Premier P.J. Akeeagok today issued the following statement regarding Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s party platform proposals:
“This morning, I learned about Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre's Arctic platform including a pledge to build a military base in Canada’s Arctic.
While I’m heartened to see political attention on the Arctic, I want to remind Mr. Poilievre and his party that decisions about the North cannot occur without significant input from Northerners. I look forward to Mr. Poilievre’s explicit recognition that should he become Prime Minister, his plans for the Arctic will be made in partnership with Northerners to reflect our rights, needs, and perspectives.
The Government of Nunavut looks forward to working with Canada’s next Prime Minister on meaningful nation-building investments in the North that meet our Arctic sovereignty and security goals, address our NATO 2% spending commitments, and unlock our economic potential.
While Nunavut has come far in the past 25 years, it is clear that more robust investments are needed to tap into our territory’s full potential. The time has come for Canada to extend its nation-building efforts to our third and longest coast. Given today’s global landscape and the centrality of circumpolar issues, it is even more pertinent to make significant investments in the Arctic that meet local community needs, forge opportunities for economic development, address reconciliation and our country’s geopolitical interests in Arctic sovereignty and security.
Nunavut is committed to ensuring Canada’s safety and security, including that of Northerners, and to safeguarding the ability of Canada to defend both the Canadian Arctic and North America.
There are many opportunities for Canada’s next Prime Minister to partner with Nunavut on transformative projects in the Arctic.
Nunavut has been clear about our priorities when it comes to Arctic sovereignty and security and unlocking our territory’s economic potential in strategic areas such as critical minerals and energy security.
The Arctic security corridor, or the Grays Bay Road and Port, is one of the Inuit-led initiatives supported by the Government of Nunavut. This nation-building initiative will bolster the terrestrial connection to the Arctic Ocean opening opportunities for mining of critical minerals needed for both Canada’s economic and military needs. It will also be the only deepwater port in the western archipelago on or near the Northwest Passage, which will become more significant in coming years as the Arctic Ocean sees a longer ice-free season and associated increased shipping traffic.
The Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link is a terrestrial power and telecommunications link between Nunavut and southern Canada that will reduce Nunavut's reliance on diesel power in the Kivalliq and improve internet connectivity. This link will also connect parts of Nunavut to the national energy grid, improving energy security and strengthening Canada's sovereignty in the North. The Government of Nunavut continues to work with the Kivalliq Inuit Association’s Nukik Corporation to connect Kivalliq communities to Manitoba Hydro to enhance energy security, northern sovereignty, and resiliency.
The Iqaluit Hydroelectric Project is another initiative targeting energy security. This Qikiqtani Inuit Association-led project is a long-term plan to supply a sustainable, affordable and reliable source of energy in Nunavut’s capital. This nation-building project would decrease Nunavut’s carbon footprint, reduce our territory’s reliance on diesel fuel, and provide Nunavut’s capital with a renewable energy supply. Iqaluit Hydroelectric would signal a decisive move towards clean energy and self-sufficiency for Nunavut.
A deep-water port at Qikiqtarjuaq is a long-standing priority for the Government of Nunavut. This port provides critical Arctic infrastructure to support national security, search-and-rescue operations, and maritime defence. It also reduces dependency on foreign ports for Nunavut’s essential goods. This port will create opportunities for the expansion of the fishing industry in Nunavut while improving deep water docking capabilities in the Eastern Arctic. To date, some funding is in place, and design work and community engagement have started. However, additional investments are needed to complete the project.
Canada’s geopolitical interest in the Arctic is of paramount interest to the Government of Nunavut and Nunavummiut. Many of our communities were created by the Government of Canada through policies such as forced relocation. Today, we have an opportunity to right the wrongs of the past in the spirit of reconciliation and make key investments in the Arctic, which can help Canada strengthen northern communities, revitalize the economy, and safeguard national interests.”