The potential and promise of Canada’s North has been studied and discussed for many years and now appears to be receiving even more attention as a critical contributor to Canada’s economic growth and sovereignty.

MacEwan University is partnering with The Walrus, an independent, non-profit media organization in Canada, to present an evening of discussion and exploration of Edmonton’s role as the “Gateway to the North” and how the city can build stronger connections and partnerships with northern communities. Experts will also discuss Canada’s North as key to national defence.

The Walrus Talks North of Now takes place on Tuesday, November 17 at 7 p.m. at Ford Hall in Rogers Place.

This evening marks the first of MacEwan’s Chancellor Speaker Series to be hosted by Chancellor Gary Mar, who was officially installed to a four-year term in September, 2025.  

“Edmonton has an important role to play as a gateway to the North and MacEwan can help support that work,” says Mar. “There are opportunities to build stronger relationships and partnerships with northern communities. An event like this can spark ideas about how to bring people together to identify opportunities, address challenges and find solutions that benefit not only Canada’s North, but our country as a whole.”

Prominent speakers to be featured at the event include: 

• Kluane Adamek, Indigenous Advisory Council to Canada’s Major Projects Office; former Yukon Regional Chief, Assembly of First Nations
• General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces 
• His Excellency Whit Fraser, journalist, author and former Viceregal Consort of Canada, spouse of Mary Simon, Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General 
• Dr. Jessica Shadian, president and CEO of Arctic360 
• Sean Willy, president and CEO of Des Nedhe Group

The public is encouraged to register to attend in person and the event will also be available online.

“The North is changing quickly and is increasingly critical. Edmonton is Canada’s northernmost major city with a population exceeding one million and a natural gateway to all that is happening,” says Dr. Annette Trimbee, president and vice-chancellor, MacEwan. “MacEwan is well-positioned to contribute to Canada’s North by bringing people together, sharing our knowledge, building vital partnerships and supplying talent. As a university, we are also keen to identify opportunities to contribute to developing a strong workforce in the North.”

Much of the discussion will focus on infrastructure development, Arctic sovereignty, environmental stewardship, defence and partnerships with Indigenous Nations and communities.    

The Walrus Talks North of Now will also examine the role of community-university partnerships in advancing research, knowledge sharing and practical solutions that contribute to meaningful regional and community development.