The cities of Yellowknife, Whitehorse and Iqaluit signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at building collaboration between the three communities as among the major hubs and capital cities of the North.
According to a message released by Yellowknife city officials MOU formally identifies “shared priorities” regarding infrastructure as well as “community capacity” and assistance for Arctic security and defence operations.
“Recognizing the growing strategic importance of the North, and the impacts on municipal services, infrastructure, and community development, the three cities have agreed to work together to advocate for coordinated federal investment and ongoing federal-municipal partnership across the Arctic,” read a message issued following the signing.
According to the announcement, the MOU draws a roadmap for how the three communities can work together with the federal government.
The MOU identifies investment in “northern resilience” and core infrastructure as its top priority.
“Ensuring water, wastewater, solid waste, housing, transportation, energy, communications, and major community facilities in the northern capitals are modern, climate‑resilient, and capable of supporting both civilian and defence operations.”
Secondly, the agreement names the strengthening of federal-municipal collaboration.
“Embedding municipal perspectives in national investment decisions and planning related to Arctic sovereignty, NORAD modernization, and Department of National Defence (DND) readiness.”
“Support northern municipal capacity,” is identified as the third priority.
“Establishing a structured framework for predictable funding, technical support, data sharing, and coordinated planning to help northern municipalities meet growing operational and community demands.”
Officials said that the agreement “affirms” the importance of Indigenous and Inuit participation in development projects in the North and “commits each City” to engage local Inuit, First Nations, and Métis governments and organizations.
Mayor Ben Hendriksen with the city of Yellowknife said the agreement will allow the cities to work together in negotiating terms with the federal government.
“Canada’s northern capitals play a central role in supporting Arctic sovereignty, community resilience, and national security. This MOU sends a strong message: our cities are aligned, proactive, and ready to work closely with the federal government to ensure the North has the infrastructure and capacity it needs—now and for the future,” said Hendriksen.
Mayor Solomon Awa, of the city of Iqaluit said the MOU will allow for needed infrastructure and greater Inuit and Indigenous engagement.
“This partnership is about protecting the everyday services residents count on, while preparing for the reality that the Arctic is seeing more attention and activity. For Iqaluit, that means investing in core infrastructure like water and wastewater, housing, safe roads, reliable power, and key community facilities. By working with Whitehorse and Yellowknife, we are pushing for coordinated federal partnership and long-term investment that strengthens northern capitals and supports Inuit and Indigenous participation throughout,” said Awa.
Mayor Kirk Cameron of Whitehorse said the cities as urban hubs play unique roles.
“Whitehorse, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit are each critical northern hubs that play a unique role in supporting the residents, communities and economies of our respective territories. We strongly support efforts to enhance Arctic security and strengthen Canada’s sovereignty in a way that benefits northern residents and enhances community resiliency. By working together with Indigenous partners and federal agencies, we can advance strategic investments that bolster northern communities and benefit Canada as a whole,” said Cameron.
In December, the city of Yellowknife signed an MOU with Inuvik.
Mayor Hendriksen reflected that with the federal government turning its focus northward towards economic and Arctic sovereignty, the work of partnerships across municipalities and across levels of government becomes increasingly critical for Northern communities.
“This MOU says that the government of Canada investment in Arctic security infrastructure sovereignty in Northern communities must include partnerships of the municipalities. Investments announced in the federal budget such as the creation of the Arctic infrastructure Fund, recognise the importance of strong Northern communities.”
Mayor Henriksen and Inuvik Mayor Clarkson had emphasized their partnership will focus on advocating for strategic military and defense investments.
Henriksen had also said that the city is always looking for more ways to connect with other communities within other territories in the provinces across the country.
