Question Period Note: Arctic and Northern Policy Framework

• We launched the Framework with our partners in September 2019, and are now moving from co-development into co-implementation.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, our Government has worked with territorial, provincial and Indigenous partners to address immediate health and transportation priorities as well as food insecurity challenges.
• We are providing $130 million in COVID-19 support to the territories to assist with pandemic preparation mitigation and response, continuity of air transportation services to northern communities, increased food subsidies, and support for local businesses.
• This funding builds on $500 million provided to provinces and territories for pandemic preparedness, mitigation and response, and $305 million provided to Indigenous communities, as part of our Government’s response to COVID-19.

The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (Framework) was launched on September 10th, 2019, following over two years of engagement and collaboration with Northerners and Canadians. It is the first major federal framework to be co-developed with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners. The co-development of the Framework was also supported by roundtable engagements held with Arctic and Northern residents, youth and key experts and stakeholders, including industry, academics and non-governmental organizations.

The Framework sets out a long-term, strategic vision that will guide the Government of Canada's activities and investments in the Arctic to 2030 and beyond and will better align Canada's national and international policy objectives with the priorities of Indigenous peoples and Arctic and Northern residents. The Framework currently includes the co-developed Arctic and Northern Policy Statement; chapters on foreign policy as well as safety, security and defense; and chapters authored by Indigenous and territorial partners. Additional partner chapters may be released at a later date.

The next phase of the Framework will focus on co-development of implementation and governance, moving towards more integrated federal-territorial-provincial and Indigenous approaches to challenges and opportunities in Canada's Arctic and North.
COVID-19 Pandemic:
The Government continues to work with all partners to keep Northerners safe and healthy. The Government will provide all northern communities with the support they need to respond effectively to the COVID-19 crisis. It has announced additional support to address immediate health, economic, and transportation needs in the North. These measures will:
• Transfer $72.6 million to the governments of Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut to support their COVID-19 health and social services preparations and response. This funding will help territories address the critical priorities they identified to minimize the spread of the virus.
• Provide up to $17.3 million to the governments of Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut to support northern air carriers. This funding, in partnership with investments by the territorial governments, will ensure the continued supply of food, medical supplies, and other essential goods and services to remote and fly-in communities.
• Make available $15 million in non-repayable support for businesses in the territories to help address the impacts of COVID-19. This support will assist businesses with operating costs not already covered by other Government of Canada measures.
• Provide an additional $25 million to Nutrition North Canada to increase subsidies so families can afford much-needed nutritious food and personal hygiene products.
The funding builds on both the $500 million provided to provinces and territories, and the $305 million provided to Indigenous communities, as part of the Government of Canada’s response to COVID-19.

Climate Change

• Our Government has been very clear: climate change and its impacts are real.

• We are working with Northerners, industry, and territorial and provincial partners to find innovative and effective solutions that address unique challenges in a rapidly changing Arctic.

• Initiatives supporting the co-developed Arctic and Northern Policy Framework will benefit families, build vibrant communities, and grow sustainable economies in the face of these challenges.