Northern Premiers meet with Prime Minister Trudeau

Premier Sandy Silver has issued the following statement:

“Today, I spoke with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and National Defence Minister Anita Anand alongside Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok and Northwest Territories Premier Caroline Cochrane. The focus of our discussion was Arctic sovereignty and security in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

“Arctic nations have always maintained orderly and peaceful relations, but Russia’s unjustified attack of Ukraine has put the future of these relations at risk. Canada and its partners are monitoring the situation closely and we were assured the current security threat to the North remains minimal. We support the Government of Canada’s efforts to advance Arctic cooperation while holding Russia to account for its aggression in Ukraine.

“The uncertainty created by Russia’s unprovoked attack on a sovereign, democratic nation have reinforced the need for a strong Canadian presence in the North.

“While we welcome Canada’s plans to modernize NORAD, I emphasized the need to bolster the Canadian Rangers – the first line of defence in the North. There is also consensus among Northern Premiers that Arctic sovereignty and security are enhanced by strengthening the resiliency of our people and our communities.

“All leaders agree on the importance of significant investments in energy, climate, transportation, housing, health care, and infrastructure to strengthen territorial economies, create sustainable services and further foster the health and resiliency of Northerners. 

“We remain committed to working in collaboration to ensure Northerners have the tools and resources to support their health, communities and cultures.”