Appearance before the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN) - Supplementary Estimates A (June 11, 2026)

Logistics

Date: June 11, 2026
Time: 8:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Location: Room 415, Wellington Building, 197 Sparks Street

Appearing

Witnesses

Committee Membership

MP Terry Sheehan (LIB – ON) (Chair)
MP Jaime Battiste (LIB – NS)
MP Philip Earle (LIB – NFD)
MP Ginette Lavack (LIB – MB)
MP Brendan Hanley (LIB – YK)
MP Will Greaves (LIB – BC)
MP Lori Idlout (LIB – NU) 

MP Jamie Schmale (CPC – ON) (Vice-Chair)
MP Eric Melillo (CPC – ON)
MP Billy Morin (CPC – AB)
MP Bob Zimmer (CPC – BC)

MP Marilène Gill (BQ – QC) (Vice-Chair)

Parliamentary Analysis

• MP Terry Sheehan (LIB) (Chair) was previously a Parliamentary Secretary for FedNor. He may ask questions about Indigenous entrepreneurship culture, participation in the forestry industry, regional economic development agencies, and economic reconciliation.
• MP Jaime Battiste (LIB), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, has been a strong advocate for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit issues throughout his career. He may ask about funding for reconciliation measures, core services and programs for Indigenous communities, and investments in major projects. During the Budget 2025 meeting, he asked about funding for Jordan's Principle.
• MP Philip Earle (LIB) may ask questions about Arctic sovereignty and security, Indigenous consultation on major projects and the One Canadian Economy Act, and diesel power generation replacement in the North.
• MP Ginette Lavack (LIB) Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services, may ask questions that pertain to housing and infrastructure funding. During the Budget 2025 appearance, she asked questions about Indigenous feedback on the budget and the transfer of powers to territorial governments for national resource management and economic development.
• MP Brendan Hanley (LIB), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, may ask questions about investments in the North, including for housing, infrastructure, health care, food insecurity, security and defence, critical mineral projects, and environmental and wildlife management organizations.
• MP Will Greaves (LIB) may ask questions about how the government is reconciling competing priorities, such as eliminating inequities, respecting Indigenous governance, and delivering programs efficiently, within current spending plans.
• MP Lori Idlout (LIB) may ask questions about sunsetting programs compared to providing stable, long-term funding, especially in areas of housing, food security, and health services.
• MP Jamie Schmale (CPC) (Vice-Chair) is the CPC Shadow Minister for Crown-Indigenous Relations. During the Budget 2025 meeting, he asked questions related to the issue of missing Indigenous art. He will likely highlight economic reconciliation in his questions and ask if Indigenous communities prefer funding for programs or direct funding. He has asked questions about employment numbers and increased funding for ISC/CIRNAC programs not yielding sufficient improvements.
• MP Eric Melillo (CPC) is the CPC Shadow Minister for Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. He may ask questions about food insecurity, medical transportation in northern and remote communities, and infrastructure gaps in Indigenous communities. His questions will likely support an economic reconciliation approach. He may also ask questions about housing affordability or departmental funding's impact on program outcomes.
• MP Billy Morin (CPC) is the CPC Shadow Minister for Indigenous Services and he was formerly a Chief of the Enoch Cree Nation (2015 – 2022). He may ask questions about the government's legal approach to the Cowichan decision. He may tie questions to economic reconciliation or natural resource projects. He may also ask about affordability and increased costs of living. During the Budget 2025 appearance, he asked questions about specific claims negotiations, as well as addictions recovery and safety in communities.
• MP Bob Zimmer (CPC) is the CPC Shadow Minister for Arctic Affairs & Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. During the Budget 2025 appearance, he asked questions about funding for the Giant Mine project.
• MP Marilène Gill (BQ) is the BQ critic for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs. She may ask about funding for Nutrition North Canada and food insecurity in the North

Recent INAN studies, reports and government responses

• Affordability Challenges in Northern Canada;
• Collaborative Approaches to Enforcement of Laws in Indigenous Communities;
• Bill S-228, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sterilization procedures);
• Bill S-2, an Act to amend the Indian Act (new registration entitlements);
• Bill C-10, An Act respecting the Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation;
• Issues Related to Indian Act Registration;
• Subject Matter of Clause 572 (Division 35) of Bill C-15;
• Issues Related to Federally Recognized Indigenous Communities that Do Not Have a Land Base, Reserve or Modern Treaty;
• 2025 Reports of the Auditor General of Canada: Follow-up on Programs for First Nations;
• Indigenous Policing and Public Safety Study;
• Barriers to Indigenous Economic Development Study;
• Report 1: First Nations, Inuit and Métis Identity and Participation in Federal Procurement (presented to the House: October 23, 2025)

Recent Correspondence

MP Hanley (MIN-A30541) Naloxone Kit Provision and Non-Insured Health Benefits
MP Hanley (MIN-A32824) Modern Treaty implementation, and prioritize re-introducing C-77 from the 44th Parliament
MP Melillo (MIN-A32077) Support for Koocheching's Recognition as a First Nations Band under the Indian Act
MP Melillo (MIN-A28370) Tragic fire in Cat Lake First Nation that destroyed their nursing station
MP Zimmer (MIN-A32101) Background RCMP files
MP Zimmer (MIN-A28018) Transfer of parcels on the Summit Lake watershed.
MP Zimmer (MIN-A28948) Constituent Chris Johnston's request for assistance in searching for historical Indigenous records of his family history
MP Zimmer (MIN-A29324) Request for funding through Jordan's Principle for education costs
MP Hanley (U41605) Modern Treaty implementation, and prioritize re-introducing C-77 from the 44th Parliament
MP Zimmer (U38540) Assistance with searching for historical Indigenous records
MP Idlout (MIN-A33098) Funding cuts for The National Association of Friendship Centres, Friendship Centres, and Provincial/Territorial Associations
MP Idlout, MP Gazan (MIN-A33459) Need for Permanent, Sustainable Funding for the Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Program
MP Idlout (MIN-A33589) Urgent action is required: First Nation Children when not given support they are more likely to grow up in foster care, experience homelessness, addiction, and Involvement with the Justice System
MP Idlout (MIN-A31176) Uncertainty about Inuit Child Frist Initiative
MP Idlout (MIN-A31351) Nunavut Non-Insured Health Benefits funding
MP Idlout (MIN-A29231) Bare Trust T3 filings and the negative impact on British Columbia First Nations and Canadians in Bill C-32
MP Idlout (MIN-A30284) Contaminated Transport Canada Dock polluting Indigenous waters and endangering health
MP Idlout (MIN-A28502) Auditor General's report regarding housing in First Nation communities
MP Idlout (MIN-A29798) Elder Care Facility in the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory

In the Media

Main estimates set out $502.8-billion for 2026-27 as National Defence tops voted spending - The Hill Times

Feds mum on wilting conservation program funding as nature spending dips 62 per cent - The Hill Times

ISC data shows Jordan's Principle will face a $90M funding gap

Yukon First Nation groups say new federal cash for Jordan's Principle meaningless without broader changes | CBC News

After 5 years of no clean drinking water, Oneida pipeline project approved | CBC News

Southern Chiefs' Organization call on federal government to commit to multi-year funding for mental health | CBC News

Meeting Proceedings

The meeting is scheduled for June 11, 2026 from 8:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

The Chair will call the meeting to order and provide instructions for the meeting proceedings. They will then introduce the witnesses and invite them to deliver opening remarks (limit of 5 minutes). Following the opening remarks, there will be rounds of questions from Committee.

Witnesses should speak clearly into the microphones, which will be automatically turned on and off as they speak. There is no need to operate them manually. It is recommended that witnesses speak at a moderate pace and at an appropriate volume to ensure they are heard by the interpreters.  To protect interpreters from injury, when earpieces are not in use by witnesses, they should be placed on the designated white circles installed on the table, away from the microphones.

At the end of the hour, the Chair will briefly suspend the meeting to allow Panel 1 witnesses to depart and the Panel 2 witnesses to come to the table. Officials should exit promptly so as not to delay the second hour of proceedings. MPs may approach officials during the transition to thank them for appearing.  Should MPs have additional questions or requests, officials should politely redirect that request to the Clerk of the Committee, who will then officially liaise with the Department. Officials should avoid making commitments or providing information to MPs outside of official committee appearance.

The meeting can be watched via ParlVU, however there may be an up to 70-second delay with the webcast.

Other Information for Appearing In-Person

Witnesses should arrive early to allow time for security screening. Screening could take 30 minutes or more for those without a Hill pass.

Key Messages

• The 2026-27 Main Estimates for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) is approximately $11.9 billion.
• Of this amount, $7.7 billion is for Grants and Contributions, and $3.7 billion is for Settlement Agreements.
• This funding will help CIRNAC to continue on the path to renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples; to further its work to modernize institutional structures and governance to support self-determination; to progress on righting wrongs from the past, towards Indigenous reconciliation; and finally, to advance its work to protect the environment and ensure prosperity, sustainability and health in the North.

Background

• In comparison to the 2025-26 Main Estimates of $13.1 billion, CIRNAC's total Main Estimates for 2026-27 have a net decrease of $1.2 billion.
• For Northern and Arctic Affairs, the decrease in the 2026-27 Main Estimates compared to the 2025-26 Main Estimates, is $101.6 million. This net decrease in funding is primarily attributable to a lower level of funding the department received for the following programs:
  • Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program (-$43 million)
  • Climate Change adaptation and Clean Energy (-$30 million)
  • Nutrition North Canada (-$29 million) – this funding has since been renewed and will be included in future supplementary estimates.

Current Status

2026-27 Main Estimates for Northern Affairs:

• The Main Estimates contain approximately $1.2 billion for programs under the portfolio of the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs.
• The majority of operating funds will be used for the remediation of Northern Contaminated Sites and Abandoned Mine, to address the significant risks they pose to the environment and to human health and safety ($782.6 million).
• Resources will also be used for continued support in key areas such as infrastructure, natural resources and climate change adaptation and monitoring ($245.4 million).
• Transfer payment resources will be used to support accessibility to nutritious food in isolated northern communities through the Nutrition North Program ($175.1 million).

Key Data Points

• In 2026–27, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency will receive $134.3M through the Main Estimates.
  
• This represents an increase of $56.4M compared to the previous fiscal year.
  
• Funding will support continued advancement of economic development, project readiness, northern supply chains, and collaboration with First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and public and private sector partners across the territories as new or enhanced investments, including:
  • Regional Tariff Response Initiative;
  • Yukon Gathering Place;
  • Regional Defence Investment Initiative;
  • Pilimmaksaivik Grants and Contributions Program;
  • Support for Northern Infrastructure Development initiative; and
  • Black Entrepreneurship Program.

Key Messages

• CanNor's 2026–27 Main Estimates provide significant new investments to support economic growth and resilience across the North.
  
• The new initiatives respond to a shifting trade and geopolitical landscape and align with the government's priority to build one Canadian economy that is secure, resilience, inclusive and reflective of Northern realities. They include:
  • Regional Tariff Response Initiative;
  • Yukon Gathering Place;
  • Regional Defence Investment Initiative;
  • Pilimmaksaivik Grants and Contributions Program;
  • Support for Northern Infrastructure Development initiative; and
  • Black Entrepreneurship Program
• These initiatives will help address structural barriers that limit long-term growth, while supporting business development, community capacity, economic diversification, Arctic sovereignty, and increased economic opportunity for Northerners.
• Through these new initiatives, CanNor will provide support to businesses and workers impacted by tariffs, accelerate the integration of businesses and regional ecosystems into domestic and international defence supply chains, strengthen specific economic sectors such as the tourism industry in Yukon, help northern infrastructure projects move through regulatory and consultation processes more efficiently while strengthening early project planning, and create opportunities for Black entrepreneurs all while deepening collaboration with Indigenous and territorial partners.
• The increase reflects targeted investments aligned with government priorities, while maintaining a focus on efficient and sustainable program delivery.

Current Status

• CanNor's 2026–27 Main Estimates have been finalized at $134.3M with no further changes anticipated.
• The Estimates will be tabled in Parliament in accordance with the Standing Orders of the House of Commons.
• The increase in funding is primarily attributable to new or enhanced investments, including:
  • Regional Tariff Response Initiative;
  • Yukon Gathering Place;
  • Regional Defence Investment Initiative;
  • Pilimmaksaivik Grants and Contributions Program;
  • Support for Northern Infrastructure Development initiative; and
  • Black Entrepreneurship Program.
• The increase is partially offset by the sunsetting of the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation Program and the Tourism Growth Program, as part of CanNor's approved Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER).
• There are no controversial elements associated with these Main Estimates.
• Following the tabling of the 2026–27 Main Estimates, Parliament will vote on Interim Supply to provide departments with spending authority for the first months of the fiscal year.
• Full Supply, which provides final parliamentary approval of the Main Estimates, is expected to be granted by June 2026, at which point departments will have access to their complete annual authorities.

Background

• Each year, as part of the federal Expenditure Cycle, the Government prepares Estimates to support its request to Parliament for spending authorities. The Main Estimates set out the resources required by departments and agencies to deliver their programs in the upcoming fiscal year.
• Under the Standing Orders of the House of Commons, the Main Estimates must be tabled on or before March 1 by the President of the Treasury Board.
• For 2026–27, CanNor's Main Estimates include:
  • $99,307,483 in grants and contributions;
  • $31,547,131 in operating funding; and
  • $3,408,462 in statutory funding.
• Grants and contributions funding allocations include:
  • $73,900,000 for Promoting Regional Development in Canada's Three Territories;
  • $13,200,000 for the Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program;
  • $7,500,000 for the Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North initiative; and
  • $4,706,511 for infrastructure and business development through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program.
• These investments position CanNor to continue advancing inclusive, sustainable economic development across the territories while aligning with broader government priorities.

Key Data Points

• Polar Knowledge Canada's (POLAR) Main Estimates for 2026–27 total $37.5 million; representing an increase of $2.5M from the previous fiscal year (2025-26). 
  
• The $2.5M increase is mainly due to anticipated increases in previously approved funding:
  • increase from reprofiled funds from previous fiscal years and supports ongoing operational requirements of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS); and
  • scheduled change in the multi-year funding profile for the transfer of the CHARS facility from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) in fiscal year 2023.

Current Status

• The 2026-27 Main Estimates were tabled in Parliament on February 26, 2026.

Background

• The Main Estimates set out the resources required by departments and agencies for the upcoming fiscal year to deliver approved programs and activities.
• The Main Estimates outline the resources required by departments and agencies to deliver approved programs and activities for the upcoming fiscal year. They provide Parliament with the legal authority for expenditure.
• Funding was not fully spent in prior years and has been carried forward to complete delayed operational and capital activities. Key areas include:
  • Canadian High Arctic Research Station infrastructure repair and maintenance
  • Real property and office space costs
  • Program delivery travel, science equipment, and business transformation support
  • Medical and dental benefits top-ups
• Multi-Year Funding Adjustment:
  • Following the 2023 transfer of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, funding was approved across multiple years. The 2026–27 increase reflects the scheduled rise in the funding profile to support the Canadian High Arctic Research Station's ongoing operations and custodial responsibilities.
• The increase ensures Polar Knowledge Canada can maintain essential operations, complete outstanding infrastructure work, and continue research and program delivery activities.
• Funding remains largely fixed to operational and statutory commitments, leaving limited flexibility for new initiatives.

Key Messages

• The 2026-27 Supplementary Estimates (A) includes key initiatives and new funding totaling approximately $3,107.6 million.
• Of these total Supplementary Estimates amounts, $30.0 million (1%) is for Northern Affairs.
• This funding will help the department support access to nutritious food in isolated northern communities through the Nutrition North Program.

Current Status

• The 2026-27 Supplementary Estimates (A) for all departments was  tabled in the House of Commons by the President of the Treasury Board in  May 2026. It is expected that the Supply will be released in June 2026.

Background

• Supplementary Estimates (A) will increase the department's 2026-27 total budgetary authorities to approximately $15.0 billion.
• These Supplementary Estimates include key initiatives and new funding totaling $3,107.6 million, including:
  • $2,761.2 million in funding for new initiatives; and
  • $346.4 million in reprofiled funding.
• For Northern and Arctic Affairs, the total estimates amount of $30.0 million in Contributions (Vote 10) is for the  Nutrition North Canada program. This new funding is to renew the Nutrition North Canada (NNC) subsidy program for 2026–27 to address increased costs of the demand-driven subsidy.

Key Data Points

• CanNor's proposed authorities to date will increase by $6.0M, bringing total proposed authorities to $140.3M in 2026–27.
• Supplementary Estimates (A) will reflect budgetary changes since the tabling of the 2026–27 Main Estimates.
• The increase is aligned with Treasury Board submissions approved for CanNor.

Key Messages

• Supplementary Estimates (A) will increase CanNor's authorities by $6.0M to support targeted investments in northern economic development and program delivery.
• The proposed increase includes funding for the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives Fund, the Building Canada Strong Fund, and the Northern Projects Management Office.
• These resources support CanNor's role in advancing economic development, infrastructure priorities, and project coordination across the territories.

Current Status

• CanNor is seeking an increase of $6.0M through Supplementary Estimates (A) for 2026–27.
• The proposed funding includes $3.0M in Grants and Contributions for the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives Fund, $2.3M in Grants and Contributions for the Building Canada Strong Fund, and $0.6M in Operating for the Northern Projects Management Office.

Key Messages

• Polar Knowledge Canada's Supplementary Estimates (A) amount is $3.5 million.
• Through its sunsetter renewal request, the Government decided to provide $3.5 million in 2026-27 to Polar Knowledge Canada to renew its one-year program integrity funding provided in Budget 2024.
• The Government also decided to direct Polar Knowledge Canada to return in a future Budget cycle with a broader request for incremental ongoing funding.

Current Status

• The 2026-27 Supplementary Estimates (A) for all departments were tabled in the House of Commons by the President of the Treasury Board on May 28, 2026.

Background

• Supplementary Estimates (A) will increase the department's 2026-27 total authorities to approximately $41.0 million.

Key Messages

• The 2025-26 Supplementary Estimates (C) includes key initiatives and new funding totaling approximately $138.8 million.
• Of these total Supplementary Estimates amounts, $29.4 million (21%) is for Northern Affairs.
• The majority of this funding will help the department to fulfill its role as the Government of Canada's natural resource manager in Nunavut and the northern offshore and reflects its post-devolution responsibilities in the Northwest Territories and Yukon.

Current Status

• The 2025-26 Supplementary Estimates (C) for all departments was tabled in the House of Commons by the President of the Treasury Board in February 2026. It is expected that the Supply will be released by the end of March 2026.

Background

• Supplementary Estimates (C) will increase the department's 2025-26 total budgetary authorities to approximately $14.6 billion.
• These Supplementary Estimates include key initiatives and new funding totaling $138.8 million, including:
  • $109.1 million in funding for new initiatives; and
  • $29.7 million in funding for transfers with other departments.
• For Northern and Arctic Affairs, the total Estimates amount of $29.4 million is mainly comprised of:
  • $29.2 million in Vote 10 Grants, contributions and other transfer payments, including:
    • $25.8 million in Other transfer payments funding (Vote 10) for the Historic Resource Revenue Entitlement Payment to the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Government of Yukon. This new funding will provide a one-time payment in 2025–26 to the Governments of Yukon and the Northwest Territories, representing all resource revenues collected by Canada from Beaufort Sea oil and gas activities since 1993;
    • $2.2 million in Contributions funding (Vote 10). This transfer from the Department of Natural Resources will allow NAA to administer funding to Métis to address their residential energy efficiency needs and generate energy efficiency benefits; and
    • $1.3 million in Contributions funding (Vote 10) for the Implementation of the Trade Infrastructure Strategy. This funding will support northern infrastructure development, and the participation of Indigenous and Inuit and stakeholders in consultation.

Key Data Points

• CanNor has current authorities of $105.9M.
• Supplementary Estimates (C) will provide an increase of $6.75M for total proposed authorities of $112.65M in 2025–26.

Key Messages

• Supplementary Estimates (C) will increase CanNor's authorities by $6.75M to support targeted investments in territorial economic development.
• This funding for the Trade Infrastructure Strategy supports strategic priorities, including infrastructure development, Indigenous economic growth, and resilient northern communities.
• The additional resources reinforce CanNor's role in advancing sustainable and inclusive economic development across the territories.

Current Status

• CanNor is seeking approval of $6.75M through Supplementary Estimates (C) for 2025–26.
• The proposed funding consists entirely of grants and contributions, with no changes to operating or statutory authorities.
• Funding is intended to support the implementation of the Trade Infrastructure Strategy announced in Budget 2025.

Key Data Points

• Polar Knowledge Canada's Supplementary Estimates (C) were NIL.

Current Status

• The President of the Treasury Board tabled the Supplementary Estimates (C), 2025–26, in the House of Commons on February 12, 2026.

Background

• Supplementary Estimates (C) does not impact Polar Knowledge Canada's provided authorities for 2025-26.

Key Messages

• This government has reaffirmed the importance of supporting Canada's northern and arctic organizations, individuals, communities, and governments through targeted initiatives and collaborative efforts in the pursuit of an inclusive, prosperous, and self-sufficient North.
• We are committed to sound financial management and long-term sustainability, and will implement spending reductions thoughtfully to align resources with core programs while continuing to modernize Government of Canada structures to support the self-determined priorities of Indigenous Peoples.

Current Status

• Of the $69.3 million in proposed savings submitted by CIRNAC, $62.7 million was approved in May 2026.
• CIRNAC will develop alternative measures to replace the $6.6 million that was not approved. These new proposals must be submitted by July 17, 2026, and if approved, will only take effect in 2027-28.
• The $6.6M in savings that were not approved related to the Flood Mapping and Water Resilience and advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action 66 where the Government opted to renew sunsetting funds.
• The CER approved proposals are currently being implemented in a manner that minimizes any negative impacts on Indigenous partners and communities. In all areas of savings, a modest proportionate reduction of funds have been reduced enabling the Department to continue with the programs.

Background

• Total reductions for CIRNAC represent 2% of an adjusted base calculated using the 2025-26 Main Estimates.
• The department needed to achieve ongoing savings of $69.3M, starting in the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Key Data Points

• In 2025-26, CanNor was asked to submit savings proposals equivalent to 7.5% in 2026-27, 10.0% in 2027-28 and 15.0% in 2028-29 (ongoing) of the organization's total voted operating and transfer payment authorities as laid out in the 2025-26 Main Estimates.
• Approved reductions of $9.280M will result from the non-renewal of four programs scheduled to sunset over the next three years.
• Also approved is an additional core funding reduction of $2.02M in 2028–29 to reduce operating and salary budgets.

Key Messages

• CanNor has implemented targeted spending reductions, mainly by sunsetting programs that were low-demand, duplicative, or outside departmental priorities.
• While difficult for a small agency, these changes will align resources with strategic priorities and ensure sustainable delivery.
• Impacts on communities are expected to be limited, as alternative federal and territorial programs, along with CanNor's flagship IDEANorth fund, will continue to provide support.

Current Status

• CanNor has begun implementing the sunsetting of select programs as part of its CER approach, with actions phased over a three-year period.
• The Tourism Growth Program will sunset in 2026, the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) program will sunset in 2027, and elements of REGI programming are being reduced due to lower demand and overlap with existing programming.
• The $2.02M core funding reduction in 2028–29 will be managed through attrition, focus on strategic policy initiatives, streamlined project intake processes, and broader operating efficiencies.
• Residual implementation risk is expected to remain low, supported by flexibility in CanNor's funding mechanisms to ensure continuity in economic diversification support.

Background

The Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER) is ensuring that government spending remains sustainable and focused on programs that are cost-effective, aligned with federal priorities, and complementary to other government programming.

• CanNor's reductions focus on programs that are underutilized, duplicative, or no longer aligned with priorities, including:
  • The Tourism Growth Program ($0.89M), with continued tourism support provided through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's Indigenous Tourism Fund and IDEANorth;
  • REGI Core and RHII Housing programming ($5.45M), which have lower demand and overlap with IDEANorth activities related to housing and innovation; and
  • The Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) program ($2.94M), with Inuit food security priorities continuing through IDEANorth.
• These changes, aligned with Budget 2025, support a more focused and efficient delivery model while maintaining CanNor's ability to advance economic growth and diversification across the territories.
• As Regional Development Agencies across Canada work to modernize their operations, CanNor will integrate new technologies and digital solutions to improve efficiency and client service, all while remaining laser-focused on investments that drive economic growth across the territories.

Key Data Points

• Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) was subject to the Government's Comprehensive Expenditures Review (CER), which required departments to identify reductions to operating spending.
• POLAR's $32.4M budget has very limited flexibility, with most funding allocated to salaries, essential operations, and Grants and Contributions that support ministerial priorities.
• Of POLAR's $12.0M Operations and Maintenance (O&M) budget, $9.5M supports operations and maintenance of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) and $1.1M funds essential Information Technology and digital services, leaving only $1.4M in discretionary funding.
• Applying CER reductions would have required significant workforce reductions, including impacts on Northern staff and Inuit employment in Cambridge Bay.
• Central agencies informed POLAR in January 2025 that it would be exempted from CER reductions, recognizing the organization's unique operating environment and limited flexibility to absorb cuts.

Current Status

• In 2025, POLAR developed a proposed cost-reduction plan to respond to CER requirements, including modernization, refocusing of activities, and streamlining internal services.
• The proposed measures would have resulted in significant workforce reductions, elimination of term positions, and reduced operational capacity, including impacts in the North.
• In Budget 2025, and confirmed in January 2025, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat informed POLAR that the organization would be exempted from CER reductions.
• The exemption ensures POLAR can maintain safe and reliable operations at CHARS and continue delivering its statutory mandate.

Background

• POLAR was established in 2015 under the Canadian High Arctic Research Station Act to advance Arctic science and strengthen Canada's leadership in polar knowledge.
• CHARS, located in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, serves as Canada's Arctic research hub and supports collaboration among scientists, Indigenous partners, and international researchers.
• At its creation, POLAR received start-up funding, with the expectation that long-term operational requirements would be reassessed once the facility became fully operational.
• In October 2024, POLAR submitted a Condition Report to the Treasury Board of Canada, which Ministers noted and confirmed structural program integrity gaps requiring additional ongoing funding.
• Budget 2024 provided $3.5M in one-year Program Integrity funding to stabilize operations while POLAR prepares a broader long-term funding request.
• Applying CER reductions would have had significant impacts on POLAR's ability to deliver its mandate under the Canadian High Arctic Research Station Act, including maintaining critical Northern infrastructure, supporting Arctic research, and advancing Canada's Arctic priorities.

Key Messages

• The Government of Canada remains committed to addressing the priorities of Indigenous and northern communities by ensuring the continuity of essential programs, particularly those that expired in 2025-26.
• Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) submitted targeted funding requests to extend critical programs, ensuring uninterrupted services, responding to the urgent needs of communities, and upholding our commitment to reconciliation.
• CIRNAC relies heavily on temporary funding with nearly 80% of the department's 2026-27 Main Estimates being temporary in nature with over 50% set to sunset in 2028-29.

Current Status

• Decisions have been reached for all 4 NAA sunsetter requests. This represents progress in supporting strategic objectives centered on the needs of northern communities.
• Since decisions were delivered to the department in a staggered manner, none of the NAA sunsetters are included in the Main Estimates, instead they will be received through future Supplementary Estimate exercises.

Background

• Sunsetting programs require a decision on their extension or consideration of alternatives. This process is part of the government's strategic budgeting approach to align resources with federal priorities.
• The importance of these programs aligns with the government's commitments to prioritize:
  • Addressing the immediate needs of Indigenous and northern communities.
  • Reducing socio-economic gaps between Indigenous Peoples and other Canadians.
  • Building sustainable and respectful partnerships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
• Below is an overview of the sunsetters where decisions have been received:
  • Renewing Sunsetting Support for Nutrition North Canada's subsidy – Funding will be provided in 2026-27: This funding will uphold the program's ability to address food insecurity in northern, remote communities by maintaining current subsidy rates, and support non-profits and local producers who are growing strong, northern food economies.
  • Funding for advancing post-secondary education in Canada's Arctic and North (Dechinta) – Funding will be provided in 2026-27: Funding to support the delivery of programming and research activities. Dechinta was one of three strategic Budget 2019 investments towards northern post-secondary education intended to advance the goals and objectives of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework.
  • Funding to Implement Canada's New Marine Conservation Targets – Funding will be provided over five years, starting in 2026-27: An initiative led by DFO to protect, conserve and manage Canada's marine environment.
  • Funding for the renewal of the First Nation Adapt - Flood Mapping and Water Resilience Program – Funding will be provided over three years, starting in 2026-27 : Funding to support communities at significant risk of flooding, which has been identified as a priority climate change impact.

Key Data Points

• CanNor has multiple time-limited programs scheduled to sunset between 2027 and 2030, with varying impacts across operating (Vote 1) and grants and contributions (Vote 5).
• There is a mix of regionally focused programs and national programs delivered by RDAs such as the Regional Defense Investment Initiative.
• The largest sunsetting pressures are concentrated in:
  • IDEANorth top-up: $13.8M total by March 31, 2027
  • Defence Investment Strategy / Regional Defence Investment Initiative (DIS/RDII): $14.0M total by March 31, 2028
  • Yukon Gathering Place (YGP): $19.0M (Vote 5) by March 31, 2028 (a time-limited stand alone project)
  • Trade Infrastructure Strategy: $10.1M total by March 31, 2029
• Additional program sunsets (2027–2030) include NICI, NIEOP, REGI AI, RTRI, BEP, and NPMO.
• Sunsetting spans both core economic development programming and targeted, time-limited initiatives aligned with Budget investments and government priorities.

Key Messages

• CanNor's sunsetting programs reflect a mix of time-limited Budget National initiatives and targeted investments designed to address specific northern economic priorities.
• The Agency is proactively managing sunsets to minimize impacts on clients and communities, leveraging ongoing programs such as IDEANorth and other federal/territorial supports.
• Sunsetting provides an opportunity to refocus resources on high-impact, in-demand programming, while ensuring alignment with evolving government priorities and fiscal sustainability.

Current Status

• CanNor is actively monitoring upcoming program sunsets and planning transitions over a multi-year horizon (2027–2030).
• CanNor will work with the other RDAs to advance the opportunity to conttibute some of these programs such as the RDII.
• Early sunsets in 2027 (IDEANorth top-up, NICI, NIEOP top-up) represent key program areas supporting:
  • Northern business development
  • Indigenous economic participation
  • Food security and community initiatives
• Subsequent sunsets in 2028–2030 include major strategic initiatives such as:
  • DIS/RDII (defence-related economic development)
  • Yukon Gathering Place (cultural and economic infrastructure)
  • Trade Infrastructure Strategy (northern trade corridors and logistics)
• Transition strategies will focus on:
  • Program integration or redesign where appropriate
  • Managing funding gaps and stakeholder expectations
  • Ensuring continuity of priority economic development outcomes

Background

CanNor delivers a suite of programs to support inclusive and sustainable economic development across the territories, often through time-limited funding authorities aligned with federal Budget decisions.

Key programs scheduled to sunset include:

• IDEANorth top-up (Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North):
  • Supports economic diversification, innovation, and growth of northern businesses and communities.
• NIEOP top-up (Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program):
  • Enhances Indigenous participation in the economy through entrepreneurship, capacity development, and partnerships.
• NICI (Northern Isolated Community Initiatives):
  • Addresses food security and economic resilience in isolated northern communities.
• DIS / RDII (Defence Investment Strategy / Regional Defence Investment Initiative):
  • Supports northern participation in defence-related supply chains and industrial opportunities.
• Trade Infrastructure Strategy:
  • Invests in infrastructure to strengthen northern trade corridors and supply chains.
• Yukon Gathering Place (YGP):
  • Supports the development of a cultural and economic hub in Yukon.
• RTRI (Regional Tariff Response Initiative) and Top-Up:
  • Provides support to businesses impacted by tariffs and global trade disruptions.
• REGI AI (Regional Economic Growth through Innovation – AI stream):
  • Supports adoption and development of artificial intelligence and innovation capacity.
• BEP (Black Entrepreneurship Program):
  • Supports Black entrepreneurs and businesses in accessing funding and growth opportunities.
• NPMO (Northern Projects Management Office):
  • Coordinates federal participation in environmental assessments and Crown consultation for major northern projects.
• These sunsetting programs reflect the time-bound nature of targeted federal investments, and their phase-out is being managed to ensure continued support for northern economic development through remaining and future programming.

Key Messages

• Polar Knowledge Canada's Sunsetting program request was approved on February 17, 2026 and accessed through 2026-27 Supplementary Estimates (A).
• The Government decided to provide $3.5 million in 2026-27 to Polar Knowledge Canada to renew its one-year program integrity funding provided in Budget 2024.
• The Government also decided to direct Polar Knowledge Canada to return in a future Budget cycle with a broader request for incremental ongoing funding.

Current Status

• The Sunsetter request was funded through the 2026-27 Supplementary Estimates (A) process which was tabled in the House of Commons by the President of the Treasury Board on May 28, 2026.

Background

• The Sunsetter program renewal approved through Supplementary Estimates (A) will increase the department's 2026-27 overall total authorities to approximately $41.0 million.

Key Messages

• Pursuant to its core mandate, CIRNAC's 2026-27 Departmental Plan sets out an ambitious agenda to sustain and advance progress towards a safe, healthy and prosperous North, by continuing to lead the federal government's work in the North and Arctic.
• Core efforts focus on continued federal leadership on the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, devolution, climate change adaptation, food security and sustainable economic development in partnership with territorial and Indigenous governments. It also underscores the department's role in coordinating whole‑of‑government action on Arctic sovereignty, infrastructure, and community resilience, reflecting the growing strategic, environmental, and socio‑economic importance of the North.
• The plan also acknowledges the government‑wide Comprehensive Expenditure Review and highlights ongoing efforts to restrain growth in operating spending.
• Throughout 2026–27, the department will thoughtfully implement the commitments set out in this plan, aligned with government priorities, in support of Indigenous Peoples' self‑determined goals and leadership in shaping northern and Arctic governance, stewardship, and decision‑making over their lands and regions.

Current Status

• CIRNAC's 2026-27 Departmental Plan was submitted to the Treasury Board Secretariat on February 26, 2026, and tabled in parliament on March 13, 2026.
• The department will pursue implementation of its planned commitments this fiscal year and report back on progress through the 2026-27 Departmental Results Report.

Background

• Tabled each year on or before March 31st, the Departmental Plan forms Part roman numeral 3III of the Estimates family of documents. It is an expenditure plan for each appropriated department and agency (excluding Crown corporations), which describes departmental priorities, programs, expected results, and associated resource requirements, to inform parliamentarians and Canadians.

Key Data Points

• In 2026-27:
  • Planned spending (including internal services) for CanNor: $114,839,371; and
  • Total full-time equivalents (including internal services) for CanNor: 128.

Key Messages

• In 2026-27, CanNor will sharpen its focus on removing structural barriers that limit long-term growth, while continuing to deliver core supports for businesses, communities, and Indigenous partners across the territories.
• This illustrates a deliberate shift toward concentrating resources on high-impact economic development priorities, including project readiness, Indigenous economic participation, regulatory coordination, and northern supply chain resilience, including food systems.
• The Northern Projects Management Office (NPMO) will strengthen project readiness and federal regulatory coordination to improve clarity, predictability, and Indigenous participation in major infrastructure and resource development initiatives.
• CanNor is also supporting Inuit federal employment in Nunavut through Pilimmaksaivik, the Federal Centre of Excellence for Inuit Employment in Nunavut.

Current Status

• The Government of Canada tabled CanNor's 2026-27 Departmental Plan in Parliament on March 13, 2026.
• CanNor's 2026-27 Departmental Plan details the Agency's priorities, plans, and associated costs for the upcoming three fiscal years

Background

• CanNor programming supports northern communities, many of which are small and remote, by strengthening the conditions required for sustainable economic growth and long-term resilience. CanNor will continue to work directly with Indigenous Peoples, communities, and businesses through the Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program (NIEOP) to advance employment, income generation, and wealth creation, including opportunities linked to major infrastructure development, supply chain expansion, and sectoral diversification.
• In fiscal year 2026-27, CanNor will focus support on businesses operating in priority areas such as critical minerals and responsible resource development, Arctic sovereignty and defence, clean energy and infrastructure, housing innovation, fisheries and northern food systems, digital adoption and productivity growth, research, workforce development, and arts and cultural industries.
• The Northern Projects Management Office (NPMO) plays a central role in strengthening regulatory clarity, project sequencing, and Crown consultation for major resource, clean growth, and infrastructure projects in the territories.
  • To further enhance project readiness, NPMO will strengthen upstream engagement and sequencing functions, including expanded pre-consultation support, and improved coordination across departments, ensuring that major projects advance in an orderly, consultation-informed, and capital-aligned manner.
• Pilimmaksaivik will continue to reduce systemic barriers to recruitment and retention by delivering culturally-grounded training and working to expand wrap-around supports that seek to enable employment success. Pilimmaksaivik will advance implementation of the 2023-2033 Whole-of-Government Inuit Employment Plan and launch a new pre-employment funding program to support community-driven training initiatives aligned with federal workforce needs. These initiatives will be delivered through Pilimmaksaivik's new public-facing office, designed to improve accessibility, outreach, and coordination.

Key Data Points

• Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) is responsible for advancing Arctic and Antarctic research, delivering actionable knowledge, and strengthening Canada's leadership in polar science.
• The Departmental Plan (DP) for 2026–27 aligns with Government of Canada priorities, including climate resilience, Indigenous reconciliation, Northern economic development, and evidence-based decision-making.
• POLAR leverages the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) as a national asset to support field operations, laboratory services, logistics, and accommodation for Canadian and international researchers.
• The DP emphasizes capacity building for youth and Northern communities, including training, mentorship, university partnerships, and on-the-land learning programs.
• Research priorities are co-developed with Indigenous and Northern partners, integrating Indigenous Knowledge alongside western science to support self-determination and community-driven outcomes.

Key Messages

• POLAR advances Canada's Arctic sovereignty and global leadership by sustaining scientific presence in the North and connecting Arctic and Antarctic research to national priorities.
• CHARS is a strategic national asset, anchoring world-class science, Indigenous Knowledge, and international collaboration to inform policy on climate change, infrastructure, energy, and food security.
• Investments in Arctic-ready technologies—including clean energy and advanced monitoring—reduce long-term costs, improve sustainability, and support Northern economic development.
• POLAR is a partner in reconciliation, ensuring research directly supports Indigenous and Northern decision-making while strengthening trust and Canada's credibility as an Arctic nation.
• The agency is committed to youth development and Northern capacity, expanding opportunities for Indigenous and Northern students, early-career researchers, and community members.
• Modernized internal services, including workflow redesign, digital tools, and AI, improve operational efficiency while maintaining fiscal discipline.

Current Status

• The 2026–27 DP has been finalized and reviewed internally to ensure alignment with POLAR's statutory mandate and Government of Canada priorities.
• Ministerial review and approval were completed prior to tabling, consistent with Policy on the Tabling of Departmental Plans, ensuring Cabinet and Treasury Board expectations were met.
• The DP was tabled in Parliament on March 13, 2026, and published on POLAR's website within the required two-hour timeframe post-tabling.
• The plan highlights POLAR's key priorities for research, Indigenous engagement, youth programs, and operational modernization.

Background

• Departmental Plans are annual planning instruments that communicate a department's objectives, planned results, and resource allocation for the fiscal year.
• The 2026–27 DP reflects updates to the Departmental Results Framework, enhancing clarity, transparency, and reporting of outcomes aligned with the Policy on Results.
• Preparation of the DP involves:
  1. Internal development by POLAR based on mandate, previous results, and strategic priorities.
  2. Alignment with Government of Canada priorities and central agency guidance.
  3. Senior management and legal review.
  4. Ministerial review and approval prior to tabling in Parliament.
• Tabling ensures public transparency and accountability while allowing stakeholders—including Indigenous and Northern communities—to access planned activities and expected results.

Key Data Points

• In Canada, the Arctic and North hold high potential for economic development with opportunities in  the extraction of resources that are facing increased demand globally, but also the growth of other sectors such as fisheries, tourism, clean energy and additional sectors built around major projects.
• CanNor works with Northerners and Indigenous people, communities, businesses, organizations, other federal departments and other orders of government to help build diversified and dynamic economies that foster long-term sustainability and economic prosperity across the territories – Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon.
• Since 2023, through the Northern Regulatory Initiative and Northern Participant Funding program, CIRNAC has invested approximately $22 million in measures that help accelerate reviews of projects under treaty-based impact assessment and permitting process, including supports to boards, regulatory dialogues, studies, and community participation in reviews. 

Key Messages

• Advancing Northern economic development not only enhances social and economic outcomes for northern and Indigenous communities – it acts as a key lever for a stronger, united Canadian economy as well as Canada's sovereignty. However, across Canada's territories, critical infrastructure gaps—spanning energy, housing, and transportation and telecommunications—continue to hinder regional economic diversification and growth, ultimately undermining broader economic and security goals.
• Budget 2025 invested $25.5 million in enhanced funding for CIRNAC's Northern Regulatory Initiative and Northern Participant Funding Program to help accelerate reviews of major projects in the North. In 2026-27, CIRNAC will deploy initial investments support regulatory participation and system readiness for major projects, including those which have been referred to the Major Projects Office in the North.
• CanNor delivers the Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program (NIEOP) to create Indigenous employment, support Indigenous entrepreneurship, and help build resilience in Indigenous communities through economic development, all of which contribute to territorial economic growth. NIEOP includes designated funding for identified Indigenous right holders (First Nations, Inuit, Métis and non status Indigenous communities) to improve capacity and prepare to plan for, pursue, and participate in economic opportunities.
• CanNor delivers Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth) to make foundational investments in economic infrastructure, sector development and capacity building to help position Northerners in the territories to take advantage of Canada's innovation economy.
• In 2026-27, CanNor will deliver several new funding streams:
  Economic stabilization and business resilience:
  • Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI): Support for territorial businesses and organizations affected by tariffs and global trade disruptions, strengthening resilience against external economic shocks and protecting northern supply chains.
  • Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP): Support for northern organizations in delivering advisory services, mentorship, incubator and accelerator programming, and financial planning services to Black entrepreneurs, expanding inclusive business participation.
  Structural readiness and infrastructure enablement:
  • Support for Northern Infrastructure Development (SNID): Strengthen Indigenous and northern capacity and pre-assessment alignment for Arctic Infrastructure Fund (AIF) (and other major northern projects). SNID will advance proponent readiness, regulatory coordination, and early-stage development aligned with territorial economic priorities.
  • Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII): Support territorial businesses looking to integrate into domestic and international defence supply chains, strengthening Arctic readiness, economic security, and northern industrial participation in dual-use infrastructure and sovereignty-related investments.
  Innovation and productivity growth:
  • Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII): Support adoption of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital solutions, to improve productivity, competitiveness, and innovation across territorial economies.
• CanNor delivers a number of other programs alongside the other regional development agencies (RDAs). These programs are normally time limited and reflect specific Government of Canada priorities or needs.
• Given the North's unique context, CanNor operates specialty branches to facilitate federal participation in environmental and impact assessment for major projects in the North, as well as to foster Inuit employment in Nunavut:
  • CanNor's Northern Projects Management Office (NPMO) strengthens project readiness and federal regulatory coordination to improve clarity, predictability, and Indigenous participation in major infrastructure and resource development initiatives.
  • CanNor's Pilimmaksaivik branch (the Federal Centre of Excellence for Inuit Employment in Nunavut) advances the Whole-of-Government Inuit Employment Plan and supports the government's meeting of its Article 23 obligations through targeted recruitment, training, and pre-employment programming.

Current Status

• Businesses in the North already face a tougher environment in which to start and grow. Contributing factors include extreme climates, high construction costs, limited local labour, limited build-ready land, geographic remoteness, real and perceived regulatory hurdles, short construction seasons, and climate-related risks such as permafrost thaw and supply chain disruptions.
• Additionally, private sector, Indigenous and territorial partners have raised concerns about the underdevelopment of local labour forces and project management capacity, which creates reliance on southern labour forces that are often unfamiliar with Northern construction conditions and lack access to accommodations.
• More recently, small- and medium-sized enterprises are facing increased challenges such as inflation, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and rising costs of business. Strategic investments in key energy, transportation and housing infrastructure can help move the needle in lowering the costs of doing business in the North and unlock new opportunities that benefit the broader ecosystem.
• Tabled in March 2026, CanNor's Departmental Plan details how the agency will use its financial and human resources to advance sustainable, diversified, and resilient territorial economies, consistent with CanNor's role as the Government of Canada's regional development agency for the North.
  • The agency has identified the following key priorities for 2026-27:
    • Strengthen project readiness and infrastructure stability: Improve readiness for major projects and infrastructure enablement by supporting governance clarity, coordinating regulatory processes, aligning capital pathways, and enabling foundational energy and infrastructure conditions that reduce structural barriers to economic growth and strengthen long-term Arctic economic resilience;
    • Advance Indigenous economic participation and reconciliation: Support Indigenous governments, organizations, and businesses to increase participation and equity in economic development, strengthening Indigenous ownership, workforce readiness, and long-term community capacity. All priorities will be delivered in support of economic reconciliation, aligned with the Modern Treaty Implementation Policy, Inuit Nunangat Policy, and United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA) commitments, as well as Article 23 of the Nunavut Agreement (PDF) and Chapter 22 under the Umbrella Final Agreement in the Yukon;
    • Align capital and strengthen northern supply chains, including food systems: Coordinate federal funding, private investment, and territorial partnerships to strengthen construction, clean energy, transportation, innovation ecosystems, and resilient northern supply chains. This includes strengthening northern food systems by supporting Indigenous and northern entrepreneurs across food production, fisheries, and harvesting value chains, processing and preparation capacity, and logistics to build local capacity and improve long-term affordability; and
    • Improve regulatory coordination and crown consultation: Through the Northern Projects Management Office (NPMO), strengthen federal coordination in regulatory processes and Crown consultation to improve predictability, timeliness, integrity, and successful implementation, while upholding treaty obligations and environmental stewardship.
  • CanNor's departmental plan includes a number of quantitative targets as well, which commit to metrics such as:
    • Total number of northern communities reached by CanNor funded projects
    • Amount of additional support from external sources per dollar invested by CanNor in projects
    • Revenue growth rate of firms supported by CanNor programs
    • Percentage of firms supported by CanNor programs that are led or owned by underrepresented groups
    • Number of pathfinding and convening services provided by Northern Projects Management Office
    • Percentage of identified Indigenous governments and/or organizations that receive support to participate in northern regulatory processes
    • Number of Pilimmaksaivik coordinated or delivered in-service programs and services per year

Key Data Points

Mine Closures and Economic Exposure:

• The Northwest Territories (NWT) economy is highly dependent on mining, particularly diamond mining, which has historically accounted for approximately 20% of territorial GDP and a significant share of private‑sector employment.
• In 2022, the Northwest Territories' diamond mines contributed $1.2 billion to the territory's GDP and contributed an average of nearly $100 million annually in taxes and royalties to the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) in the past decade.
• The NWT diamond mining sector is entering a major transition period as several cornerstone mines approach or reach closure:
  • Diavik Diamond Mine (Rio Tinto) – ore production concluded in March 2026. The mine is now moving into decommissioning and its active closure phase.
  • Ekati Diamond Mine (Burgundy Diamond Mines) filed under Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA)
  • CCAA with the Supreme Court of British Columbia (the Court) on May 1, 2026. On May 11, 2026, a comeback hearing was held where the Court granted Ekati an extension of the stay of proceedings until July 28. The Court also approved the interim debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing arrangement as well as the commencement of the investment solicitation process (SISP), to enable an orderly wind-down of operations and to fund a sales, to be administered by the Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corporation (CEEFC).
  • Gahcho Kué – continues to operate, though has paused the Tuzo phase 3 expansion, which would have extended the mine life from 2027 to 2030, citing the severe diamond market downturn and rising costs.

Labour Market and Community Impacts:

• The anticipated closure of the diamond mines in the NWT are predicted to have wide-ranging and disruptive impacts on the economy of the Northwest Territories including the loss of: Jobs (direct, indirect, and induced), direct labour income, tax revenue, generative output, business expenditures, consumer spending, funding for social support programs, and socio-economic capacity-building in Indigenous communities.
• The mining sector is a major employer of Indigenous Peoples in the NWT, with Indigenous workers representing a significant share of the mine workforce and contractors.
• In 2024, the NWT's three operating diamond mines (Ekati, Gahcho Kué and Diavik) created 3,163 person‑years (PY) of employment, of which Indigenous and Non-Indigenous NWT Employment accounted for 16% (507 PY) and 16.1% (508 PY) respectively.^{Footnote 1}
• Between 1996 and 2024, diamond mining generated more than 15,000 person‑years of Indigenous employment in the NWT, representing roughly half of all northern mine employment over that period. Mine closures have direct impacts on employment, Indigenous business revenues, training investments, and local supply chains, particularly for communities with limited economic diversification.

Key Messages

Economic Transition and Resilience:

• The closure and scaling back of diamond mines will create a significant economic shock for the NWT, exposing structural reliance on a single dominant resource industry and reinforcing the urgency of economic diversification.
• The federal government recognizes the scale of the challenge and is working with the GNWT, Indigenous governments, businesses and organizations, and industry to mitigate near-term impacts and support economic transition through investments in Major Projects and dual use defence spending.

Pathways Forward:

• Without sustained investment and coordination, the NWT risks prolonged economic contraction, population outmigration, reduced fiscal capacity, and widening socio-economic disparities in Indigenous and remote communities.
• Economic development efforts in the territory are increasingly focused on diversification, including critical minerals, remediation and closure work, infrastructure investment, defence contracting, Indigenous-led economic development, and skills retraining.
• Responsible mine closure, remediation, and post-closure land use planning present limited opportunities for sustained employment and Indigenous participation over the medium term.
• As the market shifts from diamonds, mining – whether for critical minerals or precious metals – is expected to continue to be the primary driver of economic growth for the territory. It is expected that prospects for mineral exploration investment into the territory will continue to increase as infrastructure to support such exploration continues to be built.
• Recent funding commitments from the Government of Canada will create significant opportunities for economic growth in the Northwest Territories. These include:
  • Federal investment of $32 billion at Forward Operating Locations in Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Iqaluit, and at Deployed Operating Base 5 Wing Goose Bay
  • Major projects referred to the Major Projects Office (MPO) include the Mackenzie Valley Highway, the Grays Bay Road and Port and the Arctic Economic Security Corridor, and the Taltson Hydro Expansion Project.
• Potential oil and gas development in the territory's Mackenzie Valley and Beaufort Delta regions may also create new economic opportunities.

Current Status

Mine Lifecycle Developments:

• Diavik Diamond Mine (Rio Tinto) – Commercial production concluded in late March 2026Remaining ore will be processed before the mine transitions fully into closure activities. Diavik is advancing closure planning, including environmental monitoring, remediation readiness, and workforce transition initiatives.
• Diavik Diamond Mine is within the Wek'èezhìı Resource Management Area which is governed under co-management arrangements stemming from the Tłı̨chǫ Agreement, and on lands that were devolved to the Government of the Northwest Territories in 2014.   Rio Tinto as the proponent has an approved closure and reclamation plan under their water licence and have posted a security that is accessible if they were to declare bankruptcy, though this is not forecast at this time. There is no CIRNAC role for inspection nor remediation of the site.
• Ekati Diamond Mine (Burgundy Diamond Mines) – Ekati remains operational at reduced levels. Open‑pit mining at Point Lake has been suspended since mid‑2025 due to weak global diamond prices, while production continues at the Misery Underground mine. Point Lake is in care and maintenance, with a potential restart dependent on market conditions. In December 2025, the federal government has provided a total of $175 million in loans to support continued operations. Burgundy is advancing a revised life‑of‑mine plan that could extend operations into the 2030s, subject to economic viability. The mine is currently set to close in 2029.
• In May, 2026, Burgandy Diamond Mines entered creditor protection for Arctic Canadian Diamond Company (ACDC) which is the owner/operator of Ekati Mine. Current creditors include remediation payments, Impact Benefit Agreement Beneficiaries and Northern contractors.
• Ekati Mine sits on lands that were devolved in 2014 and, should Burgundy go bankrupt, remediation will become the responsibility of the Government of the Northwest Territories as the owner of last resort. The territorial government holds financial security for Ekati valued at approximately $360 million. There is no CIRNAC role for inspection nor remediation of the site.
• Ongoing federal–territorial engagement is focused on understanding cumulative economic impacts and identifying response options.

Government Actions and Supports:

• The federal government continues to monitor the NWT diamond sector and work with territorial and Indigenous partners to mitigate near‑term impacts through workforce retraining, mine closure and remediation activities, and efforts to attract new mineral development.
• The federal government can further support economic transition by further investing in foundational geoscience and data collection, including regional mapping and surveys that reduce exploration risk and strengthen investor confidence, particularly for critical minerals.
• Targeted federal investments, the CanNor–Indigenous Services Canada Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) project in the NWT, supports training in remediation readiness by building Indigenous skills and business capacity for major remediation projects.
• In February/March 2026, CanNor approved $9M in federal support for the planning phase of the Arctic Energy Security Corridor as well as over $5M for a dual use infrastructure upgrade in the Town of Inuvik. A further $1.5M was also approved to create a readiness and training hub conduit between DND and potential suppliers in Inuvik to widen the capture of the benefit of the federal spend in the north, and  to help offset mining layoffs.
• Combined with broader federal investments in northern infrastructure, regulatory efficiency, and critical minerals programs, enhanced geoscience data can help position the NWT for sustained exploration activity and long‑term economic renewal beyond diamond mining.
• CanNor acts as a convener and pathfinder for Small & Medium Enterprises and entrepreneurs, helping them capitalize on economic opportunities arising from increased defence and infrastructure spending. Through targeted grants and contributions, the agency can prioritize investments in NWT contractors and strengthening skills and business capacity to successfully bid on upcoming contracts.
• CanNor also plays a key role in strengthening Indigenous economic governance and community readiness through direct funding, capacity building programs, and advisory support for Indigenous governments, businesses, and organizations.
• In parallel, CanNor can communicate more direct emphasis on federal priorities and adjust their project proposal scoring weights to establish a stronger priority emphasis and in some cases can — connect individuals, businesses, and communities with funding opportunities from larger federal departments, which can step in with more substantial investments once the fundamentals of a project have been established.

Background

Structural Challenges:

• The diamond industry has been the backbone of the NWT economy for more than two decades, but declining ore grades, finite mine lives, and weak global diamond markets have accelerated the sector's contraction.
• The absence of replacement large-scale projects in the near term heightens risks for employment, territorial revenues, and community well-being.

Opportunities and Gaps:

• Mine closures also mark a transition point: remediation activities, cumulative effects monitoring, and closure management will remain significant sources of employment and contracting over many years. The amount of remediation work for the closure of current mines has been somewhat overstated in the cases of Diavik, Ekati and Gahcho Kué. Remediation work at these sites has already been initiated and will not take as long as mine operations in the past; for instance, Diavik Mine remediation is expected to be completed by 2029 with only seasonal environmental monitoring to be completed moving forward.
• Despite progress, more work is required to ensure Indigenous Peoples and communities fully benefit from mine closure planning, economic transition initiatives, and new development opportunities.
• Strengthening economic diversification in the NWT remains a shared federal–territorial–Indigenous priority to build long-term resilience beyond diamond mining.

Key Data Points

• Unique regulatory regimes: Resource co-management regimes in the North and Arctic implement commitments from 19 modern treaties spread out across the three territories. There are four regimes (in the Yukon, Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Mackenzie Valley, and Nunavut) and over 16 co-management boards responsible for leading impact assessment and regulatory processes for major projects.
• Reducing red tape: CIRNAC is leading eight items to create regulatory efficiencies in the North in a manner that respects and reflects modern treaties, as part of the whole-of-government initiative to reduce red tape. 

Key Messages

• Northern co-management regimes are based in modern treaties and are a model for participatory and efficient review processes.
• Our Government is committed to reviewing the northern co-management regimes in collaboration with modern treaty partners to ensure they continue to meet evolving needs.

Current Status

• CIRNAC is exploring opportunities to work with northern co-management partners to advance actions that increase the clarity, consistency, and efficiency of northern resource management legislation, regulations, policies and guidelines.

Background

• The Minister of Northern Affairs is responsible for six pieces of federal resource management legislation in the North: the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act, Yukon Surface Rights Board Act, Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act, Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act, Nunavut Waters and Nunavut Surface Rights Tribunal Act and Territorial Lands Act.

Key Data Points

• Northern economic and defense opportunities: The North has significant nation-building potential – there are 31 known sources of Canada's 34 listed critical minerals, three dual-purpose roads underway or anticipated (one involves a deep-sea port), and four major energy/transmission projects underway or anticipated across the three territories.
• Nation-Building Projects: 5 major projects across the North have been referred to the Major Projects Office: the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydro Project, Arctic Economic and Security Corridor, Grays Bay Road and Port, Mackenzie Valley Highway and Taltson Hydro Expansion. A sixth project, the Yukon-B.C. Grid Connect, is linked to the North Coast Transmission Line in British Columbia, which has also been referred to the Major Projects Office.
• Funding to accelerate northern projects: Budget 2025 includes $25.5 million over four years as part of the Arctic Infrastructure Fund, starting in 2025-26, to CIRNAC, and $41.7 million over four years, starting in 2025-26, to CanNor, to accelerate regulatory processes for northern major projects, including nation-building projects.
  • Funding for CIRNAC enhances work underway through the Northern Regulatory Initiative and Northern Participant Funding Program, including $17 million in investments since 2023-2024 to help put in place effective supports for regulatory system readiness and participation.
  • Funding for CanNor, through its Support to Northern Infrastructure Development initiative, strengthens project-specific regulatory, consultation and readiness foundations via a combination of grants and contributions and enhanced services through a new Centre of Expertise and Project Management Hub.

Key Messages

• Major projects will help defend, build and transform Canada's Northern and Arctic region. This is why the Prime Minister has referred key projects across the North to the Major Projects Office.
• Northern co-management regimes are based in modern treaties and are a model for participatory and efficient review processes.
• Budget 2025 investments will enable CIRNAC and CanNor to support a greater number of major projects across the territories to be approved and built within shorter timelines and with increased Indigenous and Northern participation.

Current Status

• CIRNAC and CanNor continue to work with northern partners to support a variety of actions to increase efficiencies in regulatory regimes. This includes:
  • Indigenous regulatory capacity building initiatives;
  • Support for Indigenous-led cumulative effects and baseline studies;
  • Convening Indigenous and territorial governments and co-management boards to identify and advance regulatory system improvements;
  • Enabling Indigenous and northern participation in impact assessments and land-use planning;
  • Coordinating federal involvement in, and issues management for, northern impact assessments and Crown consultation; and,
  • Enhancing Crown and Indigenous relationships and readiness for Crown consultation arising from northern impact assessments.
• Major projects in the North are at varying stages in their development, with some having already entered the regulatory process and others still in development:
  • The submission for Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydro Project is being revised by the proponent following preliminary review by the Nunavut Impact Review Board;  
  • The Arctic Economic and Security Corridor is at the proposal development stage;
  • Grays Bay Road and Port is undergoing a review by the Nunavut Impact Review Board and a screening by the Environmental Impact Screening Committee (Inuvialuit).
  • The Mackenzie Valley Highway is being advanced in two phases; the first phase is undergoing an impact assessment by the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board while the second is at the proposal development stage; and,
  • The Taltson Hydro Expansion Project is at the proposal development stage.
• CIRNAC is planning targeted outreach to key Indigenous governments who are implicated by recently referred major projects to support their readiness and recently launched a pan-territorial call for Indigenous-led initiatives to inform decision-making for these projects and in other priority regions across the North.
• CanNor, through its Northern Projects Management Office, has initiated discussions with territorial governments and key Indigenous governments and governing organizations to begin preparations for Crown consultation for recently referred major projects and other priority projects across the three territories

Background

• The North benefits from resource management regimes built on the foundation of modern treaties that shape how Indigenous, territorial, and federal governments work together to co-manage resources.
• Early interventions that enable Indigenous communities and northerners to participate in project reviews, that secure the necessary data for project-decision making and that strengthen foundations for Crown consultation are the most effective way to create efficiencies in northern regulatory processes.
• CIRNAC and CanNor continue to work closely with the Major Projects Office to provide advice on the federal investments and attention needed to unlock the full potential of northern major projects.

Key Data Points

• There are 80 oil and gas licences in the North: 69 significant discovery licences and 11 exploration licences.
• The territories are estimated to have one-third of Canada's total conventional oil and gas reserves but the resources remain stranded largely due to their remoteness. The last well was drilled in 2006 and exploration activity largely ceased in 2009.
• Canada invested $2.5 million over five years to directly support Inuvialuit participation in the management and administration of the Western Arctic – Tariuq (Offshore) Accord. An additional $6.9 million was invested over five years (to support ongoing work for Future Arctic Offshore Energy, including climate and science-based reviews and implementation of the Western Arctic – Tariuq (Offshore) Accord.
• All resource revenues collected by Canada from the Beaufort Sea since 1993 ($25.8M million) will also be transferred to the Government of Yukon and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Key Messages

• The Western Arctic – Tariuq (Offshore) Accord establishes a direct role for territorial and Indigenous governments in the co-management of oil and gas in the Arctic offshore.
• The Accord advances Northern political, economic and social self-determination.
• Together with territorial governments, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, we are developing a science-based approach to the oil and gas moratorium in the Arctic offshore.
• Canada will engage Northern and Indigenous stakeholders to inform future consideration of the moratorium.

Current Status

• CIRNAC is working with the Department of Justice to draft the implementing legislation for the Western Arctic – Tariuq (Offshore) Accord, in consultation with northern Accord partners.
• CIRNAC is working with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, the Government of Yukon and the Government of the Northwest Territories in the western Arctic, and the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the Government of Nunavut in the eastern Arctic to complete the second climate and science-based review, which will inform the decision whether to maintain the moratorium.

Background

• The Western Arctic – Tariuq (Offshore) Accord marks a major milestone in Northern federal – Indigenous resource management and resource revenue agreements as it fulfils a federal commitment from the 1993 Canada-Yukon Oil and Gas Accord and the 2013 Northwest Territories Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement.
• Federal petroleum legislation assigns the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs as the Minister for lands and rights disposition on Northern frontier lands (Norman Wells Oil Field (NWT), Nunavut and the Arctic Offshore).
• In December 2016 Canada announced an indefinite moratorium on oil and gas in Canada's Arctic waters, to be reviewed every five years through a climate and marine science-based review. CIRNAC works with territorial governments, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to co-develop the review. In summer 2023, the "Report of the Western Arctic Review Committee" and the "Report of the Committee on the Science-Based Assessment of Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Development in the Eastern and Central Arctic" were finalized, and the moratorium maintained. A second review is underway and expected to be completed in 2027.
• The moratorium is indefinite but reviewed on a five year cycle. The next decision point is anticipated for 2027, however, since the moratorium is policy-based Cabinet can decide to lift it at any time.
• Canada will engage Northern and Indigenous stakeholders on the current status and future of the Arctic offshore oil and gas moratorium. The engagement will help inform federal consideration of next steps, including in light of recent milestones toward implementing the Western Arctic–Tariuq (Offshore) Accord, and will consider northern priorities, and Indigenous rights and interests.
• In August 2023, Canada signed the Western Arctic – Tariuq (Offshore) Accord with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, the Government of Yukon and the Government of the Northwest Territories. It establishes an offshore oil and gas co-management agreement and resource revenue sharing arrangement with northern partners, assigning the Inuvialuit equal management authority in the Accord Area and economic benefits from future development.
• The 1993 Canada‒Yukon Oil and Gas Accord provided for the transfer of offshore oil and gas resource revenue of $25.8M to the Government of Northwest Territories and the Government of Yukon, once the parties agreed on how to split the amount. In March 2025, the territories agreed to a split of 60% for the Northwest Territories and 40% for the Yukon.

Key Data Points

Key Messages

Current Status

Background

Key Data Points

• The Government of Canada is focused on protecting Canadian industries, reinforcing the competitiveness of Canadian businesses and building one strong Canadian economy.
• The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) is being delivered by the Canada's Regional Development Agencies to support small- and medium-sized businesses affected by tariffs, helping them respond, adapt, and compete amid shifting market conditions.
• Through RTRI, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) will help northern small- and medium-sized businesses respond to trade challenges, adapt to new realities, and build for the future.

Key Messages

• RTRI is designed to be flexible and responsive to the specific needs of sectors in each region of the country.
• As an example, the Nunavut Fisheries Association approved for $933,586 from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) to support a three-year Montagui Shrimp market research and promotion project.

Current Status

• During this period of global trade disruptions, CanNor is on the ground in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon working closely with federal, territorial, and Indigenous partners to respond to the unique needs of northern communities.
• As of this fiscal year (2025-2026), the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) has approved five Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) projects totaling more than $4.6M. These approvals reflect ongoing program implementation and continued support for economic development priorities in the North.
• The Nunavut Fisheries Association approved for $933,586 from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) to support a three-year Montagui Shrimp market research and promotion project. The initiative aims to research, identify, and evaluate new market opportunities for Northern Canadian seafood exports, strengthening the competitiveness and visibility of the region's fisheries sector.

Background

• In March 2025, the government announced the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, a $450 million fund to support SMEs directly or indirectly impacted by U.S. and China tariffs, so they could step up investments to diversify their products and markets as well as adopt innovative technologies to boost competitiveness.
  • In July 2025, the government announced that up to $150 million of the RTRI would be targeted to projects in the steel sector.
  • On September 5, 2025, the Prime Minister announced that the RTRI would be more than doubled going from $450 million to $1 billion over three years. The announcement included the ability for regional development agencies of Canada to provide non-repayable contributions of up to $1 million to businesses in all impacted sectors in order to allow more Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to invest in their growth, diversify markets, create new revenue sources by adopting innovative technologies and bringing new products and services to market.
  • On January 6, 2026 the Government of Canada expanded the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) to further support impacted sectors. A targeted investments of $400 million have been allocated to key sectors critical to Canada's economic resilience, $150 million for the steel industry, $150 million for food security, and $100 million for the automotive sector. These investments support activities ranging from steel production and fabrication, to strengthening domestic food production, processing, and distribution systems, and advancing the full automotive manufacturing supply chain. This focused funding aims to enhance competitiveness, improve supply chain resilience, and help businesses adapt to tariff pressures and evolving market conditions across these strategic industries
• The RTRI is designed to help impacted SMEs and sectors to boost productivity, catalyze growth and diversify markets by helping businesses to undertake projects to raise productivity, enhance competitiveness and reduce costs, thereby mitigating tariff impacts. Additionally, it seeks to strengthen resiliency among Canadian businesses through more robust domestic supply chains, enhanced internal trade, market diversification and future-proofing their operations. 
• Eligible recipients include:
  • Incorporated companies, corporations, co-operatives, or individuals operating a business
  • Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations
  • Non-profit organizations that support businesses
• Applicants must demonstrate that they are directly or indirectly impacted by the ongoing trade disruptions, including imposed tariffs by the U.S. and China and Canadian counter-tariffs, and show that at least 25% of their sales are to the U.S. and/or to China, or demonstrate that they, or the businesses they support, have been directly affected.

Key Data Points

• From September 2024 to September 2025, Inuit representation in federal positions in Nunavut increased from 48% to 51%. The Government of Canada is targeting 59% Inuit representation by March 31, 2026.
• As of September 2025, three departments have already surpassed their 2026 targets and have set a positive example for other departments to follow.

Key Messages

• In 2024, Canada released a new Whole-of-Government Inuit Employment Plan (WoG IEP) along with Departmental Plans.
• As the Federal Centre of Excellence for Inuit Employment in Nunavut, Pilimmaksaivik works with departments to support Nunavut Inuit by providing in-service programming and pre-employment training initiatives, rooted in Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Kau-yee-ma-ya-tu-kang-it). These initiatives aim not only to increase Inuit representation in the federal public service, but also to remove barriers to employment, foster leadership development, and strengthen professional growth, cultural connection, and overall well-being.
• To ensure strategic oversight and accountability, Assistant Deputy Ministers from all nine core departments meet at least biannually to ensure senior officials are actively engaged in Article 23 implementation.

Current Status

• In 2025, the Annual Report for 2023-24 and 2024-25 for the WoG IEP was released demonstrating positive progress on action items. Departments and agencies continue to work collaboratively to strengthen recruitment, advancement, and retention, while improving systems that sustain long-term change.
• Most recently, the new program stemming from the WoG IEP called Pinasuutitsaq Coaching and Development Program began its first cohort in April 2026, aiming to provide Inuit employees with mentorship supports in preparation for leadership roles within the federal public service.
• In March 2025, Canada signed the first ever co-developed Nunavut Agreement Implementation Contract, which included a long-term, coordinated approach to advancing Inuit employment, along with new resources to expand Pilimmaksaivik's capacity. Since then, Pilimmaksaivik has been strengthening its relationship between the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated by jointly developing the first ever Tripartite Framework for Pre-Employment Training to ensure Inuit employment initiatives are being supported trilaterally across the territory.
• By the end of the fiscal year, the number of federal departments and agencies with Article 23 responsibilities will increase from nine to ten. The new department is due to the transition of Canadian Coast Guard personnel from Fisheries and Oceans Canada to the Department of National Defence.
• Pilimmaksaivik is working with the Department of National Defence to develop its own departmental Inuit Employment Plan.

Background

• Since the launch of the first Whole-of-Government Inuit Employment Plan in 2017, Inuit employment levels rose from 37% in January 2017 to 51% in September 2025 across the nine federal departments and agencies that have Article 23 responsibilities.
• Housed within Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Pilimmaksaivik is the office responsible for coordinating a government-wide approach to building a representative public service in Nunavut across all groups and levels.
• Pilimmaksaivik supports the implementation of Article 23 of the Nunavut Agreement through coordination, monitoring and reporting, outreach and awareness, and advice and support to federal departments and agencies.
• Examples of Pilimmaksaivik initiatives include:
  • Programs such as the Sivuliqtiunirmut (See-vu-lik-tiu-ne-moot) Leadership Training and the Ilipallianniq (Ill-ee-pa-lee-a-nik) Education Support Fund which equip Inuit employees with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to advance their careers.
  • Networks, such as the Kittuaq (kit-tu-ak) Network, which provide safe spaces for mentorship, peer support, and shared learning.
  • Recruitment and career-building initiatives, from community visits and practicum placements to the Nunavut Inuit Summer Student Initiative, which create pathways for students and job seekers to enter the federal workforce and gain hands-on experience.

If Pressed:

• The three departments that surpassed their 2026 targets include Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Public Services and Procurement Canada.

Key Data Points

• CIRNAC submitted their Inuit Employment Plan (IEP) to Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated in September 2024. CIRNAC's IEP is effective April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2033.
• Since the launch of the first Whole-of-Government Inuit Employment Plan, CIRNAC's Inuit employment levels rose from 31% in January 2017 to 54% as of March 2026.
• In August 2025, the Namminiqsurniq Professional Project Administrator Program was launched as a key pillar for Nunavut Devolution. Through this program, delivered by Royal Roads University and developed in partnership with the Government of Nunavut, the Nunavut Regional Office will contribute to the Human Resource Transitional Strategy and work towards hiring 13 additional Inuit employees in devolution-related positions.
• In 2025-2026, CIRNAC Nunavut Regional Office is supporting 6 current employees in Pilimmaksaivik's Inuit career development programs: 3 in Inuktut Language Training Fund; 1 in Sivuliqtiunirmut Ilinniarniq Leardership Training (SILT); and, 2 in Inuit Learning and Development Program (ILDP).

Key Messages

• With the renewal of the Inuit Employment Plan, CIRNAC is committed to supporting Nunavut Inuit employees with specific measures to address Inuit employment and continue to work with Pilimmaksaivik to support a government-wide approach to build a representative public service in Nunavut. 
• With Nunavut Devolution, Inuit employment remains a key priority and CIRNAC is committed to building a representative and skilled workforce through the customized on-the-job training program. 

Current Status

• CIRNAC continues to work closely with Pilimmaksaivik to ensure Nunavut Inuit are supported through specific measures to increase Inuit employment to representative levels by implementing action items in five key strategy areas: Recruitment, Assessment and Selection, Advancement and Talent Management, Retention, and Measures to Address Constraints Impacting Inuit Well-Being
• The Namminiqsurniq Professional Project Administrator Program was specially designed through devolution to build a specialized and skilled workforce. This unique customized approach will bring in learners and pay them as employees through tailored on-the-job training and education through Royal Roads University.
• With the Namminiqsurniq Professional Project Administrator Program being implemented in April 2026, it is anticipated that CIRNAC will be on track to meet medium-term employment targets of 67%.

Key Data Points

• From September 2024 to September 2025, Inuit representation in CanNor's positions in Nunavut increased from 54% to 56%.  The Agency established a target of 63% Inuit representation for 2025–26; final representation rates will be available once Inuit Employment Plan (IEP) data are finalized (expected June 2026).

Key Messages/ Current Status

• CanNor is committed to increasing Inuit employment within the Agency in Nunavut to representative levels.
• In 2024, CanNor released its new departmental Inuit Employment Plan that sets ambitious targets, highlights key activities for recruitment and retention and continues to promote its Inuit Talent Management Program — a unique CanNor initiative that provides talent management support to all Inuit employees at CanNor.
• Guided by their talent management plans, CanNor's Inuit employees continue to take advantage of Pilimmaksaivik's initiatives to enhance their leadership, education, and Inuktut language skills, through programs such as the Sivuliqtiunirmut (See-vu-lik-tiu-ne-moot) Leadership Training, the Ilipallianniq (Ill-ee-pa-lee-a-nik)  Education Support Fund and the Inuktut Language Training Fund.

Background

• Since the launch of the first Whole-of-Government Inuit Employment Plan in 2017, Inuit employment representation in CanNor's Nunavut positions rose from 38% in January 2017 to 56% in 2025.
• CanNor's approach is rooted in the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Kau-yee-ma-ya-tu-kang-it), eight Inuit Societal Values, ensuring cultural relevance and responsiveness to the lived experiences of Nunavut Inuit. CanNor employees routinely participate in IQ days such as dog sledding and clam digging.
• CanNor continues to support Nunavut Inuit employees to access Pilimmaksaivik's growing suite of initiatives and strategic investments aimed at achieving and maintaining representative Inuit employment across all CanNor levels.
• CanNor's Inuit Talent Management Program (ITMP) provides a systematic process for the career growth of Inuit employees. It integrates career and business planning to engage employees and prepare them for current and future organizational needs
• CanNor plays an instrumental role in supporting Pilimmaksaivik by contributing the full suite of internal services including policy support, finance, information management and information technology (IM-IT), reporting, communications, and human resources, which in turn, supports the Whole-of-Government IEP.

Key Data Points

• Between April 2025 and March 2026, CanNor invested more than $147.9 million across 141 projects fostering short and long-term economic development and sector diversification. These investments are estimated to create more than 1200 jobs.
• CanNor's investments attracted more than $126M in investments from private entities, other governments and other government departments.
• Of these, $39.2 million was provided through CanNor's flagship IDEANorth program, supporting capacity and skills development and economic infrastructure.
• Additionally, this fiscal year, CanNor has allocated over $65.8 million in funding across more than 89 projects to Indigenous-led organizations.

Key Messages

Current Status

Yukon

• For example, CanNor is contributing up to $1.2M to the Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining at Yukon University towards a two-year project aimed at expanding the Centre's commercial driving training. The goal is to increase the Centre's capacity to deliver this training outside of Whitehorse, starting with Dawson City. This training will give new commercial drivers the skills needed to meet the demands of the local labour market.

Northwest Territories

• CanNor is investing $1.5 million over three years with the Tłı̨chǫ [klee-cho] Government to conduct geophysical and geochemical mapping within the Tłı̨chǫ [klee-cho] region. This work will identify potential sites within the region to promote new resource development to the Northwest Territories.

Nunavut

• CanNor invested $2 million over two years to the Pairijiit Tigumiaqtikkut [pair-ee-jeet  tee-goo-meeak-teek-oot] Society in Iqaluit to assist with the construction of an elders' home in Iqaluit so that Nunavut elders can age comfortably in their community.

Background

CanNor continues to invest in key areas with significant potential to contribute to economic growth, including:

• a skilled northern workforce;
• major infrastructure projects;
• sustainable development of the mining and energy sectors; and
• economic diversification and innovation.

Key Data Points

• The total value of traditional contracts and amendments awarded by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada in fiscal year 2024-2025 was $39 million. Of this amount $1.8 million (4.55 percent) was issued to Indigenous vendors. The main business lines where contracts for Indigenous businesses were awarded:
  • Professional services 87 percent
  • General Management /Ops 10 percent
  • IT Services: 3 percent
• Although not officially recognized under the Indigenous procurement policy, CIRNAC Indigenous procurement from the Indigenous Benefit Component of contracts issued by the Northern Contaminated Sites Program is significant, estimated to be $172.6 million out of a total of $445 million, resulting in an Indigenous Benefit Component of 39 percent.
• CIRNAC also remains committed to respecting the policy on all contracts issued in the Nunavut Settlement area having issued 8 contracts in the Nunavut Settlement area in 2024 - 25 totaling $1,421,932.

Key Messages

• CIRNAC is committed to fostering economic reconciliation leading to opportunities for Indigenous businesses through the mandatory minimum target of 5 percent of the dollar value of federal contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses.
• CIRNAC is responsible for the management and remediation of 150 contaminated sites across the North. As part of this workload, the Northern Contaminated Sites program has created almost 15,000 jobs for Northerners and delivered over 475,000 training hours to Indigenous Peoples and Northerners since program inception in 2005. More than 10,200 contracts and supplier agreements to Northern businesses have been established.
• In addition to procurement opportunities, community and economic benefits agreements are reached with partners concerning the northern abandoned mine remediation projects.

Current Status

• CIRNAC in collaboration with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), as the lead for Indigenous Procurement, has set a target of 5.09 percent for 2026-2027.

Background

• The majority of contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses are done using a competitive process through mandatory Public Services and Procurement Canada's supply arrangements and standing offers. These tools provide the opportunity to issue the solicitation to pre-qualified Indigenous businesses in the stream and category of the services needed. These businesses are all identified in the Indigenous Business Directory.
• CIRNAC has maximized northern and Indigenous participation in contracts related to the remediation of contaminated sites through community economic benefits and procurement framework agreements with Indigenous partners and well as establishing clear incentives for contracting and sub contracting in cases where construction management models are employed.
• ISC Procurement supports and promotes the participation of Indigenous businesses in contract opportunities by ensuring project authorities have considered Indigenous businesses when initiating a procurement requirement.

Key Data Points

• Canada's Defence Policy includes $38.6 billion in federal investments over 20 years to strengthen Northern defence and operational capabilities, including: over-the-horizon radar systems, enhanced space-based surveillance and communications, infrastructure upgrades, and technology investments to improve situational awareness and Arctic domain control.
• On March 12, 2026, Prime Minister Carney announced more than $35 billion in federal investments to defend, build, and transform Canada's Northern and Arctic region, including: $32 billion for upgrades to North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Forward Operating Locations in Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Iqaluit, and at Deployed Operating Base 5 Wing Goose Bay; two new Northern Operational Support Hubs (NOSHs), at Whitehorse and Resolute, and two new Northern Operational Support Nodes (NOSNs) at Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet; and $294 million for Arctic airports, including modernising Rankin Inlet Airport and upgrading Inuvik Airport.
• Separate from the DND-led investments, major projects representing around $10 billion in investment were referred to the Major Projects Office on March 12, 2026, including the Mackenzie Valley highway; the Grays Bay Road and Port and the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor; and the Taltson Hydro Expansion project.
• These investments build on the $420 million in new funding announced in March 18, 2025 to boost the presence of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in the Arctic, North and Inuit Nunangat.

Key Messages

• The Arctic is at an inflection point where strategic competition, climate change, technological advancements and economic interests have made the region more strategically important than ever before.
• Canada's Arctic security approach is grounded not only in defence capabilities, but also in resilient northern communities, enabling infrastructure, effective governance, and reducing vulnerabilities across the North.
• In the face of these challenges, a strengthened Canadian presence in the region is required. Canada is committed to creating a future where Arctic and Northern residents are thriving, prosperous and safe. Budget 2025 initiatives, such as the Transport Canada's $1-billion Arctic Infrastructure Fund – for which the call for proposals for strategic northern transportation projects was announced on March 3, 2026 – will help us to meet these goals.  
• Strong, resilient communities are the foundation of a strong Arctic and are essential to Canada's long-term ability to assert sovereignty, ensure defence and security, protect its interests, and advance its commitments to reconciliation. The Government of Canada is working in close partnership with governments and Indigenous rights-holders in the Arctic and North, including all Inuit Nunangat regions, to ensure that investments provide broader community benefits, respect rights, advance Indigenous priorities, incorporate Indigenous knowledge, and unlock new economic opportunities.
•  Arctic and Northern partners consistently emphasize that demonstrating Canadian sovereignty is best achieved by reducing vulnerabilities and improving the human security of Arctic and Northern residents. This includes investing in multi-purpose initiatives – transportation, energy, connectivity, and supply-chain systems — that support, where feasible, both military operations and the needs of territorial governments, Indigenous Peoples, and Northern communities.
• The Defence, Security, and Resilience Bank can support efforts to strengthen not only defence and security, but also human security in northern and Indigenous communities by providing long-term, reliable financing for resilience initiatives, including dual-use infrastructure that serves both military operations and the needs of territorial governments, Indigenous Peoples, and northern communities.

Current Status

• Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs continues to support National Defence in engaging with partners on issues with direct implications for the North, including NORAD modernization and the establishment of Northern Operational Support Hubs (NOSH) and Northern Operational Support Nodes (NOSN). Arctic sovereignty and security is one of the most-identified priorities noted by Arctic and Northern partners.
• Internationally, rising geopolitical tensions, principally between Russia and the United States, have increased pressure on Arctic governance and security, including on the operations of the Arctic Council.
• Canada's North is also increasingly important to secure and resilient supply chains, particularly in relation to critical minerals and strategic infrastructure.
• The Defence, Security, and Resilience Bank (DSRB) is a proposed international financial institution designed to mobilize public and private capital for defence, security, and supply-chain resilience projects among NATO and allied nations. The Government of Canada is now working with partners to secure founding memberships and subscriptions.

Background

• To create a future where Northern and Arctic residents are thriving, strong and safe, the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs has committed to continuing work with the Minister of National Defence, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Northern partners to support the implementation of the Arctic Foreign Policy (which includes a pillar on exercising Canada's sovereignty) and the 2024 Defence Policy update.
• The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (ANPF), launched in 2019 with territorial, Indigenous and provincial partners, includes a Safety, Security and Defence chapter led by the Department of National Defence, and an international chapter led by Global Affairs Canada. The ANPF model advances, with northern partners, both northern sovereignty and the human security and resilience of northerners, including Indigenous rights-holders.The Inuit Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC) Sovereignty, Defence and Security priority area was created in 2022, and is co-chaired by National Defence. The updated workplan for the priority area was endorsed at the ICPC Senior Officials meeting in November 2025 and supports the implementation of the United Nations Declaration Act Action Plan, the Inuit Nunangat Policy, and the Defence objectives laid out in the ANPF.
• In April 2024, the Government released Canada's updated defence policy, Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada's Defence. The update reaffirms the defence of Canada and North America as a priority, with a particular emphasis on the Arctic and its approaches as a critical part of globally integrated deterrence.
• Robust enabling infrastructure will be required to support the acceleration of direct and indirect defence investments required to meet the new NATO spending targets of 5% of GDP. Budget 2025 commits that Canada will invest 3.5 per cent of GDP by 2035 in core military needs, and an additional 1.5 per cent of GDP in security-related investments such as telecommunications and emergency preparedness systems which serve national defence and national security purposes.
• On the international stage, CIRNAC advances and strengthens elements of human security in the Arctic through its active participation at the Arctic Council, engagement in circumpolar fora, and bilateral meetings with Nordic and American partners.

Key Data Points

• Budget 2025 introduced the Arctic Infrastructure Fund (AIF), which will invest $1 billion over four years in dual-use transportation assets, including ports, airstrips, runways, all-season roads, and sealift infrastructure. These assets are meant to strengthen Arctic sovereignty and defence readiness while supporting regional economic development, trade diversification, and community resilience.
• AIF is being delivered by Transport Canada (TC) across two streams: Stream 1 (Dual-Use Transportation Infrastructure) will support large-scale projects that serve both defence and civilian needs and Stream 2 (Industry and Community‑Led Transportation Infrastructure) will support smaller scale, community or industry driven projects that improve regional connectivity, strengthen supply chains, and enhance emergency response capabilities.
• To complement the AIF, Budget 2025 also provided $41.7M over four years to CanNor for the Support to Northern Infrastructure Development (SNID) initiative to strengthen the regulatory, consultation, and project-readiness foundations required to advance infrastructure projects. SNID is being delivered through a combination of grants and contributions and enhanced services.

Key Messages

• The Arctic Infrastructure Fund will help build and expand dual-use transportation infrastructure in the Arctic. This will strengthen Canada's sovereignty and defence readiness, support economic growth and help make communities better able to handle challenges.
• CanNor's Support to Northern Infrastructure Development initiative will focus upstream on the conditions that can help these northern projects move through regulatory, consultation and planning processes more efficiently by improving project readiness and increasing proponent capacity. It also strengthens community readiness for northern and Indigenous governments and organizations to meaningfully participate in and contribute to these initiatives.
• This will help de-risk and accelerate more infrastructure projects to shovel-ready status, while supporting long-term economic benefits for northern and Indigenous communities.

Current Status

• The AIF was launched in March, 2026. The Stream 1 intake is by invitation only, with Transport Canada reaching out to priority projects for applications. Stream 2 is an open call for smaller scale projects which may also act as enabling links to larger corridor developments under Stream 1. Transport Canada has not publicly announced their invitees for Stream 1.
• CanNor's administration of grants and contributions under SNID  will be managed through a separate and targeted intake process that the agency will oversee, with an emphasis on projects either receiving support through or preparing for consideration under the AIF, and on strengthening community readiness for northern and Indigenous governments and organizations to meaningfully participate in consultations associated with northern impact assessment and regulatory processes, as well as contribute to and benefit from these initiatives.
• In 2025-26, CanNor approved 3 projects providing $8M in funding.

Background

• The geographic scope the AIF is limited to projects located in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, the Nunavik region of Quebec and the Nunatsiavut region of northern Labrador. CanNor can only be engaged on projects in the territories, given its mandate and scope of coverage.
• CanNor's SNID initiative is being delivered through two streams; Stream 1 – Getting Projects Approved will support consultation readiness for Indigenous governments and organizations to prepare northern impact assessment and regulatory review processes for major infrastructure projects in the territories, and Stream 2 – Getting Projects Shovel Ready will provide proponent support for project management capacity-building. Each stream includes both grants and contributions and service components.
• SNID grants and contributions will be administered through CanNor's Operations division. SNID funding also is supporting enhanced services offered through CanNor's Northern Projects Management Office (NPMO), which will engage earlier and more extensively with Indigenous communities and partners; as well as through a new Centre of Expertise and Project Management Hub (the Hub), which will support the advancement and readiness of high-potential northern infrastructure projects, while building regional capacity and informing broader policy direction.
• Eligibility for either stream of SNID will be informed through a combination of territorial regulatory processes (to assist in identifying eligible Indigenous participants and to guide the appropriate allocation of project-specific support funding) and alignment with AIF-identified proponents and infrastructure projects requiring enhanced project management, early planning, or technical readiness supports.
• Activities supported through SNID funding may include co-development of project-specific consultation protocols, preparation of project-specific regulatory roadmaps, technical reviews/traditional knowledge studies for project-specific assessment or permitting, project management planning/sequencing activities, feasibility studies, or other activities designed to support regulatory readiness and project management capacity building.
• Eligible recipients include (for Stream 1) Indigenous governments and organizations, Indigenous controlled for-profit entities, Community-based Indigenous organizations, and (for Stream 2) Indigenous governments and organizations, territorial, municipal, and other public non-federal bodies, for profit enterprises and industry proponents, not-for-profit organizations and social enterprises, and academic institutions.

Key Data Points

• On March 12, 2026, the Prime Minister announced more than $40 billion – including $35 billion in federal investments to defend, build, and transform Canada's Northern and Arctic regions, and major projects represent around $10 billion in investment.
  • This includes funding for Forward Operating Locations in Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Iqaluit, and at Deployed Operating Base 5 Wing Goose Bay, as well as two new Northern Operational Support Hubs (NOSHs) at Whitehorse and Resolute, and two new Northern Operational Support Nodes (NOSNs) at Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet.
  • For major projects, the Mackenzie Valley Highway (NWT), Grays Bay Road and Port (Nunavut), Arctic Economic and Security Corridor (NWT), and Taltson Hydroelectric Expansion Project (NWT) have been referred to the Major Projects Office.
• This follows the February 2026 announcement of Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS), which aims to transform the domestic defence industry by prioritizing Canadian suppliers and materials, investing in Canadian innovation and commercialization, and streamlining procurement to give businesses consistent and predictable demand.
• The Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) is a $357.7 million program delivered by Canada's Regional Development Agencies to support Canada's defence and security needs, including the implementation of the DIS, while bolstering regional economic development.
  • The RDII aims to accelerate the integration of businesses and regional ecosystems into domestic and international defence supply chains and increase their industrial and innovation capacity, while also supporting defence-related strategic regional assets in targeted circumstances. This will help Canada fulfill its two percent of GDP defence spending commitment to NATO.
  • CanNor is delivering up to $40.5 million under this initiative in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon over three years, starting in 2025-2026.
  • In 2025-26, CanNor approved 6 projects providing over $11M in funding
• CanNor has supported northern participation in the defence sector, including $350,000 announced in February 2026 to the Council of Yukon First Nations to provide coordination and resources for Yukon First Nations to further participate with the governments of the Yukon and Canada in shaping Arctic security.

Key Messages

• In recent years, the Arctic and North have come to be a focal point within the Government of Canada's foreign and security policies. This has been due in part to changing geopolitical realities, including the increased threats posed by Russia and China in the region. Aggression on the part of these governments (e.g., the invasion of Ukraine) has led NATO to call for increased defence spending and capabilities among members. Associated increases to NORAD and NATO spending commitments will have a real and lasting impact on the Arctic and North.
• Modernizing and expanding infrastructure across the North – particularly dual-use assets like energy, communications, transportation, and housing – supports both strategic defence goals and the long-term resilience of northern and Indigenous communities.
• CanNor is well positioned to work as conveners and to support the economic ecosystems which underpins major defence investments in the North. The Agency's strong on-the-ground presence and experience funding pre-construction work for major infrastructure projects make it a key partner in northern defence readiness.
• Through the RDII, CanNor will be investing in "early moves" in support of defence investments.

Current Status

• Investments in Arctic and northern defence infrastructure go hand-in-hand with work to ensure that northern and Indigenous communities benefit directly the economic opportunities that those investments facilitate – through participation in supply chains and workforce development opportunities that support both national defence and community well-being.
• CanNor will continue to collaborate with other departments and agencies, territorial governments, proponents, and stakeholders as it administers the RDII fund and supports whole-of-government efforts to advance dual-use infrastructure projects to shovel-ready status.

Background

• The DIS commits Canada to work with Indigenous peoples and provinces/territories to promote participation in the defence supply chain, including recognizing that northern infrastructure is currently stretched and insufficient to meet the scale and complexity of military, industrial, and civilian needs. The strategy notes that this gap requires investments that are climate-resilient, strategically located, and capable of supporting dual-use purposes.
• CanNor is the only federal department mandated to promote economic development in the territories. The agency is a centre of Arctic subject matter expertise, hosts specialty branches such as the Northern Projects Management Office and Pilimmaksaivik (the Federal Centre of Excellence for Inuit Employment in Nunavut).
• CanNor can help advance Canada's defence and security objectives by taking a broader view of security. The agency can promote investments that strengthen community resilience, economic security, and human security in northern and remote communities. This can include investments for Indigenous participation in dual-use and defence-related projects, supporting local supply chains, and helping to ensure regulatory processes are transparent and accessible to northern stakeholders.

Key Data Points

• The Nunavut Land Use Plan, if approved, would apply to the entire Nunavut Settlement Area, both land and marine regions, representing 20% of Canada, a total area of 1,994,000 kilometers squaredkm².
• The Recommended Plan is the fifth version of the Plan developed by the Nunavut Planning Commission since work on it began in 2007 and is the first that has been submitted for a decision of the Government of Canada, Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.
• The Recommended Plan applies three main categories of land use throughout the Nunavut Settlement Area with various levels of restrictions on development:
  • Limited Use (covers 19.8% of the planning region with year round prohibitions on development);
  • Conditional Use (covers 12% of the planning region with seasonal conditions and setbacks on development); and,
  • Mixed Use (covers 65% of the planning region with no restrictions on development).

Key Messages

• The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of Land Use Plans for Nunavut and continues to support a strong and viable co-management regime across the North.
• Coordinated by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, the Government of Canada continues to collaborate with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated as we move towards making our respective decisions on the recommended Plan.

Current Status

• The Government of Canada is working closely with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, with work on analysis and preparation of recommendations to decision makers on whether to accept or reject the Recommended Plan nearing completion.
• Crown consultations, being undertaken jointly with the Government of Nunavut, with Indigenous rights-holders to address their concerns with the Recommended Plan is also nearing completion and will inform the decision.

Background

• In the 2023 Recommended Plan, the Nunavut Planning Commission made changes to the 2021 draft Plan that reflect a variety of suggestions from multiple parties (i.e., communities, Indigenous governments and organizations, the Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, regional Inuit associations, environmental and non-governmental organizations and industry) provided through written submissions and oral testimony in public hearings in five communities in 2022.
• Reactions from external stakeholders to the Recommended Plan have been mixed: some key parties (e.g., the mining industry) indicate they have serious concerns and urge its rejection, and others (e.g., environmental non-governmental organizations) express that the Recommended Plan represents a solid foundation for land management in Nunavut and urge its approval.
• CIRNAC has coordinated the Government of Canada analysis of the Recommended Plan through a federal working group. CIRNAC is also conducting Crown consultation jointly with the Government of Nunavut.
• There are currently two regional plans in effect: the North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan and the Keewatin Regional Land Use Plan. Once the Nunavut-wide Plan is approved by the three parties, these two plans will be rescinded; until then, they direct land use in the Kivalliq and North Baffin Regions.

Key Data Points

• On April 1, 2027, devolution will take effect and the Government of Nunavut will assume full responsibility for land and resource decision making across approximately 2,000,000 kilometers squaredkm² of land and waters.
• It is anticipated that approximately 5,425 licenses and permits currently managed by the Government of Canada will transfer to the Government of Nunavut as part of devolution, including:
  • 74 Land Use Permits
  • 79 Surface leases
  • 4,239 Mineral Claims
  • 539 Mineral leases
  • 494 Water Licenses
• Implementation of devolution is expected to result in approximately 90 positions transferring to Government of Nunavut. The Namminiqsurniq Professional Project Administration Program launched on April 13, 2026, in support of the Transitional Human Resources Development Strategy. Twelve new Inuit employees are supported through a custom accredited training program in devolution-related fields.

Key Messages

• Nunavut is the last territory without control of its own lands and resources. Completing devolution places the Government of Nunavut at par with provinces and the other territories in this respect.
• Nunavut devolution officially puts decision-making in the hands of Nunavummiut, transferring the administration and control of public lands, freshwater, and non-renewable resources from the federal government to the territorial government and Inuit organizations.
• The historic agreement marks a major milestone for Northern self-determination and was signed to ensure Nunavummiut—whose culture, economy, and aspirations are intrinsically tied to the land—can shape their own future.
• The Government of Canada remains committed to working with partners to support a seamless and collaborative devolution of roles, responsibilities, and authorities with the transfer date set for April 1, 2027.

Current Status

• The Parties collaborate regularly to implement the Devolution Agreement and are on track to meet all obligations, including monitoring the legal and operational commitments set out in the Agreement.
• The Parties are currently in the final year of the three-year implementation phase, which will include legislative amendments so that the authorities and self-determination related to lands and resources fall under the purview of the Government of Nunavut. Coordination and preparations are also underway to support the transfer of employees, assets and responsibilities from the Government of Canada to the Government of Nunavut. 
• Legislative drafting and process planning were initiated in 2025-26. Consultations with Indigenous Groups with rights within Nunavut on its content and tabling of the resulting Legislation are advancing and will be completed in 2026-27. Consultations with these Indigenous Groups, engagements with affected employees, and maximizing Inuit employment will all continue throughout the implementation phase.

Background

• Nunavut is the last territory without control of its own lands and resources. Completing devolution places the Government of Nunavut at par with provinces and territories in this respect.
• Devolution in Nunavut marks the completion of devolution in Canada's North. Devolution was completed in Yukon in 2003 and in the Northwest Territories in 2014.
• On January 18, 2024, the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement was signed by all three parties; the Government of Canada, Government of Nunavut, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.
• Engagement with industry, Nunavut Agreement Institutions of Public Government, and the general public on Nunavut devolution is advancing.
• Completing devolution will enable the federal government to increase its focus on other core federal responsibilities, such as intergovernmental relations, sovereignty and defence, land claims implementation, climate change, remediation of contaminated sites and economic development.
• Devolution is a key step for the self-determination of Nunavummiut, closing the last steps for a fully federated Canada. It follows through on the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement in 1993, and the creation of the territory of Nunavut in 1999.
• Devolution creates stronger public governments that are more responsive to local issues and priorities while ensuring that social, economic and other benefits of resource development in the region are shared with Nunavummiut.

Key Data Points

• Nunavut makes up one fifth of Canada's land mass. 19% of land in Nunavut is Inuit owned, with Inuit having mineral rights to 2% of that amount. Most of the land outside communities is federal Crown land and, except in places like National Parks, is administered through the Territorial Lands Act.
• The Territorial Lands Act and its Regulations enable, amongst other things, exploration and mining in Nunavut. Related 2024 exploration expenditures totaled $197.9 million, 4.9% of total Canadian exploration expenditures.
• There are 4 active mines in Nunavut, one of which produces a critical mineral (high purity iron at Mary River). The future of mining in Nunavut is represented by advanced exploration at 6 properties, 5 of which are critical minerals (mostly iron, uranium, and copper).
• Potential investments are coming to Nunavut for infrastructure critical to Canada's economic security and sovereignty, including four transportation and energy links (Grays Bay Road and Port – part of a potential Arctic Economic Security Corridor, Kivalliq Hydro Fibre Link, the Qikiqtarjuaq Port, and the Iqaluit Hydro project).
• Budget 2025 will invest $76 million to further expand Arctic security across the three territories, plus the Arctic Infrastructure Fund is ready to invest $1 billion in northern infrastructure for both civilian and military use.

Key Messages

• Northern and Arctic sovereignty and security are top priorities for our Government. Working with Indigenous and territorial partners, we are aligning federal efforts through a coordinated strategy to deliver critical infrastructure, bolster human security and unlock economic potential across the North.
• Amendments to the Territorial Lands Act support these priorities; they will unlock critical mineral development and supply chain transport, and further assert Inuit and Canadian sovereignty.
• Development must meet our national interests, including economic security. We must be able to take action when it does not. For this reason, amendments to the Territorial Lands Act are being advanced to protect the national interests of Canada and the interests of Inuit in Nunavut.

Current Status

• Following appropriate consultation with Inuit, First Nation and territorial partners, amendments to the Territorial Lands Act were introduced on May 13, 2026 through Bill C-31, Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 2, (Part 4, Division 14).
• Any necessary associated regulatory changes will follow passing of the Bill and coming into force of the amendments.

Background

• With the increased attention on northern development, security and sovereignty, Inuit and others have sought to ensure the land and resources management framework in Nunavut, as elsewhere, is sufficiently robust to protect the national interests of Nunavummiut and all Canadians.
• One key element of the land and resources management framework in Nunavut is the Territorial Lands Act, and its regulations. With pending devolution of responsibility for lands and resources to the Government of Nunavut, now is an opportune time to amend the Act to ensure adequate authorities are available to the Government of Canada to act if our national interests are in jeopardy.
• The proposed amendments to the Territorial Lands Act eliminate a vulnerability in the free entry system for acquiring mineral rights in Nunavut that could allow rights to be acquired by persons, or in locations, that may interfere with the national interests of Canada. Similar vulnerabilities exist in other jurisdictions across Canada, with parallel efforts being made to address them.
• The amendments would provide authority for the Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, to make an order detailing actions to be taken that would have the effect of cancelling existing mineral rights or preventing the acquisition of new mineral rights on Crown land in Nunavut. Such a tool would help ensure Canada's resources are not held or used in a manner that undermines Canada's economic, security or sovereignty objectives.
• The amendments would also allow the Minister to determine whether any compensation is to be paid to holders of mineral rights when the Governor in Council issues an order that would have the effect of cancelling those rights, and establish the amount of compensation.

Key Data Points

• In relation to the healthcare grants administered under "Grants to the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Government of Nunavut for Health Care of Indigenous Peoples and Inuit" for the fiscal year 2025-26, CIRNAC is responsible for administering a total of $64,974,000 which breaks down as follows:
  • $36,580,362 to the Government of the Northwest Territories
  • $28,393,638 to the Government of Nunavut

Key Messages

• Northern communities continue to face persistent barriers to timely, necessary care.
• As referenced in Budget 2025,the Government of Canada, led by Health Canada and the Department of National Defence, is undertaking a comprehensive assessment of healthcare and health infrastructure needs in the North to identify innovative ways to expand access to care closer to home. CIRNAC is supporting dialogue with northern partners and providing advice from a Crown-Indigenous relationship perspective and northern lens.
• The hospital and physician services grants administered by CIRNAC play a vital role in supporting equitable access to essential health services for eligible First Nations and Inuit communities.

Current Status

• The hospital and physician services grants administered by CIRNAC are intended to support insured health benefits. Specifically, these grants help the governments of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut cover the costs of hospital and physician services for eligible First Nations and Inuit residents.
• These services fall under the category of insured health services, meaning they are medically necessary and typically covered under territorial health insurance plans. The grants ensure that Indigenous individuals receive equitable access to these services, especially in regions where federal responsibilities intersect with territorial health systems.
• This funding complements but is distinct from programs like Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB), which cover services not included in standard health insurance, such as dental care, vision care, and medical transportation.
• CIRNAC's grants focus specifically on supporting access to core insured services delivered through hospitals and physicians.
• Health Canada and the Department of National Defence are currently leading engagements with northern partners to inform the Northern and Arctic Health Assessment. The information synthesis and partner validation stage of the Assessment is expected to be completed in Summer 2026.
• The goal of the assessment is to engage with Indigenous Peoples, territorial governments and relevant provincial governments to find innovative ways to improve access to health care in Northern communities and reduce the need for medical travel. Furthermore, it supports the planned expansion of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed forces in the North and Arctic.

Background

• CIRNAC provides hospital and physician services grants to help First Nations and Inuit in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut access insured health care. These grants cover costs not fully funded by territorial systems and support equitable access to medically necessary services.
• Yukon no longer receives this funding because it was included in its Territorial Formula Financing (TFF) after health devolution. However, the Northwest Territories still receives direct grants because an agreement on how much to include in Territorial Formula Financing has not been reached.
• CIRNAC's grants are just one part of federal health funding. Finance Canada provides Canada Health Transfers to all provinces and territories, while Health Canada and Indigenous Services Canada offer additional health programs and funding for both insured and non-insured services.
• CIRNAC's role in the Northern and Arctic Health Assessment is to support dialogue with northern partners and provide general advice from a Crown-Indigenous relationship perspective and northern lens.

Key Data Points

• Isolated northern communities — where most residents are Indigenous (First Nations 48.3%, Inuit 40.4%, Métis 1.8%) — experience some of the highest food insecurity rates in the developed world.
• Nutrition North Canada provides food security programming in 124 Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in all three territories and six provinces.
• 26 million kilograms of eligible items were shipped in 2011, the first year of the program. In 2024-25, 42 million kilograms were shipped, representing a 60% increase. The number of eligible communities has grown from 80 to 124, an increase of 55%.
• The Harvesters Support Grant was added to the program in 2019-20 and increases access to country foods by funding traditional hunting, harvesting, and food-sharing activities. The Harvesters Support Grant has supported over 15,000 harvesters, 410 hunts and harvests, and over 700 food sharing initiatives in 112 isolated communities.
• Since the 2023 expansion to non-profits and food banks, 9 food banks—including Food Banks Canada—and 3 local producers have joined the NNC subsidy, shipping more than 497,000 kilogramskgs of free food to eligible northern communities, with increases reported each year.
• Budget 2024 provided $124 million for Nutrition North Canada's expanded programming, including:
  • Harvesters Support Grant: $36M over 3 years
  • Community Food Programs Fund: $60.8M over 3 years
    • In addition to the  $8 million in permanent annual funding for both funds
  • Subsidy: $23.2M in 2024-2025
  • Food Security Research Grant: $2.1M over 3 years
• In 2024, Nutrition North signed three-year agreements with 24 Indigenous governments and organizations to continue delivering Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund programming in their communities.

Key Messages

• Food security is a priority for this Government as part of the mission to Bring Down Costs for Canadians. While rising costs are a reality across Canada, it is particularly acute in Canada's North, where food and essential items must be transported long distances through complex food distribution systems and costly transportation.
• Nutrition North Canada has played an important role in reducing food costs in the North, and has expanded in recent years from a subsidy to a program that supports harvesters, local producers, and non-profits. The Program is committed to continuous improvement and recognizes that more can be done to improve access to fresh, affordable, and nutritious foods.
• Indigenous partners are calling for program changes that focus on food sovereignty, less dependence on southern markets and supply chains, and self-determined, resilient food systems that reflect the unique realities of the North.
• As a result, the Government is engaging partners to reform Nutrition North Canada, with a focus on food economies, food ecosystems, food sovereignty, and food prosperity in ways that reflects distinctions-based priorities, cultural knowledge, and community-led solutions.

Current Status

• Improving food security, food access, and food sovereignty in northern, isolated communities takes collaboration. With strong commitment and expertise from partners, Nutrition North will continue to evolve to meet the needs of Northerners.
• Current activities to examine Nutrition North, and the issue of northern food insecurity broadly include:
  • External interviewers have been retained to help gather perspectives, validate findings, identify trends, and flag potential risks or readiness considerations across NNC communities.
  • Regional engagement sessions with partners were held in February and March 2026 to learn about the priorities, challenges, and barriers that impact food security in their regions. Participation in the engagement sessions was strong and included over 140 non-Government of Canada participants.
  • A Food Sovereignty Summit was held on March 26-27, 2026, in Ottawa, co-delivered with Food Banks Canada focused on community voices, needs, and priorities related to food security. Over 240 people participated in the Summit.
  • A departmental (CIRNAC) 5-year evaluation process on the Program has concluded. The findings, and the department's response, was published in March 2026.
  • Ministerial Special Representative Aluki Kotierk's report, received on May 25, 2026.
• Nutrition North is also providing grants to researchers, academic partners, and Indigenous governments and organizations to focus on food access and introduce enhancements to the program.
  • NNC's Food Security Research Grant funds Indigenous-led projects that focus on food security and food access inequality.
  • Phase 2 was launched in August 2025 and on March 26, 2026, Minister Chartrand announced that nine Indigenous-led projects will receive $2.3 million in funding to conduct research on food security and food access in isolated northern communities.
• Next steps: The results of these reviews and feedback from partners will inform the program's policy trajectory to align with the Ministerial priority to create a resilient northern food economy and the Government's commitment to bring down costs for Canadians.

Background

• Nutrition North Canada provides food security programming in 124 Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in all three territories and six provinces.
• The Program offers a subsidy program to help offset the cost of transporting nutritious foods and essential items. Since it is demand-driven, use of the subsidy is impacted by numerous factors including other federal spending in isolated communities (e.g., income supports, tax credits, Inuit Child First Initiative, National School Food Program), which can increase the purchasing power of northern households in isolated communities and shift consumer spending habits.
• In recent years, Nutrition North Canada extended the subsidy program to local food producers (2023), food banks and not-for-profits (2022), allowing organizations to offset the costs associated with distributing food in eligible communities.
• The Program also offers grant funding to support hunting, harvesting, food sharing, infrastructure, and community-led food security activities through its Harvesters Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund.
• The Program works with key partners, including the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board, Indigenous Working Group and the Inuit Food Security Working Group to inform programming and has built strong relationships with communities and recipient Indigenous Organizations.
• Nutrition North Canada is part of a broader, whole-of-government approach to food security that includes collaboration with Indigenous leadership, territorial and provincial governments, and local communities.
• Other recent measures to improve affordability for Canadians include the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit which provides financial relief to more than 12 million Canadians in low- and modest-income families, with up to $1,890 for a family of four.

Key Data Points

• The Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund was first announced in Budget 2019 as a CanNor-led initiative totalling $15 million investment over five years starting in the 2019-20 fiscal, as part of the broader Canada Food Policy led by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada. Over the first five  years of this initiative, CanNor supported nearly 50 projects to create local jobs and local food production, processing, and distribution capacities across the territories.
• Budget 2024 provided approximately $15 million over three years to CanNor, ACOA (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the RDA responsible for Atlantic Canada), and CED (Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions) for a geographical expansion of the NICI Fund to include all regions of Inuit Nunangat in addition to its original scope of eligibility. Of these funds, $9 million was allocated for projects in the territories.
• An additional $6.3 million is being provided to the RDAs to bolster their delivery of the NICI program in 2026-27.

Key Messages

• Canada's northern food sector has significant economic growth potential that offers opportunities for increased local production, job creation, and sustainable development that benefits northern and Indigenous communities.
• Investments made through the Northern Isolated Community Initiatives Fund support new and existing food initiatives with the aim of strengthening and diversifying economic activity in Canada's North. 
• By funding projects in the food sector, CanNor supports sector diversification, reduced economic leakage and job creation.
• Further, these initiatives help to enhance food security and contribute to community resilience, health, and self-determination.

Current Status

• Between April 2024 and March 2026, CanNor approved funding to 22 projects for more than $5.0 million through NICI. Recently approved CanNor projects funded through NICI include:
  • Up to $875,000 over three years for the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in (TH) Government to make improvements on the TH Teaching and Working Farm. This funding will help the First Nation upgrade its greenhouse to extend the growing season from spring to fall and construct a cold storage facility to preserve foods after harvesting.
  • Up to $305,000 in a two-year project for the Arctic Institute of North America (AINA) to develop and test an off-grid hydroponic farming system that would supply local produce and could be replicated in other communities. 

Background

• The territories' remoteness, fragile supply chains, impacts of climate change and limited infrastructure contribute to high costs, low availability, and challenges accessing healthy, affordable, culturally appropriate food in Canada's North.
• NICI provides funding for community-led projects that benefit local and Indigenous food production systems, with an emphasis on innovative and practical solutions to increase food security across the North.
• NICI is open to a wide-variety of organizations, including not-for-profit groups, academic institutions, industry associations, local or Indigenous governments, and for-profit businesses. It is also open to provincial and territorial governments.
• NICI supports projects through the following streams:
  • Support to Business and Entrepreneurship – funding for projects by food sector actors to start/scale production, processing and distribution of food.
  • Support to Food Systems and Ecosystems – funding for projects related to the strengthening of local and regional food supply chains.
  • Support to Northern Food Innovation – funding for Indigenous projects, community-led initiatives and other projects that deploy innovative technologies or approaches to food systems
• An evaluation of Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) funding (from 2019-2023) showed that NICI projects have had an impact on local food production and supply, and the Fund has been able to support innovative projects being carried out by organizations that have not historically accessed CanNor funding. Furthermore, the success of the projects had resulted in the estimated creation/maintenance of over 120 jobs.
• CanNor's funding complements other federal food programming like Nutrition North Canada, which together are intended to support a range of food systems and needs in the North.
• CanNor can also support the territorial food sector through its flagship IDEANorth program.

Key Data Points

• Budget 2025 committed to advancing housing and infrastructure for Indigenous communities through targeted investments and initiatives, including:
  • supporting housing development through Build Canada Homes, which includes partnering with the Nunavut Housing Corporation and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to build up to 750 public, affordable and supportive housing units, and the Yukon Housing Corporation to build up to 500 units.;
  • reconfirming previously announced $2.8 billion for urban, rural, and northern Indigenous housing;
  • developing an Indigenous Housing Strategy; and,
  • increasing the Canada Infrastructure Bank's investments target in Indigenous infrastructure that benefit First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities from at least $1 billion to at least $3 billion.
• Canada will also be investing $35 billion to defend, build and transform Canada's Northern and Arctic region, and advancing major projects that represent approximately $10 billion in investment.
• To date, Canada has committed $5.1 billion to northern and Indigenous partners to support housing and infrastructure needs. With these funds:
  • Inuit have constructed 640 new housing units and repaired 580 existing units and constructed and improved community infrastructure such as sportsplexes, carpentry and repair shops, and multi-purpose and youth centres.
  • Modern Treaty Self Governing (MTSG) First Nations have constructed 689 new housing units, and repaired 162 existing units.
  • NWT and Yukon First Nations and Métis without reserves or modern treaties conducted housing needs assessments, developed housing plans, strengthened capacity, and carried out minor and major repairs on more than 200 homes.
• CanNor has made foundational investments in innovative housing solutions to increase housing supply in the North. Examples include:
  • $6 million to Sakku Properties Ltd. to support construction of a modular housing factory in Arviat, Nunavut;
  • More than $2.3 million in Yukon to support the housing ecosystem through the purchase of new equipment to upgrade a home manufacturing facility, by supporting the construction of a new prefabrication facility, and enabling a windows and doors business to expand operations;
  • $600,000 to Qillaq Innovations to support the design and construction of a new housing model that could provide new options for private, affordable homeownership across Nunavut; and,
  • $2.1 million to Arctic Canada Construction Ltd. to construct a modular building fabrication plant, which has increased new home construction capacity in the Northwest Territories.

Key Messages

• Canada is working together with northern Indigenous partners and territorial governments to deliver self‑determined, northern‑led, place‑based solutions to improve housing and community infrastructure, which can lead to the creation of jobs and builds healthier, safer and more prosperous communities in the long-term.
  • For example, over the past two years, Nahanni Butte Dene Band built 17 new homes and undertook major repairs in 13 houses. For a small northern community facing high costs and logistical challenges, these are tangible results worth celebrating—proof that flexible, community-driven funding is delivering real and lasting benefits.
• Build Canada Homes will complement funding delivery by CIRNAC to accelerate progress to close housing gaps and improve sustainability and prosperity in Indigenous and northern communities.
• On May 21, 2026, Canada and the Yukon Housing Corporation announced a $193 million Build Canada Homes partnership to support construction of up to 500 homes, alongside a separate agreement for up to $157 million over 10 years under the Provincial/Territorial Stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund for housing, health, and education infrastructure.
• Through the Major Projects Office, Canada intends to accelerate transformative infrastructure projects for Canada to enhance growth, security, diversification of markets and reconciliation.
• The Indigenous Housing Strategy will complement existing strategies and joint work with partners to drive effective and innovative solutions to address housing needs in Indigenous communities.

Current Status

• Delivery of direct, distinctions-based funding by CIRNAC to Indigenous partners for housing and infrastructure continues through a number of initiatives (with funding identified up to 2030-31).
• Projects underway range from new home construction and major repairs to energy retrofits and land development, reflecting locally determined priorities and self-determined approaches.
• Implementation of the co-developed Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy, that guides joint housing work with Inuit partners, continues through the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee.
• Exploratory discussions are underway with MTSG First Nations through the Collaborative Fiscal Policy Development Process to support public housing expenditure needs through their fiscal arrangements.
• CIRNAC continues to collaborate closely with federal partners to support Build Canada Homes and to identify opportunities for Indigenous communities to benefit from the agency's investments.
• CanNor continues to make early-stage investments in innovation and cold-climate adaptation for northern housing stock, including for modular housing design and construction as well as support for capacity-building of northern enterprises that build housing.
• As per the Government of the Northwest Territories' 2026-27 Budget, the Government of the Northwest Territories is implementing the $74 million Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund agreement (a federally cost-shared envelope). The territorial Budget also included measures to advance clear and accessible land tenure, which remains an urgent barrier to housing construction.

Background

• Indigenous and northern communities face persistent housing and infrastructure challenges and an extreme cost of living that contribute to poor socio-economic and health outcomes. Many of these communities are accessible only by air or seasonal roads, which significantly limit the movement of goods, services and people, including skilled labour.
• Core housing need rates in all three territories (Nunavut 40.5%;, NWT - 11.4%;, and Yukon - 9.9%) exceed the national average of 7.7%.
• Distinctions-based housing and infrastructure funding supports Indigenous self-determination built on the principle of "for Indigenous, by Indigenous". Previous federal investments include:
  • Budget 2021 - investments to support critical infrastructure through the $4.3 billion Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund. Funding for this four year program sunset on March 31, 2025.
  • Budget 2022 - $1.6 billion over seven years for housing. This funding is helping Indigenous partners to further address the critical needs in their communities to improve housing adequacy and affordability.
  • Budget 2024 - $918 million for Indigenous Housing and Community Infrastructure to accelerate work to narrow gaps in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities
• $4 billion was invested over seven years (2024-25 to 2030-31) to support an Urban, Rural, and Northern (URN) Indigenous Housing Strategy. Currently, ISC and CIRNAC are responsible for the distribution of 30% of this funding (approximately $1.18 billion) to distinctions-based partners.
• On 24 April 2026, Canada announced additional funding to support housing for Indigenous Peoples living in urban, rural and northern areas across Canada, including an additional $780 million top-up in new funding for distinction-based agreements. This includes $431 to be distributed by CIRNAC to Inuit, Métis partners, modern treaty and self-governing First Nations, and northern Indigenous partners.
• The Government of Canada also delivered $200 million to territorial governments between 2021-22 and 2023-24 to help address housing and infrastructure needs and ensure that Indigenous and non-Indigenous northerners have access to safe, sustainable and affordable housing.

Key Data Points

• In 2021, in the territories, only 49.2% of Indigenous people aged 25 to 64 had completed a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree, compared to 68% of non-Indigenous people.
• Median employment income among First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples is shaped by several systemic factors, most notably education, geography, and gender. However, when educational attainment is factored in, income gaps narrow or disappear for those that pursue post-secondary education.
• Income gaps are widest in remote areas, where labour markets are smaller and access to postsecondary institutions is limited.
  • First Nations people living on reserve have the lowest median incomes followed by Inuit living in Inuit Nunangat while Inuit living outside Inuit Nunangat and First Nations living off reserve show significantly higher college and university completion rates.
• The Yellowknife based, and Government of Canada funded, Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning's support to students to attend or return for one year of post-secondary education, has resulted in an estimated $3.5 million in increased tax revenue and $4.9 million in avoided lost production (2024-2025).
• Dechinta reports that they employ between 8 and 15 Elders from remote northern communities per post-secondary course (approximately 6 per year) and that annually, this represents approximately $1.5 million in income flowing directly to Indigenous knowledge holders in support of program delivery.

Key Messages

• Income gaps are widest in remote areas, where labour markets are smaller and access to post-secondary institutions is limited.
• This government has a mandate to build shared prosperity with Indigenous Peoples and closing the gaps in post-secondary education for Northerners, by improving access, is key to a healthy, prosperous and sovereign North and is in the spirit of the One Canadian Economy Act.

Current Status

Background

• The direct cumulative economic benefit of closing the Indigenous education gaps, between 2021 and 2041 has been estimated to be as high as $286 billion. This does not include additional benefits such as reduced reliance on social and income assistance.
• Further, the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board's 2024 report identifies education and training as key components needed to close the significant economic gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians, which if addressed, would boost Canada's economy by $26.7 billion annually.
• The Government of Canada has been actively working to improve post-secondary education in Canada's north through targeted investments, including a science building at Yukon University that will integrate Indigenous and western science through its design and curriculum; funding for Dechinta post-secondary courses that are developed with and supported by Indigenous communities in all three territories; and support to the transition of Aurora College to a polytechnique university.
• Additionally, in 2020, CIRNAC stood-up an arms-length Task Force on Northern Post-Secondary Education. The Task Force conducted extensive engagement with northerners, completed its mandate and released its final report in March 2022.

Key Data Points

• Climate impacts on a changing North: Canada's North is warming more than 3 times the global average – destabilizing critical infrastructure, contributing to food insecurity, impacting health and well-being and leading to an increase in climate-related emergencies, with cascading impacts on regional stability and Canada's Arctic security. Permafrost covers 50% of Canada with ~45% of northern buildings situated on destabilized permafrost (~90,000), erosion affecting a growing percentage of coastline in the Arctic and 50% of Canada's 8,000 kilometerskm of winter roads projected to be unusable within 30 years.
• Economic impacts of climate change: Changes to climate and weather reduced Canada's national real GDP by 0.8% ($20B) in 2021. 2024 saw over $8.5B in insured catastrophic loss from extreme weather and disasters.  The 2023 Northwest Territories wildfires cost approximately $175 million and forced the evacuation of over 27,000 residents.
• Benefits of Adaptation: Every $1 invested in adaptation yields up to $15 in avoided damages from extreme weather or climate impacts. Community-based climate monitoring initiatives can return approximately $2.65 in social value for every $1 invested.
• Adaptation in Action: CIRNAC's adaptation programs support communities to lead on local, cost effective solutions, like the community of Igloolik (NU) who installed and maintain weather stations that help ensure safe travel on the land, or Tuktoyaktuk (NT) who undertook emergency efforts to move houses threatened by shoreline erosion, or efforts by over 60 First Nations in BC to assess and plan for the impacts of rising sea levels.

Key Messages

• Climate change is increasing federal fiscal exposure. Proactive, risk-based adaptation investments can significantly reduce long-term costs and avoid catastrophic infrastructure failure.
• Strengthening the North's energy security, climate resilience, and emergency readiness is essential to safeguarding Canada's sovereignty and advancing sustainable economic growth.
• CIRNAC adaptation programs have invested over $276M in over 1000 projects led by Northern and Indigenous communities to assess risks, plan solutions, and build resiliency.
• The programs are equipping communities to build the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to advance local climate solutions, improve preparedness for natural hazards, and enhance long-term security.
• Introduced in Budget 2025, the Climate Competitiveness Strategy led by ECCC sets Canada's Climate Implementation Plan, a suite of measures enabling investments in industries that will keep Canada competitive in an evolving global economy.

Current Status

• CIRNAC administers three climate change adaptation programs that support Indigenous and Northern communities to identify and implement solutions to mitigate climate hazards and risks, like flooding, wildfires, and permafrost thaw. The Department also administers funding for Indigenous partners to engage with Canada at the Indigenous-Crown bilateral tables on climate change.
• The 2026 Spring Economic Update provided $17 million over three years to CIRNAC to renew the flood-mapping stream of CIRNAC's First Nations Adapt Program, which supports First Nations‑led flood mapping initiatives, engineering flood risk assessments, watershed governance, and water resilience tool development.
• CIRNAC's adaptation programs are all expected to sunset by Fiscal Year 2027-28, with a small amount of ongoing funding.

Background

• As a result of climate change, the occurrence and severity of hazards to Canadians and their communities is increasing. As the "funder of last resort", Canada bears growing fiscal exposure to disasters, with Public Safety's Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements covering on average 82% of eligible provincial and territorial recovery costs on a cost share basis, with over 60% of the program's $7 billion in costs incurred within the last decade (as of 2022).
• The accelerated pace of warming in the North and historic underdevelopment has magnified the impacts of climate change on Northern communities. Similarly, due to factors of geography and their connectedness to the land in terms of rights, use, and knowledge systems, Indigenous communities have been significantly impacted by shifts and risks caused by climate change. In both cases, climate change has compounded existing vulnerabilities in communities like sustained infrastructure gaps, capacity and skills development barriers, and fiscal limitations, including territorial borrowing constraints.
• In the North, slow-onset events like permafrost thaw, coastal erosion, changes to sea ice as well as disasters and emergencies like floods, wildfires, and extreme weather threaten essential infrastructure and energy systems, disrupt supply chains, and impede the safe movement of goods and people. These impacts increase costs of goods and capital and maintenance costs, and create an unpredictable operational environment for businesses, communities, and for the security and defense functions that keep Canadians safe. Just in the NWT, the estimated cost of permafrost thaw is $1.3 billion over a 75-year time horizon.
• Indigenous communities are disproportionately impacted when emergencies occur. First Nation reserves and majority Indigenous communities represent 5% of the population, but experience 42% of wildland fire evacuation events, with evacuation rates up to eight times higher than the national average during 2023.

Key Data Points

• In the three territories and Inuit Nunangat there are 73 isolated diesel microgrids, and 3 regional hydro grids serving 24 communities that are not connected to the North American grid.
• As of March 2025, the Northern REACHE program has invested over $142 million into 289 northern clean energy initiatives focused on capacity building. implementation of community-scale renewable projects, and planning for major energy projects.
• Northern REACHE-funded projects are now reducing diesel by 2.1 million litres annually (7.7 million cumulative), and the program is on track to achieve its target of 7 million litres annually by 2030. Many projects supported by the program are in the planning stage. As the projects are commissioned, diesel reductions are expected to increase significantly, contributing to the 2030 target.
• Northern REACHE has provided $86 million in energy planning and feasibility investments that de-risk projects and enable proponents' access to larger investments, and $9.6 million for seven high-penetration renewables projects, which enabled proponents to secure over $220 million in capital for construction. These implemented projects have resulted in completely turning off diesel generation for extended periods of time in the summer months in Old Crow, Kluane First Nation, Beaver Creek, and others.
• The Iqaluit Hydro Project in Nunavut is an example of how CIRNAC's Northern REACHE program is supporting northern and Indigenous communities to transition away from diesel. The program provided $27 million to Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation to advance and de-risk development activities on a proposed 15–30 MegawattsMW hydroelectric facility. Once built, it will displace 100% of Iqaluit's diesel‑generated electricity, eliminating an estimated 15 million litres of diesel and 130,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. The Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydro Project has been referred to the Major Project Office.
• The program supports a wide range of community driven energy projects. Recent examples include:
  • $600,000 to Tarquti Energy Inc. to purchase equipment that will support training in Inuit communities for the operation and maintenance of wind energy projects in Nunavik.
  • $500,000 to the Hamlet of Pangnirtung for the implementation of their Community Energy Plan, which includes the development of a residential and community building retrofit program.
  • $650,000 to Selkirk Development Corporation to assess the feasibility of a potential hydro project at Diamain Lake in Yukon;
  • $158,483 to the Délı̨nę Got'ı̨nę Government in the Northwest Territories for the Off-Grid Solar Program, enabling the installation of solar photovoltaics (PV) on a school greenhouse.

Key Messages

• The scale of the need to address energy security in the North is substantial. Advancing cleaner energy projects in the North is critical to strengthening energy security and supporting economic growth, both of which are foundational elements of a secure and sovereign Arctic. CIRNAC's Northern REACHE program plays an important role in this transition by supporting community and Indigenous-led clean energy initiatives that reduce diesel dependence, enhance local capacity, and strengthen long-term resilience.
• The Northern REACHE program has been instrumental in funding community and Indigenous-led projects. It has de-risked early stages of projects and enabled proponents to access larger infrastructure funding. It has supported planning stages of major projects such as Iqaluit Hydro, Kivalliq Hydro Fibre Link, and the Taltson Hydro Expansion. 
• These projects advance reconciliation, self-determination, and Indigenous leadership, while building an energy-secure future. They strengthen economic prosperity and Arctic security and build stronger, healthier, more resilient communities.

Current Status

• Northern REACHE is actively supporting a suite of community and Indigenous-led clean energy projects across the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut, from early-stage feasibility and planning through to renewable energy implementation, with several major projects currently advancing toward construction. CIRNAC is continuing to work with Natural Resources Canada, the Major Projects Office, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and other departments to ensure support for community energy and northern energy systems.

Background

• The Northern REACHE program funds clean energy projects and related capacity building and planning in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik and Labrador. The program objective is to reduce Northern communities' reliance on diesel for heating and electricity by increasing the use of local renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. This will deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits that strengthen energy security and support community resilience - ultimately reinforcing Canada's Arctic sovereignty.
• The Northern REACHE program is part of Wah-ila-toos, a single-window initiative between Natural Resources Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, and Indigenous Services Canada to streamline access to federal clean energy programming for remote communities. As part of Wah-ila-toos, Northern REACHE received $60M (of $300M) over 6 years starting in 2021-22. This funding sunsets March 31, 2027.

Key Data Points

• As of 2025, CIRNAC's Northern Contaminated Sites Program is responsible for the management of approximately 150 contaminated sites across the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, representing an estimated environmental liability of $6.4 billion (CIRNAC's Financial Statements, March 2025) and is actively managing 92% of its high-priority sites.
• The Government of Canada has made significant investments to implement the Program:
  • Budgets 2019 and 2023 secured $9.1 billion over 15 years (2020-2035) for the Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program to remediate CIRNAC's eight largest abandoned mine projects;
  • Budget 2024 announced the renewal of Phase roman numeral 5V of the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (2025-2030), led by Environment and Climate Change Canada.
• In 2026-2027, the Program's planned spending is $782.6 million across projects in all three territories.
• As of March 2025, since the Program's establishment in 2005:
  • 812 sites were assessed and closed;
  • 33 sites were remediated and closed;
  • 58 sites were remediated and are undergoing long-term monitoring;
  • All other sites are in the assessment, planning or active remediation phase.
• Through its commitment to developing socio-economic opportunities for Northerners and Indigenous Peoples, the Program has:
  • created almost 15,000 jobs for Northerners;
  • provided employment opportunities resulting in Indigenous Peoples contributing 36% of total person-hours worked;
  • delivered over 475,000 training hours to Indigenous Peoples and Northerners;
  • established more than 10,200 contracts and supplier agreements to Northern businesses;
  • developed partnerships with Northern colleges and training providers; and,
  • invested $741 million in Indigenous businesses cumulatively since 2010.

Key Messages

• The Government of Canada is committed to the protection of human health and safety and the environment, as well as the development of economic opportunities for Northerners and Indigenous Peoples.
• We continue to collaborate meaningfully with communities, Indigenous Peoples, Territories and interested stakeholders to protect Canadians and the environment.
• The Program works with Indigenous communities to co-develop project-specific governance agreements, procurement frameworks, and socio-economic strategies that promote reconciliation and meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples through the full project lifecycle.

Current Status

Background

• Most of the contamined sites in CIRNAC's portfolio result from legacy private sector mining, oil and gas development, and former government military activities in the Territories. These sites have subsequently become the responsibility of the Department as owner of last resort.
• Modern mining regulatory frameworks  in the territories are based on the "polluter pays" principle and require companies to put aside sufficient financial security up front to pay for cleanup. Mine operators must provide financial security— such as cash, irrevocable letters of credit, or surety bonds—sufficient to cover the full cost of closure, remediation, and long-term monitoring. This ensures funds remain available even if a company becomes insolvent and significantly reduces the risk of abandoned mines becoming a future liability for taxpayers.
• The Northern Contaminated Sites Program objectives are:
  • to reduce risks to human health and the environment;
  • decrease environmental liabilities; and,
  • maximize socio-economic benefits for Indigenous Peoples and northerners.
• The Northern Contaminated Sites Program operates under two funding streams:
  • The Northern Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program manages the eight largest abandoned mine projects in Yukon (Faro, United Keno Hill, Clinton Creek, Ketza, Mount Nansen) and the Northwest Territories (Giant, Cantung, Great Bear Lake).
  • CIRNAC's remaining sites are funded through Environment and Climate Change Canada's Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan.

Key Data Points

• The Northern Contaminants Program has been a leader in advancing knowledge of chemical contaminants from long-range transport sources in the Canadian Arctic for over thirty years.
• There are 69 projects funded under the Northern Contaminants Program for the 2025-2026 year, with allocated funding support of approximately $5 million. Each project supports the priorities and objectives of the Northern Contaminants Program, as outlined in the Program's blueprints and annual call for proposals. Consultation with northern community authorities and/or Indigenous organizations is required for all projects involving field work in the North and/or analyses of samples.

Key Messages

• As the lead federal department for the North with responsibilities for coordination of policies and scientific research, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) has proven experience and a mandated role for leadership and coordination in northern and Arctic science, across as many as twenty departments and agencies, including Polar Knowledge Canada.
• The Northern Contaminants Program, one of CIRNAC's flagship Arctic research programs, has long served as a model for partnership and co-development in Arctic research, with notable successes in linking issues from their local to global significance, in bringing together Indigenous Knowledge and western science, and with continued influence at the international level, including within the Arctic Council and through UN conventions.

Current Status

• Decisions on proposals submitted under the Northern Contaminants Program's most recent annual Call for Proposals, which closed in January 2026, will be made by the Program's multi-partner Management Committee in April 2026.  
• Canada's leadership of the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme, a Working Group of the Arctic Council, is continuing in 2026. The Director of Northern Affairs Organization's Northern Science and Contaminants Research Directorate has been serving  as international Chair of the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme since January 2024.
• Near on the horizon will be the next (5th) International Polar Year, IPY-5. CIRNAC led the federal coordination for IPY-4 and housed a secretariat, i.e. the Federal Program Office for the Government of Canada Program for IPY. At this moment, the interim international coordinating body for IPY-5 has recently launched guidance on the creation of National Committees for IPY-5, a call for bids for an international coordination office, and early information on the IPY-5 project endorsement process starting in 2026.

Background

• Science and research occurring in and pertaining to the North and the Arctic is led, funded, and carried out by a broad network of governments, organizations, communities and individuals. Canada has in place a variety of research strategies and priorities for the Arctic developed by various northern-related programs, organizations, communities and sub-national governments.
• The Minister of Northern Affairs is mandated with responsibilities for coordination of policies and scientific research in the North. Polar Knowledge Canada plays a key role in delivering on this mandate, particularly with its headquarters at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut; however, Canada's Arctic research ecosystem includes some twenty federal departments and agencies, and numerous organizations and non-federal governments.
• The CIRNAC-led Northern Contaminants Program is one of Canada's longest running Arctic research programs, with nearly 35 years of bringing together Indigenous people, academics and government scientists at local, national and international levels to address the issue of contaminants in the Arctic from distant sources that impact wildlife (food sources) and human health. Research outcomes contribute to food sovereignty across the North by supporting confidence in traditional foods and supporting food choice decisions.
• The 2025 evaluation of the Northern and Arctic Environmental Sustainability Program, of which Northern Contaminants Program is the main activity, found that it is increasingly relevant as environmental changes occur in the North and Arctic.
• In the 2024 Arctic Foreign Policy, Canada commits to support science and research coordination initiatives with foreign policy considerations as related to research security and science in the Arctic.
• The House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research 2024 study on the science and research needs in Canada's Arctic (in relation to the effects of climate change) recommended that the Government of Canada develop a comprehensive Arctic research strategy to identify priorities and long-term goals.