Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant to attend Arctic Summit in Yukon
News release
February 22, 2026 - Whitehorse, Yukon - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will attend the 2026 Arctic Summit, in Whitehorse, Yukon, from February 23 to 24, 2026.
The summit will bring together northern and circumpolar leaders to address the most pressing issues facing the Arctic today, including security, infrastructure and critical resources.
Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will deliver keynote remarks and take part in discussions to support Canada’s commitment to ensuring the Arctic and North remains secure, stable and prosperous for northerners, including Indigenous Peoples, in the face of new and emerging threats to the region. These discussions will include a fireside chat on strengthening Canada’s partnerships for a resilient Arctic economy with Virginia Mearns, Canada’s Arctic Ambassador, George Hickes, Deputy Premier of Nunavut, and Ted Laking, Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources of Yukon.
Quotes
“Canada is an Arctic nation, and we are at a critical moment. I look forward to attending the summit to continue the important work we are doing with our partners to ensure that the Arctic remains secure, resilient and prosperous for those who call the Arctic home, for generations to come.”
- Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
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The Arctic is an integral part of Canada’s identity and territory. It comprises more than 40% of Canada’s territory and over 70% of Canada’s national coastline. Over 50% of the population living in Canada’s Arctic is Indigenous.
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Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy was launched on December 6, 2024. It was the culmination of months of extensive engagement with territorial and provincial governments and Inuit, First Nations and Métis. The policy was informed by consultations with Canada’s like-minded Arctic partners: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the United States.
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