The three territorial premiers discussed several major issues during their annual forum held Tuesday and Wednesday in Inuvik.

They focused on shared priorities, reflecting on the state of the North and discussing Arctic security, infrastructure, critical minerals, housing, labour markets, education and climate change and the problematic state of parts of the Dempster Highway.

In response to the evolving wildfire situation, Premier Ranj Pillai also announced a donation of $25,000 to the United Way Northwest Territories’ 2023 Hay River and Kátł’odeeche First Nation Wildfire Response to support relief, recovery and resiliency efforts.

Parts of the region have had to be evacuated in the face of the wildfires.

At the forum, the Northwest Territories was represented by Premier Caroline Cochrane. P.J. Akeeagok is the premier of Nunavut.

“It was my honour to meet with Premier Cochrane and Premier Akeeagok to discuss our shared priorities and continued work together to create a prosperous and sustainable future for the territories,” Pillai said Wednesday.

“Thank you to the community of Inuvik for the hospitality in hosting this year’s Northern Premiers’ Forum.”

Cochrane remains as the forum’s chair until December. Akeeagok will assume the role for 2024.

The forum takes place every year with each territory hosting in rotation.