Arctic premiers say communities lack highways amid sovereignty push

The premiers of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut told a House of Commons foreign affairs committee that many northern communities still lack basic infrastructure such as year‑round highways and reliable connections to southern Canada. Ottawa has announced a $1‑billion Arctic infrastructure fund and has listed a proposed Arctic Security and Economic Corridor for further consideration, but the corridor has not been finalized.

The premiers of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut spoke to the House of Commons foreign affairs committee about Canada's Arctic strategy and the practical needs of northern communities. They said many communities still lack basic infrastructure such as year‑round highways and dependable connections to southern Canada. The conversation has been framed in part by international attention to Arctic issues and by federal commitments that officials say need follow‑through. The premiers called for sustained, planned investment rather than a short‑term focus. Key points: - Northern leaders told the committee that many communities do not have year‑round highway links and that local road networks are often single‑lane gravel or chip‑sealed. - Nunavut is not connected to the rest of Canada by highway, and some goods must be flown in for much of the year. - The federal government has listed the proposed Arctic Security and Economic Corridor among “transformative strategies” and has voiced support, but the corridor plan remains under development and has not been finalized. - Ottawa announced a $1‑billion Arctic infrastructure fund in November; the premiers discussed details of the fund with federal transport officials while in Ottawa. Summary: The premiers emphasized that strengthening basic infrastructure is central to reinforcing Canadian presence and sovereignty in the North, and they described decades of underinvestment that require long‑term planning and resources. Plans for the corridor and related projects remain under development and undetermined at this time.