How long-awaited ‘transformative investments in infrastructure’ could address civilian and security needs in the Canadian Arctic
Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (ANPF), released in 2019, remains almost entirely unrealized. While promising “an opportunity for Arctic and northern people, and their institutions, municipalities, organizations and governments, to come together with the federal government to shape and direct change toward better outcomes,” co-implementation plans have been stymied or delayed by COVID-19. The […]
Expand beyond unreliable solar and wind energy to service the North, says Tory Senator
Weaning communities in northern Canada off their reliance on diesel fuel will involve expanding into power sources beyond wind and solar, which cannot collect and store energy reliably in the North, according to Conservative Nunavut Senator Dennis Patterson. “Wind and solar may work in the South. It hasn’t worked well in the North. It hasn’t […]
COVID-19 pandemic underlines the need for reliable housing funding in the North
When the first cases of COVID-19 appeared in Canada, the concern was immediately palpable in northern communities, where a persistent housing crisis has led to a high prevalence of respiratory disease, and compounds additional social determinants of health. Combined with a threadbare health-care system that leaves many communities without even a resident nurse, the northern […]
Investment in the North is investment in reconciliation
For decades, the Northwest Territories has been playing catch up to southern Canada. There are economic and social challenges that affect our territory and residents in ways that our neighbours south of the 60th parallel take for granted: basic infrastructure like roads, broadband, cleaner sources of energy, and affordable housing. A recent discussion paper from […]
Clean, co-operative resource development will secure our future in the North
When we negotiated the Nunavut Agreement 30 years ago, we had a vision for Nunavut as a vibrant, economically self-sufficient territory that leveraged its own resources. Our vision anticipated major development, as we had seen in other jurisdictions, and guaranteed Inuit a right to fully take part in this development. Institutions were created through the […]
Why Inuit matter globally
This fall has seen devastating floods hit southern British Columbia following a summer of heat waves, drought, and wildfires. And Newfoundland and Labrador and other parts of the East Coast have experienced unprecedented storms that have cut roads and isolated communities. While we have been feeling the impacts of rising temperatures, melting sea ice, and […]
Emergency management must be central to climate change response in the North
Robust emergency management capabilities must be a central component of climate change response plans in the North. From wildfires to flooding to the expansion of cruise tourism, the affects and results of climate change continue to exacerbate the risks posed by a broad spectrum of natural and human-made hazards throughout the region. The risks are […]
The North
The Quebec Liberal Party struggles for its soul
KAMOURASKA, QUE.—Dominique Anglade is the eternal optimist. Coming out of its weekend policy convention in Quebec City, the Quebec Liberal Party gave her a ringing endorsement to develop a platform focused on the environment and a left-wing tilt to the economy. She believes this platform is her road to victory. On the environment, the Liberals […]
‘We’re still here’: MP Idlout on bringing Inuktitut to the House
This year’s Throne Speech marked the first time a Governor General has substantially addressed Parliament in a language other than French or English, and for Nunavut NDP MP Lori Idlout, hearing Governor General Mary Simon speak Inuktitut from the floor of the Senate Chamber was an “important” and “special” moment. “I sincerely felt included as […]
