EDITORIAL: From Municipal Advocacy at the Heart of the North

Canada is a country that never ceases to surprise. From the rugged foothills of the Rockies to the endless, serene stretches of Northern Ontario, Canada offers a landscape as vast as it is breathtaking. Whether you are drawn to the cosmopolitan buzz of Toronto, the picturesque coastal cliffs of British Columbia, or the rugged wilderness of the Yukon, there is something for everyone in this great country. Every corner of this land has a unique beauty, a distinct culture, and a captivating story. But, beyond the popular tourist destinations, there is a hidden world—a world where local governments work tirelessly to build stronger communities, facing challenges and opportunities that most of us never hear about. This week, I'm on a journey to the Northwest Territories to witness firsthand the challenges and triumphs that occur far from the bustling metropolises.

For some, the idea of attending a municipal convention might sound as exciting as watching paint dry. The long speeches, the debates over funding for infrastructure projects, and the endless hours spent discussing waste water treatment might not appear to be a Super Bowl-like experience. But for someone like me, it’s electric. I’m always fascinated by the local politics that shape the very fabric of Canadian life. Listening to mayors, councillors, reeves, and wardens advocate for their communities is nothing short of exhilarating. It’s where the heart of Canada beats the strongest—people from across this great nation coming together to voice their concerns, seek solutions, and fight for the betterment of their communities.

Take, for instance, the Northwest Territories Association of Communities (NWTAC) Convention in Yellowknife, where I find myself surrounded by passionate municipal leaders from across the Northwest Territories (NWT). The event is a forum where leaders gather to discuss the pressing issues facing their regions. It may not have had the spotlight of a hockey game in overtime or the thrill of a major sporting event, but it is was where I can see the true essence of Canadian determination. The conversations at the convention aren’t just about abstract political rhetoric—they are about real, tangible problems that affect the daily lives of the residents of these northern communities. Issues like water security, affordable housing, economic development, and, perhaps most pressingly, environmental changes due to climate change.

However, despite the enthusiasm and energy that these leaders bring to the table, there is a question that lingered in my mind as I listened to them speak: Is anyone listening?

Sure, there are constant discussions at the national level about the importance of infrastructure, about investing in the future, and about addressing issues like climate change. But when the conversation shifts to the far north, to the communities of the Northwest Territories, do those concerns truly resonate with policymakers? Do they understand the unique challenges faced by municipalities in the remote, often isolated parts of Canada?

As I sit in the conference hall, it is evident that the leaders here were passionate about their communities and were advocating for solutions to the issues that are closest to their hearts. But the problem is that these voices often get drowned out in the noise of national politics. The federal government’s attention, not to mention the public’s, is often focused on the more populous areas of the country—where the majority of Canadians live. When decisions are made in Ottawa or Queen’s Park, there is a real risk that the unique challenges of the North are overlooked or misunderstood.

But I came to the NWTAC Convention with a clear goal in mind: to hear about the challenges that we don’t hear about in other provinces and territories. I wanted to uncover the hidden gems of Canada’s northern regions, to gain insight into the issues that are shaping the future of the Northwest Territories.

The first few hours of the conference was a mix of fascinating insights and difficult realities. One theme that kept coming up was the growing concern about the environment. The municipalities of the Northwest Territories are grappling with the consequences of climate change in a way that many southern Canadians may not fully appreciate. Wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense, and the water levels along the Mackenzie River are lower than they have been in years. These are not abstract, distant threats—they are issues that directly impact the daily lives of those living in the NWT.

I overheard one conversation in the lobby before heading into the main conference room that perfectly encapsulated the anxiety over the changing environment. A municipal leader spoke about how, during the previous summer, wildfires had ravaged communities across the North, forcing people to evacuate and causing significant damage to infrastructure. As if this wasn’t enough, the reduced water levels in the Mackenzie River, which serves as a critical source of water for many northern communities, are posing serious challenges for both drinking water and industry. The situation is dire, and it seems that the full weight of these environmental shifts has yet to be fully addressed at the national level.

This is the type of challenge that municipalities in the North are facing—something that is as unique to them as the land they occupy. Yet, as I sat there listening to these leaders, I couldn’t help but wonder whether the broader Canadian public truly understands the gravity of these issues. Do they know that communities in the NWT are having to find innovative ways to cope with wildfire season, or that the water supply could be jeopardized by the changing environment? Are we doing enough to support these communities, to help them adapt to a rapidly changing world?

But despite the obstacles, the leaders are working tirelessly to find solutions to these challenges, from building more resilient infrastructure to advocating for more funding for environmental initiatives. It’s inspiring to see the level of dedication and resilience in these northern communities, and it made me think about the broader role that municipal leaders play in shaping the future of our country. They may not have the national platform of a prime minister or a premier, but their work is no less important.

Unfortunately, as I was to discover, my ability to fully cover the NWTAC Conference is limited by some unexpected restrictions. After flying more than 1,700 kilometers to Yellowknife, I find myself faced with the news that I can not record or publish any content that wasn’t being broadcast live by the NWTAC themselves. This, of course, poses a significant challenge in terms of reporting on the event, particularly for those who might be interested in hearing about the conversations and interviews I had planned. While I’ll still try to gather some interviews and gather insights from the conference, my ability to bring you the detailed content and coverage that you may expect will be somewhat limited.

Still, despite these setbacks, I remain hopeful that I can uncover some of the hidden gems of the Northwest Territories over the next few days. I am eager to learn more about the challenges facing the municipalities here, and I hope to bring you valuable insights from the conference. The 59th NWTAC AGM may have gotten off to a rocky start, but I am confident that there are valuable lessons to be learned and stories to be told from this remote part of Canada.

In the end, what I’ve learned from this experience - so far - is that Canada’s hidden gems are not just found in its natural wonders or its breathtaking landscapes. They are found in the everyday people who work tirelessly to build stronger, more resilient communities—people like the municipal leaders of the Northwest Territories. And it is through their advocacy, their passion, and their determination that Canada’s true strength shines through. As a nation, we need to make sure that we’re listening to these voices, giving them the attention they deserve, and ensuring that the unique challenges of the North are not forgotten in the shuffle of national politics.

This month, I’ve come to appreciate even more the vastness of Canada—not just in its land and geography, but in the depth and complexity of its communities. The next time I think about our country’s future, I’ll remember that the journey doesn’t just take us to the most popular destinations—it takes us to the hidden gems, where communities like those in the Northwest Territories are shaping the future of this great nation.