The Northwest Territories Film Commission, the Nunavut Film Development Corporation and Yukon Media Development are positioning the North as a unified screen production region in Canada.
Signing this Memorandum of Understanding establishes the Canadian Screen Alliance of Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The group will serve as a collaborative forum to advance shared priorities and strengthen coordination across the northern screen sector, amplify northern and Indigenous voices and support industry growth.
The alliance will help with:
- Creating a unified northern voice in Canada’s screen sector.
- Strengthening collaboration across the three territories.
- Supporting Indigenous storytelling, languages and creative sovereignty.
- Facilitating shared learning and industry development.
- Supporting recognition of the northern screen sector as a cohesive region to improve engagement with national industry organizations, funding programs, working groups, advisory committees and strategic initiatives.
The three territorial film commissions share a common focus on strengthening their respective media sectors by promoting their jurisdictions as production destinations, supporting workforce development, creating economic and employment opportunities for residents and fostering a sustainable screen industry. They work to attract productions, build local capacity, support creators and businesses, showcase northern stories, cultures and locations to national and international audiences. The alliance formalizes their commitment to advance these priorities together.
As northern territories, we share many challenges as well as opportunities, and our respective screen sectors are no exception. This agreement is one way we are working together as we explore possibilities to address labour market needs across our jurisdictions, in this sector and in other industries. I look forward to continuing discussions with Nunavut and the Northwest Territories on common economic goals and thank them for their commitment to our shared vision for film in the North.
The screen industry presents an exciting opportunity for the Northwest Territories, and working together with Yukon and Nunavut will help us build on that potential. We already know the value of labour mobility across the North, where talent, skills and experience can move between our territories to support projects and create opportunities for northern residents. This agreement builds on that success by strengthening collaboration, supporting a connected northern workforce, and giving our local creators and businesses a stronger voice and greater opportunities in Canada’s screen industry. By working together, we can showcase our northern talent, stories and locations to a much broader audience.
By working together, we can strengthen our presence on the national stage and ensure the unique perspectives, priorities and potential of our three territories are better represented. This agreement is an important step toward building a stronger, more connected and sustainable screen industry across Canada's Arctic and North.
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The three territorial film commissioners signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Yellowknife International Film Festival on November 7, 2026.
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This MOU is non-binding and reflects a statement of mutual intent and cooperation only. It does not create legal obligations, enforceable rights, or financial commitments. It will remain in effect for five years.
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The MOU builds on a history of collaboration between the three film commissions, such as the IPF Pre-Application Training Program for Northern Producers held in 2025.
Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]
Melvin Leonard
Assistant Director, Strategic Communication, Government of Northwest Territories
867-767-9202 Ext. 63038
[email protected]
Huw Eirug
Co-CEO Nunavut Film Development Corporation
(867) 222-4698
[email protected]
Damian Topps
Communications, Economy, Tourism and Culture
867-689-1154
[email protected]