PM Mark Carney visits Fort Smith and Inuvik to discuss wildfire impacts, affordability, and Indigenous concerns over Canada’s major projects legislation.
Carney Returns to Hometown for First Official N.W.T. Visit
Prime Minister Mark Carney will make his first official visit to the Northwest Territories since taking office, returning to his hometown of Fort Smith on Wednesday. The visit will focus on affordability issues, food insecurity, and the long-term impact of wildfires on northern communities.
Born in Fort Smith, Carney spent his early childhood in the southern N.W.T. town before relocating with his family. His return marks a personal and political milestone as he seeks to engage directly with the territory’s residents and leadership.
Affordability and Food Security on Local Agenda
Carney will begin his day by meeting with Premier R.J. Simpson and local families in Fort Smith to discuss rising costs of living and challenges in accessing affordable, nutritious food. Residents across the North continue to face steep grocery prices and limited supply chains, issues that have been exacerbated by climate disruptions and economic instability.
The Prime Minister’s Office says the visit will highlight federal commitments to supporting Northern communities, where inflation and isolation create unique cost-of-living pressures.
Focus on Wildfire Recovery and Preparedness
Later in the day, Carney will meet with community leaders to address ongoing wildfire risks and recovery efforts. Although this year’s fire season has been comparatively calm, the Northwest Territories is still recovering from the devastating 2023 wildfires that forced mass evacuations in Fort Smith, Hay River, and Yellowknife.
Officials are expected to brief Carney on local fire mitigation strategies and community resilience plans, as well as the need for sustained federal investment in emergency preparedness and infrastructure.
Northern Tour Continues in Inuvik
On Wednesday evening, Carney will travel north to Inuvik, where he is scheduled to meet with Indigenous leaders at the local community centre. His meetings will include discussions with Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and Duane Smith, chair of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.
The talks will center on Bill C-5, the federal government’s controversial major projects legislation, which proposes to accelerate industrial development by streamlining environmental reviews and regulatory processes.
Indigenous Leaders Voice Concerns Over Bill C-5
While Ottawa argues that the Building Canada Act is vital for national infrastructure and economic growth, several Indigenous organizations have criticized the bill for bypassing Indigenous consultation, treaty obligations, and environmental protections.
Carney is expected to address these concerns directly during his Inuvik meetings as part of a broader series of government-led summits with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leaders throughout the summer.
A Personal and Political Homecoming
Carney’s visit to the Northwest Territories underscores the federal government’s focus on Northern development, Indigenous partnerships, and climate resilience. It also marks a symbolic homecoming for the prime minister, whose early roots in Fort Smith have become a point of personal connection in his broader political narrative.
As wildfires, affordability, and reconciliation remain at the forefront of national debate, the prime minister’s meetings in Fort Smith and Inuvik are seen as key moments in shaping the government’s northern agenda.
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