About a Northern Vision

What is A Northern Vision?

A Northern Vision: A Stronger North and a Better Canada is a broad collaborative vision for the North that was developed by the three territorial governments. The vision is framed under the broad themes of sovereignty, circumpolar relations and climate change.

It was released at the fifth annual Northern Premiers’ Forum on May 26, 2007.

A Northern Vision outlines common challenges, opportunities and issues affecting Yukon, Nunavut and Northwest Territories. It details how the territorial governments will work together and with other governments and private sector to achieve shared goals.

How did A Northern Vision come about?

The development of A Northern Vision was announced at the fourth annual Northern Premiers’ Forum in Iqaluit in November 2006.

But the origins can be traced to the first signing of the Northern Cooperation Accord (2003), the Northern Strategy consultation process (2004 to 2005) and the pan-territorial discussion paper Developing a New Framework for Sovereignty and Security in the North (2005).

Is A Northern Vision connected with the Northern Strategy process?

A Northern Vision was developed solely by the territorial governments, while the Northern Strategy process was led and initiated by the federal government.

There is no formal connection between the two undertakings, but the findings of the Northern Strategy consultations were reviewed extensively to ensure A Northern Vision accurately reflects the needs and ideals of Northerners.