The premiers of the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut are taking part in the Northern Premiers’ Forum today and Friday “to continue their work to build thriving communities across the North,” said a statement released Monday.

Topics of discussion include:

• the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls;

• mental health and addictions;

• climate change and sustainable development;

• energy;

• transportation; and

• sustainable infrastructure.

Forum discussions are also part of the premiers’ preparations to take their shared northern interests to the Western Premiers’ Conference and Council of the Federation meetings later in the summer.

“I look forward to hosting my territorial counterparts in Yukon,” said Premier Sandy Silver.

“Working together is an effective way for us to address common issues that affect northerners’ lives. It also helps us to raise the North’s profile nationally for the benefit of everyone living in the three territories.

“Our voices are stronger when we speak together on issues that are vital across the North.”

The forum is a regular meeting among the three territorial premiers.

Silver’s meeting with Northwest Territories Premier Bob McLeod and Nunavut Premier Joe Savikataaq is taking place at the Yukon College Dawson Campus.