Hundreds of delegates are in Whitehorse to discuss northern economic and social issues at the Canada's North Summit 2013.

"The Canada's North Summit brings together business, government, aboriginal and community leaders to consider the unique challenges and opportunities of the North,” Premier Darrell Pasloski said in a statement. "It is an honour to host this year's delegates and provide our visitors with a first-hand look at how Yukon approaches these issues.”

The summit is presented by the Centre for the North, an initiative of the Conference Board of Canada. The centre examines issues from a northern perspective, by bringing together experts and stakeholders, in order to deliver practical solutions to challenges facing Canada's northern communities.

"Communities lie at the heart of the culture and economy of the North,” said Anja Jeffrey, the centre's director.

"Ensuring that northern and aboriginal communities are thriving and adaptable in the face of change is paramount. This is why the central theme of the summit is community resilience. In our discussions, we will identify actions that can be taken to ensure that communities are secure, well-functioning economic contributors today and in the future.”

The event is sponsored in part by the Department of Economic Development.

From 4:00 to 6:00 this afternoon, members of the public are invited to attend the Northern Networking Exchange to meet with delegates, speakers and sponsors and view exhibits from local and national organizations with northern operations. It will take place at the Yukon Convention Centre.