Minister Caroline Wawzonek and Minister Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statements today as the 2026 Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference concluded in Yellowknife, marking the end of the Northwest Territories’ role as co-chair.

Minister Caroline Wawzonek, Minister Responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy and Supply Chains

“It has been a privilege for the Northwest Territories to co-chair the 2026 Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference and to welcome ministers, Indigenous leaders, delegates, speakers, officials, and partners to Yellowknife.

Over the past year, this work has focused on strengthening investor confidence, advancing energy security, supporting responsible resource development, and improving coordination across governments. Hosting this conference in the Northwest Territories gave us an important opportunity to bring a Northern perspective to national conversations about Canada’s energy future, critical mineral supply chains, infrastructure needs, and long-term economic security.

In the North, these issues are not theoretical. They are part of our daily reality. Energy security, infrastructure, Indigenous partnerships, and sovereignty are closely connected. Reliable transportation networks, resilient energy systems, and strong partnerships with Indigenous governments are essential to supporting communities, strengthening Canada’s presence in the North, and creating opportunities for future generations.

Throughout EMMC, we highlighted the reality that Northern infrastructure is nation-building infrastructure. Roads, bridges, transmission lines, communication networks, and resilient energy systems are what allow communities to grow, supply chains to strengthen, and major projects to move forward. The Northwest Territories has tremendous energy and mineral potential, but unlocking that potential requires sustained investment and long-term coordination among governments, Indigenous partners, industry, and communities.

The announcements and discussions this week, including federal steps related to the Mackenzie Valley Highway, investments in clean electricity and clean mining, and continued work on critical minerals and energy infrastructure, show that Canada is increasingly recognizing the importance of the North to the country’s future. We will continue to make the case that projects like the Mackenzie Valley Highway, the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor, and the Taltson Hydro Expansion are critical to Canada’s energy security, economic resilience, and Arctic sovereignty.

As our chairship concludes, I want to thank Minister Hodgson and our federal partners, my colleague Minister Cleveland, and all provincial and territorial colleagues for the work done over the past year. We are pleased to hand this work to Ontario as the next rotating host, and we look forward to seeing the momentum from Yellowknife carried forward to EMMC 2027.”

Minister Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment

“Co-chairing EMMC has been an important opportunity to show Canada what the Northwest Territories can contribute to the country’s energy and mining future, and why this work matters so deeply to Northerners.

This is a critical moment in the history of the Northwest Territories. Our diamond mines have supported families, businesses, communities, Indigenous development corporations, and the territorial economy for decades. As those mines move closer to the end of their productive lives, we have to be ready for what comes next.

The NWT has world-class mineral potential, including critical minerals that Canada and its partners need for clean energy, defence, technology, and economic security. But potential alone does not build an economy. We need infrastructure, energy, workforce development, investment, regulatory certainty, and strong partnerships with Indigenous governments to move responsible projects from exploration to development and production.

Our position at EMMC this year is significant for the Northwest Territories. This national meeting of energy and mining ministers, is also a forum this year where we can make the case that the North has a central role to play in Canada’s future, and that Northerners must benefit from the opportunities ahead.

Over the past year, EMMC has advanced important work on investor confidence, coordinated permitting, Indigenous partnership, critical mineral supply chains, geoscience data, and moving the infrastructure needed to support development further. This work is about making Canada more competitive. It’s also about making sure regions like the Northwest Territories are not left behind as global demand for minerals and energy continues to grow.

A key part of this year’s work was ensuring Indigenous leadership and Northern realities were reflected in the national conversation. Indigenous governments in the Northwest Territories are rights-holders, decision-makers, project partners, and economic leaders. Their involvement is essential to the success of energy, mining, and infrastructure development in the North.

This week also included important announcements and discussions that connect directly to the NWT’s future, from clean electricity and clean mining to major infrastructure and critical mineral supply chains. Together, they reinforce a simple point: the Northwest Territories is ready to help build a stronger, more secure, and more self-reliant Canada, but we need the right investments and partnerships to turn opportunity into lasting benefits for residents and communities.

I am proud that we were able to host this conference in Yellowknife and give delegates a better understanding of both the challenges and opportunities that define development in the North. I hope those who joined us leave with a clearer sense of what is possible here, and with a stronger commitment to working with us to build the next chapter of the Northwest Territories economy.

As we hand the rotating chairship to Ontario, we do so with gratitude for the collaboration shown over the past year and confidence that the work will continue. The Northwest Territories will remain an active partner in advancing Canada’s energy and mining future, and in ensuring Northerners benefit from the opportunities ahead.”