Yukon Premier Sandy Silver along with Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok, Northwest Territories Premier Caroline Cochrane and Indigenous leaders from across the North recently issued the first pan-northern leaders’ statement on climate change.
Canada’s North is warming up three to four times faster than the global average and northern communities are seeing these impacts first hand. While all three territories continue to do their part to reduce emissions and transition to a lower carbon economy, the joint statement recognizes that collaboration is needed to address the unique impacts of climate change in Canada’s North.
The statement calls for federal attention, support, and investment in several key areas including: climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable and alternative secure energy systems, emergency preparedness, northern research, knowledge and capacity building, supporting health and wellness, preservation of cultural identity, and economic opportunities.
Caroline Cochrane, premier of the Northwest Territories, Sandy Silver, premier of the Yukon, and P.J. Akeeagok, premier of Nunavut, addressed issues regarding the environment and climate change among other items at a conference in Whitehorse on May 9. Credit: Caroline Cochrane/Twitter.
“Yukoners and people living across the North are seeing the drastic impacts of climate change first hand. The Yukon is experiencing increased precipitation and more dramatic temperatures that are having an impact on our roads and our buildings throughout our communities,” said Yukon Premier Sandy Silver.
“I urge the federal government to work collaboratively with territorial governments and Indigenous communities across the North to ensure we are prepared to address climate change and continue to support resilient communities.”
The Government of Yukon is focused on protecting communities and ensuring they are prepared, safe and healthy, and will continue to invest throughout the Yukon to mitigate the impacts of this crisis.
“The Vuntut Gwitchin Government is pleased to see Canada’s northern Premiers stand together to make this important statement on climate change. Our government continues to lead our Arctic community towards net zero by 2030 through renewable energy projects and other coordinated actions in partnership with the governments of Yukon and Canada,” said Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Chief Dana Tizya-Tramm.
“As we forge our nation’s path towards carbon-free energy sovereignty, we look to our partners across the North and the rest of Canada to support us in the development of our endeavor of the North Yukon Climate Solutions Table.”
