Through the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework (the Framework), Indigenous, federal, territorial and provincial partners are working collaboratively to develop long-lasting opportunities for residents of the North and Arctic, including Indigenous Peoples, that support the region's unique needs and protect its rich natural environment while building a strong and sustainable economy that leaves no one behind.
Today, Grand Chief Peter Johnston, Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN), and the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor, co-hosted the 4th annual Arctic and Northern Policy Framework Leadership Committee meeting in Whitehorse, Yukon.
They were joined by their federal and territorial counterparts, including the Honourable Ranj Pillai, Premier of Yukon, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence. The partners discussed priorities and next steps in the implementation of the Framework. Launched in 2019, the Framework sets out a roadmap toward implementing the priorities set out by leaders and residents of the North and Arctic.
CYFN Grand Chief Peter Johnston spoke about the priorities shared by Yukon First Nations. These included mental health and wellness, language and cultural revitalization, climate change, sustainable development, research and Indigenous knowledge stewardship, development of energy solutions, and Arctic sovereignty.
Minister Vandal highlighted the work already undertaken, which is contributing toward the implementation of the Framework's co-developed goals and objectives. He also recognized that the historic wildfire season in Northwest Territories has shown that much more work needs to be done to close the gaps between the North and Arctic and the rest of the country in areas such as infrastructure and housing, health and wellness support and climate change adaptation of the region's communities.
Minister Fraser reflected on the Government of Canada's housing and infrastructure priorities, including on the unique needs of the North. Minister Fraser also took time to hear directly from Arctic and Northern leaders on their immediate and long-term infrastructure priorities, and on how to best work together to achieve common goals.
Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant provided an update on the implementation of Canada's international Arctic policy in light of geopolitical developments. He also reaffirmed the Government's commitment to work with Northern and Arctic partners to advance Canada's standing as an Arctic power and to uphold our Arctic sovereignty and the rules-based international order.
The Framework guides Government of Canada's priorities, activities and investments in the North and Arctic 2030 and beyond. It better aligns Canada's national and international policy objectives with the priorities of Indigenous Peoples and residents of the region.
