Northern leaders call for major infrastructure investments in Canada’s North

At the 2026 Northern Perspectives conference in Winnipeg, northern and provincial leaders urged major federal investment in northern infrastructure, highlighting projects such as the Kivalliq Hydro‑Fibre Link and a proposed expansion of the Port of Churchill.

The 2026 Northern Perspectives conference opened in Winnipeg with hundreds of attendees at the Victoria Inn. The multi-day trade show focuses on trade, innovation and the future of Canada’s North. Northern mayors, territorial leaders and provincial and federal officials emphasized the need for major infrastructure investment. Speakers linked those needs to economic development and federal priorities on Arctic security and sovereignty. Key facts: - The conference opened Friday at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg with hundreds of attendees. - Nunavut Premier John Main delivered the keynote and said the North has a history of underinvestment and needs major federal infrastructure funding. - Nukik Corporation has proposed a $3.3-billion, 1,200-kilometre transmission line to connect Manitoba's hydro grid to five Nunavut communities and at least one gold mine. - The Kivalliq Hydro‑Fibre Link and a proposed expansion of the Port of Churchill are both seeking placement on the federal government's list of nation-building projects. - Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said a major energy company is considering investment in the Churchill project and that the province has hired a consultant to assess shipping energy opportunities, with more details expected in the spring. Summary: Conference speakers said improved northern infrastructure could strengthen local economies and support Canada’s Arctic security priorities. Several large projects remain under review, including federal consideration for nation-building status and a provincial consultant study on Churchill; Undetermined at this time.