Territorial governments sign Memorandum of Understanding towards creating a Territorial Trade Zone

Press Release

July 28, 2025

This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, Government of Northwest Territories and the Government of Nunavut.

Premier of the Yukon Mike Pemberton, Premier of the Northwest Territories R.J. Simpson and Premier of Nunavut P.J. Akeeagok have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on improving trade across the North.

Through the MOU, the three territories commit to advancing shared priorities through a Territorial Trade Zone framework.  This framework will support deeper cooperation by liberalizing trade and labour mobility – including through work toward a shared credential registry – coordinating joint advocacy to the federal government on critical trade-enabling infrastructure and aligning efforts on investment attraction and regulatory frameworks.

Read the MOU between the three territories.

This MOU reflects the territories’ commitment to reduce internal trade barriers across Canada, while recognizing the distinct realities of northern and Indigenous economies and demonstrating regional leadership during a period of national economic uncertainty.

The three governments agree that efforts to improve internal trade must respect modern treaties and land claim agreements and actively support Indigenous participation. The Governments of Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut are committed to ensuring that Indigenous rights are respected and that Indigenous peoples benefit from economic opportunities. Indigenous participation will be vital to the development of a trade zone spanning the three northern territories.

A Territorial Trade Zone is the kind of innovation we need right now as we seek to support Team Canada’s broader efforts to expand trade across the country, while recognizing the realities of living and doing business in the North. The territories are a distinct and vital economic region within Canada and they deserve tailored solutions that reflect their unique opportunities and challenges.

Premier Mike Pemberton

This agreement is about Northern leadership. Through the Territorial Trade Zone, the three territories are taking concrete steps to reduce barriers, grow our workforce and attract investment – all in ways that reflect our unique northern and Indigenous realities. We’re not waiting to be invited into the national economy. We’re shaping it, together.

Premier of the Northwest Territories R.J. Simpson

For Nunavut, these agreements represent more than just economic collaboration – they are about creating opportunities for Nunavummiut to fully participate in the Canadian economy. By strengthening labour mobility and reducing trade barriers, we are helping to build a more connected North and ensuring that our communities benefit from the growth and innovation happening across the country. I look forward to working with our partners to advance this shared vision.

Premier of Nunavut P.J. Akeeagok

Quick facts

• During the May 2025 Northern Premiers’ Forum, then-Premier Ranj Pillai, Premier Simpson and Premier Akeeagok agreed to explore the creation of a Territorial Trade Zone, recognizing modern treaties and land claims, to enhance the economic opportunities of the territories.
• Through this MOU, the three territories will formally launch exploratory discussions towards an agreement and coordinate their efforts to support the North’s full participation in a single Canadian economy.
• On June 24, 2025, the Government of Yukon announced the removal of five party-specific exceptions from the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.
• On July 8, 2025, Committee on Internal Trade Ministers met in Quebec City to continue work on improving trade across the country. Minister Pillai attended to advocate for the needs and perspectives of Yukoners. Read the statement from Minister Pillai.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Linnea Blum
Communications, Economic Development
867-332-2625
linnea.blum@yukon.ca

Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
867-445-8506
presssecretary@gov.nt.ca

Sima Sahar Zerehi
Communications, Government of Nunavut
867-975-5059
szerehi6@gov.nu.ca

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