2026 Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference (EMMC)

June 26, 2026 | Yellowknife, Northwest Territories - Federal, provincial, and territorial energy and mining Ministers met in Yellowknife from June 24-26, 2026, for the annual Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference (EMMC).

Guided by the theme “Securing Canada’s Critical Mineral and Energy Advantage,” the meeting was co-chaired by the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the Honourable Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment and Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, and the Honourable Caroline Wawzonek, Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance, and Minister Responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy and Supply Chains for the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Ministers met amid geopolitical uncertainty, intensifying global competition and the need for secure energy and critical minerals supply chains. They discussed ways to deliver economic opportunities and strengthen Canada’s position as a global energy and natural resource leader.

KEY OUTCOMES

Responding to Global Uncertainty

Ministers discussed how cooperation- that respects the jurisdictional power of provinces and territories over natural resource management- strengthens energy and critical mineral security, improves regulatory efficiency, supports investment and job creation, and positions Canada as a reliable global supplier.

They highlighted ongoing efforts within their respective jurisdictions on regulatory streamlining.

Ministers reviewed the current global and domestic energy security situation. They underscored the importance of maintaining strong emergency preparedness and response capabilities of their respective jurisdictions. They also proposed to establish an energy security working group to increase collaboration.

Securing Northern Energy and Mineral Development Pathways

Ministers reiterated the strategic importance of Northern and Arctic development for economic growth, Canadian sovereignty, and reducing living costs in these regions. They affirmed that development must build workforce capacity and long-term benefits for Northerners and remote communities, including through early engagement, leadership, and wealth-creating partnerships with Indigenous peoples.

Unlocking Canada’s Mineral Potential

Ministers highlighted regional mining opportunities and reaffirmed their commitment to accelerate critical mineral development, attract strategic investment, and realize Canada’s mining potential. This also includes expanding domestic processing and refining capacity to strengthen supply chains, advancing mining value from waste priorities, and supporting sustainable mining practices.

Ministers released a joint statement on mineral claim regimes, reaffirming that provincial and territorial legal and regulatory frameworks support responsible development in the public interest while helping to mitigate risks associated with activities that may undermine Canada’s economic and security interests.

Progress was made toward the creation of the Canadian Digital Core Library, with a number of governments signing Memoranda of Understanding.

Strengthening Domestic Energy Security and Connectivity

Ministers discussed the reliability, security, and resilience of Canada’s energy systems, from oil and gas to electricity. They agreed on the importance of increasing the resilience and responsiveness of these systems, as well as the need to diversify trade, attract investment, and enhance stability in the face of volatile global energy markets. They discussed climate change and the importance of delivering lower-carbon intensity Canadian energy to global markets, including those with growing demand in Asia and Europe. Ministers agreed that responsibly unlocking Canada’s energy and natural resource abundance can generate significant economic growth, including for Indigenous peoples, while making tangible progress toward net-zero emissions by 2050.

They underscored the importance of close collaboration to support reliable energy supply and increased trade across Canada and to international markets. Ministers discussed the importance of trade-enabling infrastructure, including rail, roads, airports, pipelines, and expanded port infrastructure. They emphasized the importance of furthering Canada’s advantage in renewables, hydro, wind, nuclear and biofuels. They also discussed working toward meeting 60% of domestic demand for biofuels through Canadian production by 2030, recognizing regional differences, requirements, and competitive pricing that support affordability. Ministers agreed to continue discussions on increasing Canadian biofuels production, including the potential for domestic Sustainable Aviation Fuel production, to grow the biofuel sector while improving Canada’s energy security.

Ministers recognized the importance of electricity interconnection in supporting energy security and sovereignty, the resilience of electricity grids, and long-term economic growth, while respecting provincial and territorial jurisdiction and priorities. They highlighted the role of electricity and interconnections as enablers in unlocking Canada’s critical mineral, LNG, and port expansion potential. They discussed opportunities for continued long-term collaboration among interested governments to improve information sharing and intertie and interconnection planning, as well as facilitate the implementation of projects. In particular, they emphasized the importance of identifying early priorities - recognizing diverse market constructs and the unique realities of regional electricity systems. Electricity affordability is an important driver for long-term economic growth and remains a priority for all Ministers.

Building Shared Prosperity with Indigenous Peoples

Prior to formal proceedings, Ministers met with Indigenous leaders from the Northwest Territories and with leadership of National Indigenous Organizations to explore ways to increase the participation of Indigenous communities and businesses in the energy and mining sectors and major projects, and to support their contribution to economic development.

They also stressed the importance of early dialogue and consultation throughout the development of projects.

Advancing Momentum Toward EMMC 2027

There was agreement to continue working together on shared priorities, including efforts to strengthen competitiveness and increase self-reliance, further streamline approvals, eliminate duplication, enhance regulatory certainty and attract investment in energy and natural resource sectors across Canada.

The next EMMC will be co-chaired by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario in summer 2027.

QUOTES

“Canada is ready to build. By working closely with provinces, territories and Indigenous partners, we are moving faster, building smarter, and unlocking Canada’s full potential as a global energy and critical minerals superpower. Together, we are strengthening secure and resilient supply chains, advancing major projects, and creating prosperity for Canadians. In this pivotal moment, Team Canada is choosing to build.”

The Honourable Tim Hodgson
Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“Canada’s future as a global energy and mining leader will be built through strong partnerships and coordination across jurisdictions. The Northwest Territories is proud to co-chair this work and ensure northern priorities, opportunities, and perspectives are reflected in the national conversation. By working together, we are strengthening investor confidence, advancing responsible resource development, and securing Canada’s position as a global energy superpower.”

The Honourable Caroline Wawzonek
Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance, and Minister Responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy and Supply Chains for the Northwest Territories

“By working collaboratively across governments and with partners, we strengthen our competitiveness, advancing responsible development and critical mineral supply chains, and ensuring Northerners benefit from the opportunities ahead. This year, as co-chairs at EMMC, we have highlighted the importance of investing in people, supporting Indigenous leadership and creating the conditions needed for sustainable economic growth. This work helps position Canada to lead in an increasingly competitive global economy.”

The Honourable Caitlin Cleveland
Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment for the Northwest Territories

CONTACTS

Natural Resources Canada 
Media Relations 
343-292-6100 
media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

Charlotte Power
Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
Charlotte.Power@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

Damien Healy
Ministerial Press Secretary, Cabinet Communications
Executive and Indigenous Affairs
Damien_Healy@gov.nt.ca
867-767-9150 ext.11097