Canada invests $13M in four Nunavut infrastructure and economic projects​

The Government of Canada announced over $13 million in funding for four projects across Nunavut aimed at strengthening the territory’s economy, infrastructure and Arctic security, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) said in a news release.

Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor, said the funding will support initiatives in all three regions of the territory, contributing to stronger communities and sustained economic growth.

In the Kitikmeot region, funding will support the Grays Bay Road and Port project, which was referred to the Major Projects Office in early March. The investment will support environmental data collection, early planning and design, and community engagement, building on existing work supported by Transport Canada.

The Kivalliq region will receive funding to enable continued environmental studies and community engagement for the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link project, a fully Inuit-owned initiative.

In the Qikiqtaaluk region, funding will support Ampere’s business planning and design of a new 7,222-square-foot economic development hub in Iqaluit. Sedna ROV Services will also receive funding for Arctic-capable, dual-use vehicles to enable autonomous hydrographic surveying, strengthen environmental monitoring and support Arctic defence readiness.

“These four projects reflect the Government of Canada’s commitment to working in partnership with Inuit governments and Nunavummiut to strengthen Nunavut’s economy, protect the North, and advance locally-led priorities,” said Chartrand.

Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport called the Grays Bay project “a nation-building investment that will unlock economic opportunities in the North and strengthen Canada’s Arctic sovereignty. By improving reliable, all-season land access to critical resources and global markets, it will support good jobs, sustainable development, and long-term growth for Northern communities.”

Brendan Bell, CEO of West Kitikmeot Resources Corp., said CanNor’s investment will accelerate Grays Bay development. “It will enable WKR to bring forward detailed seabed mapping at the port site, and select major construction partners sooner,” Bell said in the release.

David Kakuktinniq, President and CEO of West Kitikmeot Resources Corp. and President of Nukik Corporation, said partnerships are key as the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link moves through development.

Ryan Oliver, CEO of Ampere, said the company is “very excited to start construction on this new Economic Development Hub and we look forward to the opportunities it will provide for Nunavummiut.”

Kirt Ejesiak, CEO of Sedna ROV Services Inc., said the funding will enable the company to deploy new uncrewed vessels and subsea systems on Canadian Hydrographic Service charting, environmental monitoring and Arctic maritime operations. “It means more Nunavummiut trained on advanced marine technology, better data from our own waters, and a stronger Inuit-owned presence in Canada’s Arctic maritime sector,” Ejesiak said.

Featured image: (Canada Infrastructure Bank)