New strategy showcases region’s potential to become a global critical-minerals hub
  • Stronger Together: A Critical Minerals Strategy for Western and Northern Canada aims to accelerate development, enhance value-chain opportunities and supply chain resilience, and position the region as a preferred global supplier of responsibly sourced critical minerals
  • B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut have jointly developed the strategy in accordance with the memorandum of understanding signed in January 2026, which sets the stage for ongoing collaboration to maximize the region’s immense potential.

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The strategy is designed to ensure meaningful participation and partnership with Indigenous people across all stages of the critical-minerals value chain. It aims to support Indigenous leadership, collaboration and economic inclusion so that Indigenous communities can fully share in the benefits and opportunities generated by the growth of the sector.

“This strategy backs Indigenous participation at every stage, from exploration to processing, and that’s where the real economic opportunity is for First Nations,” said Mark Podlasly, CEO, First Nations Major Projects Coalition. “Many of the infrastructure corridors it’s built around run through the territories of our member Nations. We look forward to working with these governments to turn that commitment into Indigenous ownership and decision-making on the ground.”

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