Premier R.J. Simpson said new Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upcoming visit to the North “underscores the importance of Arctic sovereignty and security” to the national agenda.
On March 17, Premier R.J. Simpson issued a statement in response to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upcoming visit to Iqaluit, Nunavut, as his first domestic trip as Prime Minister:
“The Prime Minister’s decision to visit the North as part of his first domestic trip underscores the importance of Arctic sovereignty and security to Canada’s national agenda. As global interest in the Arctic grows, Canada must do more than assert its presence—we must make long-term investments that build resilient Northern communities, support economic development, and reinforce our strategic position in the region,” he said.
Earlier this month, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, announced Iqaluit, Inuvik, and Yellowknife as Northern Operational Support Hub locations. Canada is investing $2.67 billion over 20 years to establish the network of Northern Operational Support Hubs. These hubs are designed to increase the Canadian Armed Forces’ presence and responsiveness across northern regions of the country.
The federal government has pledged to work closely with the territorial governments, and local Northern and Indigenous partners through deliberate, dedicated engagements.
Premier Simpson emphasized the vital role of economic prosperity towards protecting and strengthening the communities situated in the far North.
“Security in the Arctic cannot be separated from the well-being of the people who live here. A strong military presence is necessary, but true sovereignty requires more than boots on the ground. It demands investment in infrastructure, housing, energy security, and industries that create lasting economic opportunities for Northerners. The North cannot simply be a region Canada defends—it must be a region Canada builds.”
The N.W.T. Premier pointed to “nation-building projects” like the Mackenzie Valley Highway and the Taltson Hydro Expansion Project as “critical” to economic growth, energy security, and strengthening the connectivity of the North with surrounding regions.
“Advancing the Slave Geological Province Corridor—linking to the Arctic Security Corridor (Grays Bay Road and Port project)—presents a strategic opportunity to integrate the Arctic into the North American road network, strengthen supply chains, and expand access to global markets in partnership with Indigenous governments in the NWT,” he said.
Premier Simpson ended his remarks by saying that he understands the struggles and hardships many Northerners go through year to year. He explains that solving or reducing these hardships will take more than just short term solutions, it calls for a long-term strategy and commitment.
“Regardless of political cycles in Ottawa, Canada’s Arctic priorities must remain consistent. Long-term commitments to the North must be sustained to drive real progress and lasting investment,” he said.
“Strategic investment in the North is not only essential to securing Canada’s sovereignty—it is key to strengthening our national economy, advancing reconciliation, and ensuring that Arctic and Northern communities thrive,” he added.
Cabinet Communications told True North on March 21 that the GNWT is calling specifically for long-term investments in housing, climate change adaptation, and, most significantly, strategic infrastructure development.
“This includes expanding green energy solutions, fostering partnerships, and unlocking the potential of critical minerals by improving access to electricity,” they said.
Cabinet Communications backed Premier Simpons’ previous comments that the Mackenzie Valley Highway is “particularly pivotal” for the economic sustainability of the Sahtu region, especially as water levels drop due to climate change.
They pointed out that strengthening this key transportation corridor also enhances Canada’s Arctic security and sovereignty,
Cabinet Communications added that the Taltson Hydro Expansion plays a “crucial” role in supplying minerals that could draw economic opportunities.
Premier Simpson is collaborating with local and international leadership alongside Indigenous partners and business leaders to attract more development in the region.
“(Premier Simpson) and his Cabinet also engage with international colleagues, and attend major industry events like PDAC and Roundup, continuously advocating for the sustainable resource development potential of the NWT.”
