Defence, Indigenous and industry leaders will examine how strategic corridors could strengthen Canada’s North and connect resources to global markets
WINNIPEG — Canada’s ability to strengthen its Arctic sovereignty while opening new routes to international markets will be the focus of a national policy conference in Winnipeg Sept. 14 and 15.
The Frontier Centre for Public Policy is bringing together leaders and experts from defence, Indigenous communities, energy, transportation, infrastructure, business and public policy to examine what it would take to move northern strategic utility corridors from proposal to construction.
Reclaiming the North: Strategic Utility Corridors for Sovereignty and Economic Development in Canada’s Arctic will examine how rail, road, port, energy and communications infrastructure could connect resource-producing regions to northern ports and international markets while supporting Canada’s security and year-round presence in the Arctic.
“Canada has both an opportunity and a responsibility to think boldly about its North,” said David Leis, president and CEO of the Frontier Centre. “I trust that these discussions will contribute to practical next steps and a combined resolve to turn this moment into an enduring national benefit for future generations.”
A key focus will be the proposed NeeStaNan corridor, an Indigenous-led project that would connect Western Canadian resources to a new Hudson Bay port near the Nelson River. The concept combines rail, road, port, energy and communications infrastructure, creating another route to tidewater and international markets.
Discussions will cover the economic and strategic case for northern corridors, their costs and logistical challenges, opportunities for Indigenous participation and northern economic development, and the regulatory, financial, environmental and technical requirements for making projects viable. The conference will conclude by examining financing and practical steps needed to move projects from discussion to implementation.
Speakers include retired lieutenant-general Michel Maisonneuve, the last chief of staff of NATO’s Supreme Allied Command Atlantic and first chief of staff of Allied Command Transformation; former Norway House Cree Nation chief and Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs grand chief Ron Evans; former MPs Robert-Falcon Ouellette and Dan McTeague; economist and business leader Catherine Swift; and national security and intelligence specialist Scott McGregor. Experts in Arctic engineering, maritime security, energy and infrastructure will also participate.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have provided messages welcoming participants. Carney said the conference brings together community leaders and industry professionals to discuss issues related to Canada’s North. Smith highlighted the potential for northern development and collaboration among governments, Indigenous communities, industry and defence.
Reclaiming the North begins Monday, Sept. 14, at the Birchwood Inn, 2520 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, with an evening panel on northern sovereignty and strategic infrastructure. Four panels on Sept. 15 will examine corridor economics and geography, economic development and capacity building, project feasibility, and moving projects from vision to implementation.
About the Frontier Centre for Public Policy
Founded in Winnipeg in 1997, the Frontier Centre for Public Policy is an independent, non-partisan Canadian think tank focused on economic growth, responsible citizenship, good governance and public-sector reform. It does not accept government funding.
Media contact:
David Leis
President and CEO
Frontier Centre for Public Policy
[email protected]
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