Parliamentary Secretary Robert Oliphant to Attend 2026 Arctic Summit in Whitehorse

Whitehorse, Yukon — Anita Anand, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has announced that Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will attend the 2026 Arctic Summit in Whitehorse from February 23 to 24.

The summit will convene northern and circumpolar leaders to focus on key issues affecting the Arctic, including regional security, infrastructure development and the management of critical resources. Discussions are expected to centre on the evolving geopolitical and economic dynamics shaping the North, as well as the long-term sustainability of Arctic communities.

Oliphant is scheduled to deliver keynote remarks and participate in high-level discussions aimed at reinforcing Canada’s commitment to a secure, stable and prosperous Arctic. The agenda includes a fireside discussion on strengthening partnerships to build a resilient Arctic economy. Participants in that session include Virginia Mearns, Canada’s Arctic Ambassador; George Hickes, Deputy Premier of Nunavut; and Ted Laking, Yukon’s Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources.

In a statement ahead of the summit, Oliphant underscored the strategic importance of the region, describing Canada as an Arctic nation at a pivotal moment. He stated that engagement with domestic and international partners is essential to ensuring the Arctic remains secure and prosperous for current and future generations.

The Arctic represents a significant portion of Canada’s geography and population. More than 40 percent of the country’s landmass and over 70 percent of its coastline lie within the Arctic region. Over half of the population living in Canada’s Arctic is Indigenous.

Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy, launched on December 6, 2024, outlines the federal government’s framework for engagement in the region. The policy followed months of consultations with territorial and provincial governments, as well as Inuit, First Nations and Métis communities. It was also informed by dialogue with Arctic partners including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the United States.

The Whitehorse summit is expected to further advance cooperation among Arctic stakeholders as Canada navigates emerging security challenges and economic opportunities in the North.