the current negotiations with the United States.

The two Prime Ministers also praised Ottawa’s decision to bring defense expenses to 5 % of the gross domestic product.