Leader’s Blog: Northern Tour

January 16, 2015

Last week, along with my eldest son Xavier, I had the honour of connecting with Canadians on a five-day tour of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

This trip, which further underscored to me that the North is an incredible place to visit during the winter, was about connecting with Northerners, experiencing the very real challenges they face on a day-to-day basis, and recognizing opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

We started in Inuvik, where I discussed land claims, self-government and devolution with the Gwich’in Tribal Council and the Inuvaluit Regional Corporation.

A major highlight for me was hosting a community feast at Nakasuk School, where we enjoyed traditional dishes of caribou meat and Arctic char.

I had productive discussions with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. on their specific land claim agreement.

I toured the Aurora Research Institute to learn about the unique environmental, social science and scientific research being carried out in the North; and Xav and I attended the Inuvik Sunrise Festival, joining the community in celebrating the return of the sunrise after 30 days of darkness.

In Yellowknife, I met with residents, and participated in a roundtable with local business leaders on opportunities for economic development in the North.

I met with chiefs of the Dene Nation to discuss the need for a respectful and collaborative partnership with the federal government; and Xav and I capped off our time in Yellowknife with some dogsledding – a memory I know he won’t soon forget!

The final stretch of our tour took us to Iqaluit, where I held another roundtable with leaders in the business community on training, infrastructure and resource development.

A major highlight for me was hosting a community feast at Nakasuk School, where we enjoyed traditional dishes of caribou meat and Arctic char.I had productive discussions with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. on their specific land claim agreement.

Finally, I met with folks at the Qayuqtuvik Society soup kitchen, where we had an honest conversation about the reality facing many Northerners who cannot access basic necessities like food and housing.

The people of the North and the strength of their communities are our country’s best guarantee of Canadian sovereignty. This incredible region has huge potential for growth, but it needs a partner who will invest in its people, infrastructure, and research, in order to ensure that this growth is realized.

As Liberals, we recognize that Canada’s North is an extraordinary place to visit, live, and invest. I look forward to continuing my relationship with Northerners, and I am more hopeful than ever for the future of the North.

Justin Trudeau
Leader, Liberal Party of Canada