A new agreement was just signed that could help reduce red-tape and barriers between territorial governments of the North.
In a joint news release today, GNWT, the Government of Yukon, and the Government of Nunavut announced that a Memorandum of Understanding on had been signed by Premier R.J. Simpson, together with premiers from the Yukon and Nunavut on July 21 to improve trade and labour mobility across the North.
The document underscores a collective commitment between the leaders towards strengthening economic avenues.
“The Parties are committed to strengthening northern economic collaboration, reducing internal trade barriers, enhancing labour mobility, and improving trade-enabling infrastructure,” reads the first line of the signed agreement.
Talks first began in May 2025 at the Northern Premiers’ Forum in the city of Yellowknife when the Northern premiers agreed to look at the potential creation of a Territorial Trade Zone – one that would recognize modern treaties and land claims while also looking at economic opportunities within the territories.
“Through the MOU, the three territories commit to advancing shared priorities through a Territorial Trade Zone framework. This framework will support deeper cooperation by liberalizing trade and labour mobility – including through work toward a shared credential registry – coordinating joint advocacy to the federal government on critical trade-enabling infrastructure and aligning efforts on investment attraction and regulatory frameworks,” said officials in the joint announcement today.
Representatives from the territorial governments said the MOU reflects the territories’ goal towards mitigating internal trade barriers across Canada at a time of economic uncertainty, while acknowledging the distinct realities of Indigenous and Northern economies.
“The three governments agree that efforts to improve internal trade must respect modern treaties and land claim agreements and actively support Indigenous participation. The Governments of Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut are committed to ensuring that Indigenous rights are respected and that Indigenous peoples benefit from economic opportunities. Indigenous participation will be vital to the development of a trade zone spanning the three northern territories,” said officials.
Premier R.J. Simpson said the agreement was a major step towards strengthening the economy in ways that reflect its unique roots.
This agreement is about Northern leadership. 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,” said Premier Simpson.
Premier P.J. Akeeagok of Nunavut emphasized the agreement’s potential to build a more connected North.
“For Nunavut, these agreements represent more than just economic collaboration – they are about creating opportunities for Nunavummiut to fully participate in the Canadian economy. 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,” said Premier Akeeagok
Premier Mike Pemberton of Yukon said the agreement has the potential to support broader economic goals to expand trade across the country.
“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. The territories are a distinct and vital economic region within Canada and they deserve tailored solutions that reflect their unique opportunities and challenges,” said Premier Pemberton.
According to Melvin Leonard, assistant director of strategic communication for GNWT’s Industry Policy, Planning, Communications and Analysis, the agreement will support stronger “economic integration.”
“The MOU supports broader goals of reducing trade barriers and improving labour mobility across jurisdictions. Signing this MOU signals strong territorial cooperation, reinforces the three territories’ positions in national trade discussions, and helps lay the groundwork for greater economic integration across territories and supports federal engagement on key infrastructure priorities,” Leonard told True North FM.
In response to the question of how business owners and the public might be part of next steps Leonard said that any engagement initiatives would follow protocols in place.
“Any initiatives that emerge from the MOU will follow established GNWT consultation and engagement protocols. This may include targeted outreach to business owners, Indigenous governments, and other stakeholders to help inform implementation and ensure inclusive participation.”
