Lucy Kuptana: Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women Annual Meeting Hosted in Yellowknife

Press Release

October 21, 2025

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Mr. Speaker, this summer I had the honour of co-hosting the 43rd annual meeting of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women here in Yellowknife. Ministers from across the country gathered in this lovely city to discuss shared priorities.

The event kicked off with an opening reception, held in the Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly, which set a warm tone for the meetings. Guests included partners from the NWT Status of Women Council, Native Women’s Association of the NWT, YWCA NWT, Northern Mosaic Network, Yellowknife Women’s Society, NWT Members of the Legislative Assembly and Ministers, as well as the FPT Ministers and their senior officials.

Mr. Speaker, one of the highlights of the evening was the opportunity to throat sing with Tanya Snow, our amiable MC.  The Federal Minister of Women and Gender Equality, Minister Valdez even joined in and gave throat singing a try!  It was a lovely moment in sharing my culture and connecting with guests.

Mr. Speaker, FPT Ministers held discussions with National Indigenous Leaders that were powerful and deeply moving. We spoke about human trafficking, ending violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ peoples. We also spoke about advancing economic empowerment of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit women. The honesty and emotion in the room were both heartbreaking and healing.

Mr. Speaker, during the formal ministerial sessions, we explored how to increase women’s participation in high-growth industries, engage men and boys in ending gender-based violence, and address the emerging gendered impacts of artificial intelligence and online harassment. These are all critical issues that are affecting northern women right now. These threats are real and a reality in the North.

Mr. Speaker, my colleagues from Nunavut, Yukon, and I also emphasized northern realities: we spoke about our high cost of living, infrastructure gaps, inflationary pressures, and the growing effects of climate change on everyday life in the north.

These realities pose challenges for all Northern residents, but the gendered and intersectional impacts cannot be ignored or forgotten. Recent wildfires and floods have displaced entire communities, with disproportionate impacts on women, children, Elders, and marginalized groups. As decision-makers we discussed how emergency response and recovery planning must be inclusive and trauma-informed, with dedicated support for those most at risk. We acknowledged and agreed that funding must recognize the increased frequency of these types of events, especially for the territories where we are experiencing climate change up to four times faster than the rest of Canada.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the work done by the Gender Equity Division and the Status of Women Council in preparing for this event. Local women across the NWT were commissioned to create handmade gifts for delegates; beautiful tokens that support economic independence.

Additionally, an artisan market was organized in collaboration with the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment to showcase more northern artistry and entrepreneurship. The feedback received from those who participated in the market was quite positive.

Mr. Speaker, hosting this 43rd annual meeting of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women was a true privilege.  The warmth and hospitality of the North left a lasting impression on our visitors. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made it possible.

Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.

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