Northern premiers decry U.S. tariffs, voice support for counter-measures

The premiers of N.W.T., Yukon and Nunavut are voicing their support for the Canadian government's plan to enact counter-measures after the U.S. announced punishing tariffs on nearly all Canadian goods Saturday.

In a statement posted to social media, Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai called the U.S. tariffs on Canada "an insult to the friendship and partnership that has existed between Canada and the US for generations."

He also encouraged Yukoners to buy Canadian, a call that was echoed by his counterparts in N.W.T. and Nunavut.

N.W.T., Yukon to stop importing U.S. alcohol

In a  later statement, Pillai set out what he called the "first phase" of Yukon's response to U.S. tariffs.

He said the Yukon government will change its procurement policies to ensure the territorial government is excluding U.S. companies and minimizing purchases of U.S. goods "whenever possible."

The Yukon government will also direct the Yukon Liquor Commission to stop buying beer, wine and liquor from the United states. Private retailers will be allowed to sell out their current inventory of American-made alcohol.

In his own statement, N.W.T. Premier R.J. Simpson called the U.S. government's decision to enact tariffs "aggressive and disappointing." 

He said the N.W.T. government will also be reviewing its procurement policies to eliminate purchases of goods and services from U.S. companies and directing the Northwest Territories Liquor and Cannabis Commission to stop purchasing all American goods. 

"These are significant measures, and we do not take them lightly. We will continue to identify meaningful ways to stand in solidarity with our fellow Canadians," Simpson said.

Calls for investment in Northern economies

Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok called for Canadian unity and emphasized the harm tariffs could do in Nunavut in a statement to posted to social media Saturday.

"Nunavummiut are faced with the highest costs of living in Canada, as almost all our goods are flown in from southern jurisdictions," he said in a statement posted to social media.

"These tariffs will inevitably put more pressure on families already struggling to pay the rent and feed their children."

Both Simpson and Akeeagok also said they would like to see Canada increase investment in Northern economies as part of its response to U.S. tariffs.

 "Canada's Arctic is a region of opportunity," Akeeagok said. "It's time to invest in our own economy and communities."

Akeeagok pointed to potential investments in Nunavut's critical minerals and fisheries, while Simpson said he would like to see more investment in N.W.T. infrastructure — including major projects like the Mackenzie Valley highway — to create opportunities for mining and resource development.