The North is Canada’s next horizon of opportunity—rich in resources, strategically positioned, and home to resilient communities that embody the spirit of this nation. As the world enters a new era of economic and geopolitical uncertainty, the Northwest Territories must be central to Canada’s strategy for the future.
This is a message to all federal leaders: Canada cannot afford to overlook the Northwest Territories. Regardless of who forms the next federal government, this moment must be a turning point—a chance to bring lasting focus to both the challenges and vast opportunities in our territory.
The Arctic and the North have never been more essential to Canada’s future. As the world adapts to new economic and geopolitical realities, the Northwest Territories is positioned to strengthen Arctic sovereignty, enhance resource security, and drive economic growth. With the right investments, our territory can be a pillar of Canada’s economic success and strategic leadership on the global stage.
But realizing that potential requires more than recognition—it requires action. A strong partnership between the federal government and the Northwest Territories, forward-thinking leadership, and strategic investments are essential to empowering Northerners and strengthening Canada as a whole. Arctic development must be treated not as a regional favour, but as a national priority.
By working together, we can build resilient communities, drive sustainable growth, and ensure the North continues to contribute to Canada’s prosperity. This isn’t about charity from Ottawa—it’s about making strategic investments that benefit all Canadians.
At the same time, we face real challenges. Climate-driven emergencies like wildfires and drought are straining our communities, economy, and government resources. Major economic drivers, such as our diamond mines and the Norman Wells oil field, are winding down, with global events potentially accelerating these closures. Longstanding gaps in housing, infrastructure, education, and economic opportunity demand a renewed federal partnership that reflects the North’s distinct circumstances.
With climate resilience, Indigenous-led innovation, and infrastructure designed for northern realities, the North can be a global model of adaptation and sustainability.
The Northwest Territories is not a province and lacks the resources of one. Strategic investments from the federal government and the private sector are essential to building the infrastructure needed to unlock the North’s potential. Programs designed for southern Canada often don’t work here. Effective policies must recognize the realities of doing business in the North—including higher costs, infrastructure gaps, and the necessity of strong partnerships with Indigenous governments—to ensure development creates lasting benefits and keeps Canada competitive.
As global competition for resources intensifies, Canada has a unique opportunity to lead in critical mineral production. The Northwest Territories is home to some of the world’s most significant untapped reserves, including Canada’s first rare earth mine, the largest primary cobalt deposit in the Western world, and one of the highest-grade tungsten deposits on the planet.
These are not just northern assets—they are strategic national advantages. If we fail to invest in the infrastructure needed to access and process these resources, others will take the lead.
Unlocking their potential will require strategic investments in nation-building infrastructure, such as all-season roads and energy corridors, to connect these deposits to markets and create economic opportunities for Northerners. This infrastructure not only serves the North—it enhances Canada’s security, trade capacity, and economic independence in an uncertain world.
The Giant Mine Remediation Project near Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Sept. 21, 2022. Angela Gzowski/The Canadian Press.
Targeted incentives, such as a North of 60 Mineral Exploration Tax Credit, would help level the playing field for companies operating in the North, where costs are significantly higher than in southern Canada.
We must also move beyond individual projects and establish a comprehensive, nation-building infrastructure approach—developed in partnership with NWT governments—that outlines clear priorities, timelines, and a reliable funding framework to unlock the North’s potential.
The North has always been an integral part of Canada’s identity, and it must be an integral part of Canada’s future. This is not a regional concern—it is a national priority. A strong, thriving North benefits all Canadians.
Canada must choose: by 2030, will we be a northern power, or a bystander in our own backyard? The decisions made in the next five years will shape this country’s future for generations.
The North cannot simply be a region Canada defends—it must be a region Canada builds.
With leadership, vision, and commitment, we can unlock the North’s full potential and build a more prosperous, resilient, and secure future for the entire country.
To all federal leaders—now is the time to act. Commit to Arctic and Northern development not as a symbolic gesture, but as a cornerstone of Canada’s long-term strategy. Let’s work together to make the North the foundation of a stronger, more unified Canada.
