Monday, July 27, 2026
The governments of Canada and Nunavut have finalized an agreement under the Provincial and Territorial stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund to build and renew infrastructure in Nunavut.
Nunavut will receive $81.3 million to support infrastructure projects and priorities related to housing and post-secondary education over 10 years, as well as $74.1 million in health infrastructure funding over three years, which will complement existing federal health-related support. As part of this agreement, Nunavut has committed to encouraging housing development by not increasing any fees or taxes that hinder housing supply.
“Through the Build Communities Strong Fund, our government is delivering infrastructure investments at a speed and scale not seen in generations, with more than $155 million going to support priorities across Nunavut. Together with our efforts to expand housing through Build Canada Homes, our partnership with the Government of Nunavut is helping build stronger, safer, and better-connected communities for all Nunavummiut,” said Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.
The modern and reliable infrastructure built through this agreement will help unlock more housing, support post-secondary education, and improve health care. In addition, Nunavut is slated to receive $18.7 million in 2026–27 through the Community stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund. This stable, predictable funding supports local infrastructure priorities identified by communities, including investments in water systems, transportation networks, and community facilities.
“Nunavut communities require infrastructure that is reliable, sustainable, and designed for the unique realities of the North. Through these agreements, we will strengthen critical health infrastructure while supporting the essential infrastructure needed to enable future housing and community development across the territory. Our government values its partnership with Canada and the long-term benefits these investments will bring to Nunavummiut,” said George Hickes, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Nunavut.
These investments build on broader federal efforts to increase housing supply across Nunavut, including through the recently finalized agreement with Build Canada Homes that will support the construction of new homes across the territory, in partnership with the Government of Nunavut via Nunavut Housing Corporation and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI).
“Housing is about more than just walls and shelter. It is the foundation for healthy families and growing communities. Building more homes also requires the infrastructure needed to support them, including roads, water and waste systems. Together, we’re making progress on housing across Nunavut, and this partnership helps us build on that momentum and deliver more homes for Nunavummiut,” said Cecile Lyall, Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Through this agreement, at least 750 new housing units will be built across Nunavut, including 25 units constructed by NTI, 425 public housing units, 150 affordable housing units, and 150 supportive housing units with wraparound supports for individuals with complex needs, with construction already underway on some units in Iqaluit.
To date, nearly 100 modular housing units have been shipped to Nunavut, with homes already occupied in Cambridge Bay and units added in Iqaluit and seven other communities. Overall, an additional 120 units are planned for delivery through the 2026 sealift, accelerating progress in addressing Nunavut’s housing needs. To support faster delivery in northern conditions, well over 30 per cent of these units will be built using modern construction methods, helping improve efficiency and timelines.
“NTI welcomes the finalization of the Build Canada Homes agreement, including NTI’s role in delivering 25 of the 750 new homes. This is an important first step toward expanding Inuit-led delivery of affordable housing that Inuit can access independent of their employer. Building on this agreement, NTI has submitted a proposal to Build Canada Homes for a further 400 affordable homes, together with investments in Inuit-led manufacturing and construction capacity across Nunavut. We look forward to working with Build Canada Homes, the Government of Nunavut and the Regional Inuit Associations to advance that proposal,” said Paul Irngaut, vice president, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.
Featured image: (Government of Canada)
