Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and Nunavut gov't form working group for Arctic sovereignty strategy

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and the Nunavut government have announced a working group to develop a strategy for Arctic sovereignty and security.

In a joint news release Tuesday morning, they described the effort as "made-in-Nunavut" and a response to world events that have recently put the spotlight on the Arctic.

"Nunavut stands together with other territories and provinces in opposing any threats to Canada's sovereignty and security," said Premier P.J. Akeeagok in the release.

"We know what's at stake for the Canadian Arctic and Inuit Nunangat, and we know that Nunavut needs to be united and strategic to respond to the challenges before us."

There is no timeline yet for when the strategy will be released or when work will officially begin on it.

The two groups also called for the federal government to step up its investments in the Arctic and back critical Inuit-led projects. The news release cites several "nation-building infrastructure projects, including a deep-water port in Qikiqtarjuaq, the Grays Bay road and port project, a fibre link project in the Kivalliq, and the Iqaluit hydro project. 

"Investments in infrastructure, food sovereignty, Inuktut and higher education and the formalization of the Canadian Rangers will greatly enhance the security and well-being of the Arctic region," said NTI president Jeremy Tunraluk in the news release.

Given Nunavut is reliant on the south for lumber, steel, fuel and other materials, the two groups said federal infrastructure investments in the territory would have a positive economic impact across the country.