Following a trip to Ottawa and as talks progress between the territorial and federal governments, Premier RJ Simpson emphasized that the Arctic Security and Economic Corridor remains a “live issue.”
“They’re always back and forth between our government and the federal government. They’re very interested in these projects. They’re always requesting information, we’re sending information, so it’s very much a live issue,” said Premier Simpson.
The premier and Minister Caroline Wawzonek were in Ottawa last week for a series of meetings and events aimed at advancing the N.W.T.’s top priorities and “keeping Northern issues” on the national agenda.
The trip also included a stop at the Institute for Research on Public Policy, where the premier gave a keynote address on the role of the North in securing Canada’s economic future and Arctic sovereignty.
When it comes to developments on major projects in the N.W.T. including the Arctic Security Corridor, the premier told True North FM that consultations with Indigenous communities remains critical and ongoing.
“Where we are with this project is that for many, many years, the GNWT had a route that it wanted to follow and it was just advancing that route, but this government, we said, we really need to take a step back and work with the Indigenous peoples whose land this road will be on from the beginning.”
While Premier Simpson said he was not able to meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was on his way to Mexico, he did meet with other members of the federal government and other leaders.
During the trip to Ottawa, the premier and the minister joined discussions with key federal representatives including Minister David McGuinty, the minister of National Defence, Minister Rebecca Chartrand, the minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, Minister Tim Hodgson, minister of Natural Resources and NWT MP and Minister Rebecca Alty, the minister of Crown Indigenous Relations and Minister François-Philippe Champagne, minister of Finance.
Premier Simpson told True North FM that nation-building infrastructure projects such as the Arctic Security Corridor, along with the Taltson Hydro Expansion, Mackenzie Valley Highway, land claims and self-government agreements were among the focus areas of discussion.
The importance of these projects were echoed in an announcement on Friday.
“Northerners understand how vital projects like the Mackenzie Valley Highway, the Taltson Hydro Expansion, and the Arctic Security Corridor are to our future — and increasingly the rest of Canada is recognizing them as projects of national importance. My focus in Ottawa was to keep these priorities front and centre, and to work with the federal government to advance them. These projects are not only about closing the infrastructure gap in the Northwest Territories — they are about strengthening supply chains, reducing reliance on diesel, advancing economic reconciliation, and upholding Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic. The Northwest Territories cannot be left behind, and our government is committed to making sure these opportunities are realized for the benefit of all Canadians,” said the premier.
When it comes to development projects located in the far North, the Arctic Security Corridor has remained at the forefront of territorial and federal discussions since the spring.
Just last week, the Prime Minister mentioned the Arctic Security corridor in a speech on nation-building.
“Last week, there was the first tranche of projects going through that major projects office and the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor was announced as part of that second tranche,” said Premier Simpson.
There has been continuing buzz between the territorial and federal governments regarding last week’s announcement on nation building projects.
“They’re always back and forth between our government and the federal government. They’re very interested in these projects. They’re always requesting information, we’re sending information, so it’s very much a live issue,” he said.
The Premier added that “It’s really exciting times for defence in the North right now.”
Premier Simpson also said that he and Minister Wawzonek had a “really good meeting,” with Minister McGuinty on topics related to national defence.
“We discussed everything, it was a really wide ranging and productive, meeting: we discussed cyber security, research in the North, a major project, coast guard dredging, search and rescue – All of these things.”
Back in March the premier announced that he was looking to forward to the chance to “translate Arctic commitments” to lasting investment when PM Mark Carney visited the far North as part of his first domestic trip as Canada’s leader.
“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 in March, Minister Bill Blair, then minister of National Defence, had announced that the city of Yellowknife along with Iqaluit and Inuvik would be the Northern Operational Support Hub locations.
The federal government is investing $2.67 billion over 20 years to establish the network of Northern Operational Support Hubs. The hubs are aimed at increasing the Canadian Armed Forces’ presence and responsiveness across northern regions.
The federal government pledged to work closely with the territorial governments, and local Northern and Indigenous partners through deliberate, dedicated engagements.
In March, 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.”
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