Investing in the north is investing in Canada’s future
“Political equality cannot come without economic equality.” That’s a quote from a recent discussion paper on the Arctic Policy Framework entitled, We Are One Mind. Funded by the Gordon Foundation, We Are One Mind is the product of a collaborative effort by three northern youth groups—Dene Naho, based in the N.W.T.; Our Voices, primarily based […]
North embedded in Canadian psyche
Our friend, Sheila Watt-Cloutier, former chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, captured the spirit of the Arctic when she said the land, ice, and snow is a training ground for developing your sense of self and your character. You’re being taught patience, you’re being taught to be courageous and bold at the right time. We […]
After reports and consultations, Nunavut residents optimistic for change
Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to meet with constituents in each of the 25 communities in my riding. And although each community is special and unique, several thoughts and concerns voiced by Nunavummiut were similar in all communities. Two issues in particular were heard unanimously: the lack of mental health services […]
‘Lame’ government response to Indigenous youth suicide crisis report fails to address issues, say critics
Indigenous issues experts and an opposition critic are giving a thumbs down to the government’s long-awaited response to a report on the Indigenous youth suicide crisis, arguing it fails to take action on the report’s recommendations. Jack Hicks, an adjunct professor at the University of Saskatchewan who helped develop the Nunavut Suicide Prevention Strategy in […]
Mackenzie Valley Highway a road to resources, jobs
I am a huge proponent of investing in infrastructure, and for the Northwest Territories this means primarily investing in road infrastructure. It is hard to know where to start when explaining the importance of road access to those who take road travel for granted every day. Did you drive more than 25 kilometres to work […]
Feds must consider Churchill’s strategic economic location in railway repair decision, experts and politicians say
Ottawa must ensure Churchill, Man.’s rail line and port return to normal operations, not only to prevent immediate disaster for the town’s struggling economy, but to preserve the existing infrastructure in anticipation of future economic development in the resource-rich and warming North, say Arctic experts and federal politicians. Despite the town’s decades-long fight to keep […]
Trudeau policies decrease funding, increase cost of living for northerners
As the Conservative Party’s new shadow minister for northern affairs, I am amazed by Canada’s northern people. Life in northern Canada is filled with unique challenges, which they take on every day with fortitude and resilience. That’s why I’m extremely disappointed with the Trudeau government and its dismissive tone toward these hard-working Canadians. When the […]
Co-operatives: connecting northern communities
Arctic communities are using the federated co-operative model to meet their needs, from food and clothing to rifles and snowmobiles. The federated co-operative model allows for local co-operative stores, all across the Arctic, to work together to lower costs and provide high-quality products to their communities. This Artic federation of co-operatives is known as Arctic […]
Two years in, Liberals doing the North well
Over the last two years, our government has made significant progress for northerners on a number of important issues. High food prices in remote Arctic communities have initiated a process that has started with extensive consultation and study of the existing subsidy program, with a goal of making the program more efficient and food more affordable. […]
More choice, less retailer control wanted in possible Nutrition North overhaul
Food security experts are hoping the federal government’s lack of action six months after releasing a report highlighting criticism of the Nutrition North program is a sign of a coming overhaul that will lead to more choice for participant consumers and increased food security. The program is aimed at reducing high food prices in remote […]
