Canada Backs Nunavut Growth, Infrastructure and Arctic Security with $13 Million Investment

Canada is putting new weight behind Nunavut’s future, announcing more than $13 million for four major projects designed to strengthen the territory’s economy, improve critical infrastructure and reinforce Arctic security.

Unveiled in Iqaluit by Rebecca Chartrand, the funding through Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency will support initiatives across all three of Nunavut’s regions, with a focus on long-term economic opportunity and immediate community benefits.

“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. By investing in infrastructure, capacity building, cleaner energy, and defence readiness, these initiatives are laying the groundwork for lasting prosperity, resilience, and security for a strong Nunavut and a strong Canada,” expressed the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor.

Building Momentum Across Nunavut

In the Kitikmeot region, funding will advance the Grays Bay Road and Port project, recently referred to the Major Projects Office. Support will go toward environmental data collection, early planning and design, and community engagement, building on previous work backed by Transport Canada.

“Grays Bay Road and Port project is 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,” stated the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons.

“CanNor’s investment is a timely acceleration of Grays Bay Road and Port development. For example, it will enable WKR to bring forward detailed seabed mapping at the port site, and select major construction partners sooner. As we move forwards more quickly, we will also have the resources to ramp up our community engagement and make sure that regional and community benefits are maximized,” assured Brendan Bell, CEO, West Kitikmeot Resources Corp.

Powering the North

In the Kivalliq region, investment will continue environmental studies and community engagement for the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link, a project aimed at expanding energy and connectivity infrastructure.

“Now is the time for nation building infrastructure that can power communities, power industry, and power a more secure north for us all. As we move the fully Inuit owned Kivalliq-Hydro-Fibre Link through development, partnerships are key,” said David Kakuktinniq, President and CEO of Sakku Investments Corporation and President of Nukik Corporation.

“Building Canada means building the North. These investments will help strengthen Nunavut and Canada’s economy, infrastructure, and Arctic security for the long term. That is how we become a more sovereign Canada, an energy superpower, and the strongest economy in the G7,” stated the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

Local Business, Local Capacity

In Nunavut’s Qikiqtaaluk region, funding will support business planning for Ampere and the design of a new 7,222-square-foot economic development hub in Iqaluit.

“Developing business in Nunavut is a key to the territory’s continued growth and prosperity. At Ampere, we’re very excited to start construction on this new Economic Development Hub and we look forward to the opportunities it will provide for Nunavummiut,” conveyed Ryan Oliver, CEO, Ampere.

Additional support is also going to Sedna ROV Services Inc. for Arctic-capable, dual-use vehicles that will enable autonomous hydrographic surveying, strengthen environmental monitoring and bolster Arctic defence readiness.

“With this funding, Sedna ROV Services can deploy new uncrewed vessels and subsea systems on Canadian Hydrographic Service charting, environmental monitoring, and Arctic maritime operations, the kind of work the North has needed for decades. 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,” explained Kirt Ejesiak, CEO, Sedna ROV Services Inc.

A Strategic Northern Investment

The announcement underscores Ottawa’s broader push to strengthen Arctic sovereignty through strategic infrastructure, security readiness and partnerships with Inuit communities.

“Through strong partnerships with Nunavummiut, investments in infrastructure, capacity building, and community priorities are advancing a coordinated approach to strengthening Nunavut, supporting long-term prosperity, and contributing to Canada’s broader security and strength,” expressed Lori Idlout, Member of Parliament for Nunavut.

“The Government of Nunavut welcomes this announcement and is thankful that the Government of Canada is investing in projects that will help advance Nunavut’s economic potential across the territory,” stated the Honourable Craig Simailak, Minister of Community Services, Government of Nunavut.



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