Territorial Premiers commit to working with new federal Ministers to advance the needs of northerners

July 18, 2018 – (Moncton, NB) Northern Premiers today extend their congratulations to new members of the Government of Canada’s Cabinet and look forward to working with all Ministers and the Prime Minister to continue to advance northern priorities.

Yukon Premier Sandy Silver, Northwest Territories Premier Bob McLeod and Nunavut Premier Joe Savikataaq are eager to work with the Ministers to advance the needs of northerners in recognition of the unique circumstances in their jurisdictions. In particular, northern Premiers will continue to stress the need for a more flexible approach to federal-territorial infrastructure funding.

At a meeting of northern Premiers this morning in Moncton, New Brunswick, the Premiers reiterated that when it comes to the future development of the North and its peoples, decisions should be made with northerners, in recognition and respect of their cultures and diversity.

The Premiers acknowledge and welcome the appointments of the Honourable Dominique LeBlanc as Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade, and the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne as Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.

The need for more infrastructure in all three territories is urgent, and greater flexibility in federal infrastructure policy and funding will help ensure that northerners have every opportunity for economic success and a high quality of life.

The Premiers wish to thank former Minister of Infrastructure, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, as well as the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, former Minister of Northern Affairs, for their work and dedication in these critical areas.