Defence discussions on docket as Nunavut Trade Show returns to AWG Arena

It’s almost showtime for more than 100 exhibitors and 200 delegates registered to attend the Nunavut Trade Show and conference next week in Iqaluit.

“We’re hopeful that it’s going to be a good show and that the weather co-operates,” said Rowena House, executive director of the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce, which is hosting the event.

This year’s theme is “capacity, collaboration, commerce.”

The trade show, which is scheduled to run Sept. 15 to 17, will move back to the Arctic Winter Games Arena following a move to the Aqsarniit Hotel and Conference Centre last year.

The eight sessions will remain at the hotel, to be held on Sept. 15. They include keynote addresses from chamber chair Udlu Hanson and Community Services Minister Craig Simailak.

One panel discussion will bring together Antoine am Rhyn, representing Defence Construction Canada — the Crown corporation responsible for defence-related infrastructure and environmental projects, and officials from the Department of National Defence.

“There’s so much defence money earmarked for the territory that there’s a lot of businesses and a lot of our members wondering where they fit into that bigger picture,” House said. “Having that conversation is a way to ensure that the information is getting out to the broader group.”

Rowena House

Other talks will explore ongoing infrastructure projects in the territory and the role of non-profits as economic drivers.

Delegates are coming from as far away as Iceland and the United States, House said. Despite the event unfolding against the backdrop of a trade conflict between Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump, that issue is not on the agenda.

“Moderators and the panelists may touch on it, but I don’t think it’s a prominent conversation that we’re having,” she said.

New this year are skill workshops for more than one dozen professional artists from the region. Those are set to be held in the arena’s youth centre.

Artists can sell their handmade wares on Sept. 16 and 17, congregated in an arts market at one end of the trade show.

House joined the chamber’s team in November. Her past work includes leading the former Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association followed by eight years representing the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador.