Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney Makes First Official Visit to Hometown Fort Smith, N.W.T.
Fort Smith, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Mark Carney returned to his roots on Wednesday with his first official visit to Fort Smith, Northwest Territories—his hometown—since assuming office. The visit marked a deeply personal and political milestone as he engaged with residents on pressing local challenges, including affordability, food insecurity, and wildfire recovery.
Accompanied by Northwest Territories MP and Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty and Premier R.J. Simpson, Carney began his day by meeting with local families to hear their concerns and discuss federal support measures aimed at improving quality of life in remote northern communities.
Carney then visited the Fort Smith community recreation centre, where he joined staff and children participating in a summer camp activity—helping to make smoothies and share lighthearted moments with the town’s youth.
One of the more spirited stops on the tour came at Berro’s Pizza, where Carney and Alty ordered a signature carnivore pizza, humorously renamed the “Carneyvore” in honour of the Prime Minister. The visit was warmly received by residents, who welcomed the gesture as a nod to local pride.
Following a private meeting with Premier Simpson, Carney held discussions with local parents to better understand the social and economic challenges facing families in the region.
Later, the Prime Minister was scheduled to meet with community leaders to discuss the ongoing impacts of wildfires in the territory. Although the 2025 wildfire season has been relatively subdued thus far, recent years have seen devastating fires that led to widespread evacuations in Fort Smith, Hay River, and Yellowknife in 2023.
Born in Fort Smith, Carney spent his early childhood in the town before his family relocated south when he was around six years old. His return was marked by a deep sense of connection to the community and a renewed commitment to addressing the unique needs of the North.
