Today, Prime Minister Mark Carney, the president of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Natan Obed, members of the Federal Council of Ministers and Inuit elected leaders of the Inuvialuite Regional Society, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Makivvik and the Government of Nunatsiavut met in Inuvik, in the North-West Meeting of the partnership committee between the Inuit and the Crown (CPIC).
Since the signing of the Inuit Nunangat Declaration in 2017, the Government of Canada and Inuit leaders have continued to meet three times a year and collaborate within the framework of the CPIC to advance joint priorities, strengthen the partnership between the Inuit and the Crown and make the Inuit Nunangat more prosperous.
During today’s meeting, the leaders discussed the Law aimed at building Canada And how to implement it effectively and in a coherent manner, in accordance with modern treaties with the Inuit and in partnership with them.
Besides the Law aimed at building CanadaFederal and Inuit leaders have discussed infrastructure needs in Inuit Nunangat, Canada’s foreign policy for the Arctic and the need to better protect the security and sovereignty of the Arctic and Inuit Nunangat. They also discussed other urgent priorities, including health care and social issues such as housing in Inuit Nunangat. The leaders highlighted the possibilities of collaboration in order to meet these challenges and ensure sustainable economic prosperity.
In Inuvik, the Prime Minister announced the appointment of Virginia Mearns as Canada Ambassador to Arctic Affairs, as of September 15, 2025. The mandate of the ambassador will mainly focus on the tightening of Canada’s relations with its partners and multilateral bodies with similar views, the strengthening of sovereignty in the Arctic and promoting security and growth possibilities.
Inuit leaders and the federal government have reaffirmed their common desire to work together on priorities within the framework of the CPIC.
Citations
“The meeting of the partnership committee between the Inuit and the crown that was held today focused on the means of building our common future and the full economic potential of Inuit Nunangat. Together, the Inuit and the federal government will build major projects that will link and transform our economy, create greater prosperity and new possibilities and will allow you to build a stronger Canada. »»
“For nine years now, the partnership committee between Inuit and the Crown has been an essential tool for advancing common priorities. He notably ensures to grow investments in Inuit Nunangat by the implementation of the Law aimed at building Canadain a way of consistent with the treaties with the Inuit and in partnership with them. We are delighted to be able to continue this important work with Mark Carney, in order to consolidate our partnership and ensure sustainable prosperity for Inuit in Inuit Nunangat and elsewhere in Canada. We are also delighted with the announcement today of the appointment of Virginia Mearns to the post of Ambassador of Canada to Arctic Affairs, a position which was created through the CPIC. »»
“If we want to build stronger and healthier communities and a prosperous economy, we have to work together. This is why projects that will go forward in Inuit Nunangat will be carried out in partnership with the Inuit. We are determined to listen to local communities and Inuit leaders and to collaborate with them to ensure that future work takes into account their priorities and their points of view. Today’s meeting is an important step that will allow us to ensure that the Law aimed at building Canada Promotes a better future for Inuit throughout the Inuit Nunangat. »»
“Canada will carry out major projects as part of a real partnership with the Inuit, and our actions will be guided by equity, inclusion and common prosperity. Thanks to consultation and collaboration, the voices of the Inuit guide the future of infrastructure, sovereignty and economic outlets through Inuit Nunangat. »»
“Canada is an Arctic country, and we are at a crucial moment when it is imperative to preserve our sovereignty and defend our interests in the Arctic. As a high representative of Canada for the Arctic, Ambassador Mearns will assert the interests of Canada relating to the polar region with multilateral bodies, will collaborate with its counterparts of the Arctic and non -Arctic States, and will act as a representative within our diplomatic corps. »»
Protruding facts
- Inuit Nunangat is the birthplace of Inuit in Canada. It encompasses the lands, waters and ice of four regions targeted by treaties, represented by the region with the population of Inuvialuit in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik in northern Quebec and Nunatsiavut in northern Labrador.
- The Law aimed at building Canada provides that the consultation of Inuit and other Aboriginal peoples is an integral part of the implementation process aimed at determining whether a project is in the national interest and to develop the methods relating to permits and authorizations.
- The Law aimed at building Canada Protects duties from treaties, whose modern treaties concluded with Inuit organizations. It does not change the processes established under modern treaties or the government’s obligations of Canada. It also respects the environmental evaluation processes established under treaties.
- The new ambassador of Canada with Arctic Affairs, Virginia Mearns, is a respected inuit leader who has long been working to promote the self-determination of the Inuit and the well-being of the community in Nunavut. She is currently the main director of relations with the Inuit with the Inuit Association of Qikiqtani, and has previously held executive positions within the government of Nunavut and the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Society as an active member in her community, she was awarded the Coronation Medal of King Charles III for her exceptional contributions.
- Since the signing of the Inuit Nunangat Declaration in 2017, Inuit leaders and the Government of Canada have continued their collaboration within the framework of the CPIC in order to create a new relationship between the Inuit and the Crown based on the recognition of rights, respect and cooperation.
- The Nunangat Inuit policy promotes self-determination of Inuit and supports community and individual well-being through Inuit Nunangat, with the aim of achieving socio-economic equity between the Inuit and all the other people who live in Canada. It provides a minimum standard for what can be expected of the relationship between Inuit and all federal ministries and organizations, and includes directives for federal ministries and organizations on how to implement programs and policies and to offer services in Inuit Nunangat.
