The Government of Canada Launches Co-Developed Arctic and Northern Policy Framework

We have listened to northerners about what they want, and we know that Arctic peoples and communities must be at the centre of this framework. In co-developing Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, our partners helped us to understand and reflect the unique opportunities and challenges within the different regions, jurisdictional responsibilities and treaty rights across the Arctic and the North. Together, we have developed a shared vision for a strong, prosperous and sustainable Arctic, which will guide our work in the region to 2030 and beyond

Diversifying our economies, fostering reconciliation and addressing the impacts of climate change are shared northern and Canadian priorities. The federal Arctic and Northern Policy Framework is a good starting point and we look forward to further collaboration as we consider how to reach our common goals and work together to improve the lives of northerners.

Fostering success in the Arctic is necessary in nation-building. It is our hope that the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework will lead to direct, strategic investments to meet Nunavut’s urgent needs in basic infrastructure, housing, health care, education and training, power transmission and transportation corridors, and connectivity. We look forward to closing the divide between the Arctic and the rest of the country, for the benefit of all Canadians

The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework must be leveraged to bring Inuit Nunangat into Canada as a nation building exercise, helping to create prosperity for Inuit that in turn benefits all Canadians. Our homeland encompasses nearly one third of Canada’s landmass, its entire Arctic coastline and significant offshore areas. Partnerships that respect and advance Inuit self-determination, rights, and governance are therefore pivotal to achieving the framework’s goals and objectives, particularly at a time of renewed global focus on the Arctic. In the coming months, ITK looks forward to working in partnership with the federal government to advance the Framework’s important goals and objectives.

The new Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (ANPF) has truly been co-developed by the Government of Canada with both First Nations governments such as the Gwich’in Tribal Council and with our territorial government partner, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). We at the GTC worked together closely with senior officials of both governments in developing the ANPF. The end product reflects this collaboration. This will contribute to both reconciliation and to establishing a foundation for economic growth to benefit all northerners.

Canada’s new Arctic and Northern Policy Framework will shape Canada’s responses to the new challenges and opportunities in the North. The Arctic region is central to Canada’s national identity, prosperity, environment, security and sovereignty. Broadening Canada’s international engagement will contribute to ensuring the priorities of northerners, especially Indigenous peoples, are central to all we do.

As outlined in our Defence policy Strong, Secure, Engaged, enhancing our ability to operate in the rapidly evolving Arctic environment is a key priority for Canada. This new Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, reflective of close collaboration with Arctic communities will be critical to that effort. Increasing activity in the North will result in increased security demands and we are investing in a range of new capabilities that will better position the Canadian Armed Forces to meet these needs.

The Government of Canada recognizes that in order to succeed in the new global economy we must build on past achievements, address challenges, and embrace new economic opportunities that position the country for the future. CanNor’s Pan-Territorial Growth Strategy sets our path forward towards building vibrant economies across the territories, increasing the prosperity of the North and contributing to Canada’s success as a whole.

The Government of Canada recognizes that transportation is a major contributor to the economic growth and social wellbeing of Canada’s northern communities. Today’s launch of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework reflects our commitment to better address the unique transportation needs of the North. We have dedicated an additional $400 million, for a total of $800 million, under the National Trade Corridors Fund to strengthen northern transportation infrastructure. These investments will improve access to safe, efficient and accessible transportation options, and will help us deliver on our promise to build safer, healthier and stronger communities in the North and across Canada.

Canada’s North is warming three times faster than the global average. This directly impacts people’s wellbeing and livelihood – from food security to health concerns and infrastructure. We will keep working with northern communities to build resilient and sustainable communities, and protect the environment while growing the economy.