Premiers ink pact in Cambridge Bay

The three territorial premiers were in Cambridge Bay this week to sign a co-operation accord to strengthen the North’s voice on the national stage.

Premier Dennis Fentie of the Yukon, Premier Stephen Kakfwi of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik signed the “Northern Cooperation Accord” on Sept. 3 during a ceremony at Kullik Ilihakvik.

“We will work cooperatively in areas such as the economy, devolution, aboriginal rights, the environment and social policy,” Okalik said in a news release. “The strength of northern solidarity was clearly demonstrated earlier this year when the federal government committed an additional $60 million for the North as part a national health-care arrangement.”

As part of the accord, the territorial premiers will hold an annual northern premiers’ forum.

The accord will be valid for three years and can be amended as well as renewed.