Question Period Note: Arctic and Northern Policy

We launched the Framework with our partners in September 2019, and are now moving from co-development into co-implementation.
Our Government has worked with territorial, provincial and Indigenous partners to co develop priorities for the North.
Northerners have told us that they want Arctic peoples and communities at the centre of the Framework; we have listened.
We will work together to implement a shared vision for a strong, prosperous and sustainable Arctic.

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 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 and provincial partners.

The Framework is articulated around eight goals: nurture healthy families and communities; invest in the energy, transportation and communications infrastructure that northern and Arctic governments, economies and communities need; create jobs, foster innovation and grow Arctic and northern economies; support science, knowledge and research that is meaningful for communities and for decision-making; face the effects of climate change and support healthy ecosystems in the Arctic and North; ensure that Canada and our northern and Arctic residents are safe, secure and well-defended; restore Canada's place as an international Arctic leader and advance reconciliation and improve relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

A pan-territorial chapter co-authored by the three Territorial Governments, as well as the chapters of the governments of Northwest Territories and Nunavut, and an Inuit Nunangat chapter, were also released on September 10th. These outline the priorities and aspirations of those partners and are intended to inform the next phase of collaboration and implementation.

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.

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.