Unnusakkut,
I want to welcome Prime Minister Carney to Iqaluit.
We are honoured that you came to our beautiful territory for your first official domestic visit.
Your presence demonstrates a true commitment to strengthening Canada’s Arctic sovereignty and security.
A warm welcome to Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan, and my friend Minister of National Defence Bill Blair – always good to have you with us Bill.
I also want to recognize:
Commissioner Aariak
Inuit Tapiirit Kanatami President, Natan Obed
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President, Jeremey Tunraluk,
Qikiqtani Inuit Association President, Olayuk Akesuk.
Finally, I want to acknowledge my Deputy Premier, Pamela Gross and Minister of Health John Main.
Also Iqaluit Members of the Legislative Assembly, Janet Brewster and George Hickes.
We are facing an ever-changing political landscape. And the Arctic is once again in the spotlight.
As Inuit we have endured a great deal in the name of Canadian sovereignty - Canada’s national identity as an Arctic nation was built on the backs of our communities.
The Arctic plays a strategic geopolitical role. We are Canada’s gateway to the northwest passage and a key player in the circumpolar world.
Our geographic, cultural and linguistic connection to Greenland, also uniquely positions us to take on a greater diplomatic presence in the Arctic, forging closer ties with our friends in the region.
The commitments to NORAD modernization and bolstering the presence of Canadian Armed Forces’ presence in the Arctic – are welcome initiatives.
But my focus is on strong resilient communities – that’s the foundation of Canada’s Arctic sovereignty and security.
To ensure that our country remains as the true North, strong, and free we need to support the people of the Arctic.
Housing is the key to healthy, resilient communities. You need the security of a home so pursue education. The safety of a house to succeed in your career.
The Government of Nunavut has done our part, we have built three times more homes at half the cost through partnerships with Inuit development corporations.
Now, the Government of Canada is signalling its commitment towards addressing Nunavut’s long-standing housing crisis. I welcome these investments to our communities.
We need more than homes – access to safe and dependable power is another pillar of thriving communities. The investments towards upgrading four power plants across the territory will ensure that we have the energy we need to fuel our communities.
But we need to do more than repair aging power plants – we need to look to the future.
The $20 Million investment in Iqaluit Hydro Electric signals a decisive move towards clean energy and self-sufficiency for Nunavut.
This national building project will decrease Nunavut’s carbon footprint, reduce our territory’s reliance on diesel fuel, and, provide Nunavut’s capital with a renewable energy supply.
Today’s announcements show the unity in Nunavut – and our readiness to work in partnership with the Government of Canada to address Canada’s sovereignty and security.
Earlier this month, President Tunraluk and I announced our intention to collaborate on a made-in-Nunavut Arctic sovereignty and security strategy.
We also declared our support for Inuit-led nation-building projects that can meet community needs, bolster Canada’s economy and address Arctic sovereignty and security.
Nunavut has the critical minerals the world needs.
We are already home to one mine producing Green Iron-ore – however, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. have called on the Government of Canada to back Inuit-led nation-building initiatives that can be expedited as they have the backing of regional Inuit associations and local communities.
There’s certainty in Nunavut.
Unlocking Nunavut’s economic potential in critical minerals, energy, and fisheries will not only benefit our territory, but it will also bolster economic opportunities across Canada.
This is because Nunavut relies on Canadian provinces in the south for materials. From lumber, to steel, to fuel - an investment in Nunavut – means an investment in Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario.
It is time to expand Canada’s nation-building efforts to the North. Our vast Arctic regions, and, third and longest coast, can no longer be seen as vulnerable.
Prime Minister – thank you for your leadership – lets continue to work together.
I hope to welcome you here again for an announcement about investments in nation-building initiatives in the Arctic that address Canada’s sovereignty and security needs while unlocking our economic potential. Projects such as the Arctic Security Corridor, the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link and the Qikiqtarjuaq Port.
Together we can realize the full potential of Canada’s Arctic.
Qujannamiik