Premier optimistic ahead of Canada-U.S trade deal deadline
John Main will stock U.S. alcohol again but ‘whether Canadians want to buy American alcohol is up to them’
Nunavut Premier John Main says he’s feeling optimistic a new trade deal being negotiated with the U.S. will be beneficial to Nunavummiut. (File photo by Arty Sarkisian)
Nunavut Premier John Main says he feels “encouraged” by the progress in trade negotiations as yet another tariff deadline looms Friday at midnight.
Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Canada’s lead negotiator Janice Charette are in Washington, D.C., to negotiate a new Canada-U.S.-Mexico, or CUSMA, trade agreement with U.S. officials such as trade representative Jamieson Greer.
Canada is trying to avert a new round of tariffs that U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened on nearly $30 billion of Canadian goods if a new deal isn’t reached. At issue is the export of American milk and sale of American liquor north of the border, among other items.
“Although there are still several outstanding issues under active consideration, I’m confident that these efforts will lead to a mutually beneficial agreement,” Main said Thursday in a statement to Nunatsiaq News.
He said a new deal stands to strengthen supply chains that “matter deeply in northern and remote communities,” and that he feels optimistic it can be achieved.
But any deal would need to take into account “unique pressures” Nunavut is facing, like affordability, Main said, pointing to transportation costs, greater supply chain vulnerability, and the high cost of living.
“No single agreement solves everything,” he said. “Our government is focused on making sure the North is part of the economic benefits that come from a strong and stable trade relationship.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney updated premiers Wednesday on the talks and urged them to restock American alcohol in their liquor stores.
Main said he’s ready to comply so that American products can be available for purchase again in Nunavut.
“Whether Canadians want to buy American alcohol is up to them,” the premier added.
Former Nunavut premier P.J. Akeeagok is also advocating for the territory as part of Carney’s Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations.
Akeeagok is the only Inuk voice on the committee and previously stated his goal is to put the Arctic at the “centre of Canada’s strategic investment agenda and at the forefront of nation‑building.”
“I have consistently emphasized the central importance of the Arctic to Canada’s sovereignty, security, defence posture, and critical minerals strategy,” Akeeagok shared in a short written statement to Nunatsiaq News.
“We hold significant opportunities for the country, and Inuit regions have a great deal to offer in shaping Canada’s long‑term economic and strategic position.”
Weve been ordering California wine to Iqaluit from Edmonton throughout this whole thing. The Co-op store in Leduc sells American products and ships it through Canadian North cargo with a valid permit.
So glad you let us know. We were all wondering what your buying habits have been through these difficult times.
Inuit should come first and not the diplomatics of politics in our own territory! We should have committed to self government in Nunavut instead. What a joke that we live by dipping into Trumps demands .
The needs of any one of Canada’s ethnic groups takes a far second seat the needs of the country at a time of crisis like this. Our shared Canadianness is far more important than our ethnicities.
Do put your petty identity politics aside and be part of the team, okay?
Elbows up? Dont count on our PM. Mr Burns.
Tell us what you would do, sparky? Can’t wait to hear.
It seems Premier Johnny Main has a habit of misreading the room. Not surprised. Since he was named Premier 10 months ago, his idea of reading the Nunavut/Nunavummiut “room” has been to carry on just like the previous government. The one that saw more than half of the previous members either not run again or get voted out in the last election. Was there some confusion about what that Nunavut/Nunavummiut “room” was saying Mr. Premier?
In regard to the Canada & US negotiations (on unwarranted Tariffs arbitrarily imposed on us by the US Clown). The Premier was either naive or full of wishful thinking that Canada could actually make a good deal with the southern Clown (replace now with Devil). That was a misread (not only by him but many others). The only one who benefits from a deal with the Devil. Is the Devil! Not sure why some people thought that Canada was going to get anything but the short end of the stick.
So now I wonder what part of “reading the Nunavut/Nunavummiut room” the Premier missed. Seems like all of it because all Nunavummiut have seen from him and his new government is more of the same deflection, gaslighting, disinformation and lots of promises. Throw in some slogans “Let’s help each other.” and lots of hand holding and kumbaya singing. Sprinkle it with very little action or accountability anywhere to be found (i.e. think recent Deputy Minister “shake up” (promotion of NHC CEO), failure to call out inaction i.e. Nutrition North Aluki fiasco, continued nonsense in Housing, Education, Health, etc..). Yeah, so it seems his is living not only in a different room but a different house all together.
Suggestion Johnny, take some time to reflect back to the previous 4 years of the last government and then try and read the Nunavut/Nunavummiut “room”.