The Empire Club of Canada
Hybrid
Wednesday, December 9, 2026
The Canadian Government is taking a hard look at Canada’s Far North. Critical minerals, infrastructure, and sovereignty are national priorities, with governments and industry looking at how to move major projects forward faster. Reconciling the urgency to build and the imperative to protect with the need to build things better — in partnership with Indigenous nations — is happening not only in Canada’s highest offices, it’s happening on Bay Street, around boardroom tables, and in community halls throughout the True North.
The Mackenzie Valley Highway in the Northwest Territories, Grays Bay Road in Nunavut, the Taltson Hydro Electric Project in the Northwest Territories, the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor (AESC), and the Ring of Fire are leading the way. These projects are not only infrastructure investments, they are tests of how Canada will balance sovereignty, security, economic development, and Indigenous partnership in the North.
This Empire Club event brings together experts on what it will take to get big things built in Canada’s Far North. We’ll hear from leaders with experience developing, financing, governing, and partnering on northern projects in a conversation that will explore critical mineral development, the infrastructure needed to unlock mining potential, Indigenous ownership and access to capital, private investment, and the opportunities emerging from Canada’s growing defence and security presence in the North.
How do northerners define the future of Canada’s Far North? It’s a question that matters more than ever as Canada moves to strengthen northern sovereignty, security and economic growth, and as it works to ensure Indigenous communities are full partners in shaping what comes next. With fast-tracking now on the government’s agenda, the focus is turning to where the rubber meets the road. This conversation will look at the success stories so far and how Canadian businesses can get involved.
On December 9th, The Empire Club of Canada invites an expert panel featuring The Honourable RJ Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories, Michael Fox, President, Indigenous and Community Engagement. This event will be moderated by The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Vice-Chair, Global Investment Banking at CIBC Capital Markets.
The panel will follow introductory remarks by Premier Simpson and The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister Responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.
R.J. Simpson is the Premier of the Northwest Territories and Minister of Executive and Indigenous Affairs. Elected as Premier in 2023, he is focused on building a strong, self-reliant North through a long-term vision grounded in partnership, sustainability, and opportunity. His leadership is guided by a long-term vision for the Northwest Territories that focuses on strengthening communities, supporting Indigenous self-determination, and advancing economic growth, all while positioning the North as central to Canada’s sovereignty and security.
First elected as the MLA for Hay River North in 2015, Premier Simpson has served in several leadership roles within the Legislative Assembly, including Deputy Speaker, Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on Government Operations, Chair of the Special Committee on Transition Matters, Government House Leader, and as Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and Minister of Justice.
Born in Calgary and raised in Hay River, Premier identifies as Métis, with familial connections to the Mikisew Cree Nation. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from MacEwan University and a law degree from the University of Alberta. His professional background includes experience in both the public and private sectors. During his legal studies, he served as President of the Aboriginal Law Students’ Association and volunteered with the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre and the Canada-Ghana Education Project.
Michael is the President/CEO of Indigenous & Community Engagement (ICE) – one of Canada’s leading national Indigenous firms specializing in community consultation, facilitation/negotiations, capacity building, & enterprise development. He brings a wealth of experience in structuring projects and financing for both industry and Indigenous clients. He obtained an honours degree in Political Science with a focus on Aboriginal Law & Resource Development and has an MBA with a specialization in Social Enterprise. He’s a believer in higher education and has taught university courses to share his professional experiences with the next generation of Indigenous business leaders. He’s originally from Weenusk First Nation and has twin sons and a daughter.
The Honourable Lisa Raitt joined CIBC Capital Markets as a Vice Chair in January 2020, having previously worked in both the public and private sectors. Ms. Raitt’s current focus is on senior client coverage and business development with clients in the energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors, which align closely with her deep expertise.
Prior to her current role, Ms. Raitt was the President and CEO of the Toronto Port Authority. She was elected into the House of Commons in 2008, where she went on to hold three senior portfolios serving as Minister of Natural Resources, Minister of Labour, and Minister of Transport. Most recently, Ms. Raitt was the Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition and the Conservative Party of Canada.
Ms. Raitt holds a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Francis Xavier University and a Master of Science (Chemistry) from the University of Guelph. She possesses an LL.B from Osgoode Hall Law School, was called to the Ontario bar in 1998 and was a Harold G. Fox Scholar at the Inns of Court in London, England.
Currently, Ms. Raitt is a Director on the Boards of LFL Group, Investment Management Corporation of Ontario (IMCO), Baycrest Health Sciences and the Global Risk Institute. She also is the Chair of the Board of Governors of St. Francis Xavier University, Vice Chair of CARE Canada, and Co-Chair of Coalition for a Better Future.
In June 2024, Lisa was presented with an Honorary Doctorate in Business from the University of Ottawa.
