Latest news with #Inuit-owned
Cision Canada
28-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Minister Chartrand announces $600,000 investment in innovative housing project in Cambridge Bay
Funding will support Qillaq Innovations to pilot a private housing model to increase access to affordable housing and create jobs in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. CAMBRIDGE BAY, NU, July 28, 2025 /CNW/ - Across the territories, a critical shortage of housing requires all levels of government and the private sector to work together on innovative and regionally tailored solutions. Today, the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor, announced an investment of up to $600,000 to Qillaq Innovations to support the design and construction of a new, cost-effective housing model. This project could provide new options for private, affordable homeownership across Nunavut. Qillaq Innovations' The Bay Home Expansion Project will pilot the construction of four small homes clustered around a shared central utility building, providing an efficient and cost-effective model for homeownership. Based in Cambridge Bay, Qillaq Innovations is a 100% Inuit-owned construction and trades company that offers work and training opportunities to Inuit interested in civil construction and technical service trades. At least three new apprentices are expected to be hired to support the build. Additional funding for the project is being provided by the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation and Kitikmeot Community Futures Inc. Through investments like this, the Government of Canada, through CanNor, supports initiatives that can alleviate housing affordability and availability by leveraging local resources and ingenuity while creating new opportunities for regional economies. Quotes "The work being done by Qillaq Innovations promises to create a new, viable option for housing affordability in the North. Nunavummiut are acutely impacted by persistent housing shortages, or when housing is available, the costs to buy or rent is out of reach. That is why our new government is working with Northerners and businesses to find innovative solutions that can bring down housing costs, and ensure everyone has access to a home." - The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor "It is important for Nunavummiut to have the opportunity to purchase an affordable house to build a future. We are hoping our innovative solutions will bring the cost of homes, for small families and first time home buyers, down to an attainable cost. We are happy to have CanNor's support on this project." - Carson Gillis, President, Qillaq Innovations Quick facts CanNor is investing up to $600,000 through the IDEANorth program. IDEANorth makes foundational investments in economic infrastructure, sector development and capacity building to help position Northerners to take advantage of Canada's innovation economy. Additional funding for the project includes $500,000 from the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation, as well as $75,000 from the Kitikmeot Community Futures Inc. Associated links Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency Qillaq Innovations Stay connected: SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
Hamilton Spectator
04-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
‘Time is now' for hydro connection to Nunavut: Inuit association president
A proposed hydroelectric fibre link from Manitoba's power grid to five communities and two mines in Nunavut's Kivalliq region should be part of the national infrastructure strategy, according to an Inuit leader. But the federal government has been keeping the project on the back burner for at least four years, Kono Tattuinee, the president of the Kivalliq Inuit Association, told an audience at the Nunavut Arctic Security and Sovereignty Summit in Iqaluit on June 26. Tattuinee said that transitioning off 60-year-old diesel generators is a priority for the region. 'We've done our best to work with different departments. We tried to get our foot in the door of the finance minister's office, but we were half in and half out and never really made it,' Tattuinee told those gathered at the summit. An hydro-electric power connection to Nunavut would allow the territory to start building its own renewable energy facilities and sell electricity back to the rest of Canada's, according to a website pitching the project. The Nukik Corporation, an Inuit-owned company lobbying the federal government to build the 1,200-kilometre hydro fibre link, counts Tattuinee among its board of directors. Arviat, Baker Lake, Chesterfield Inlet, Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove, along with two gold mines and future resource projects in the Kivalliq Region, would benefit from the connectivity, according to the website. High-speed internet for residents, hospitals and businesses would also be a feature of the hydro-fibre link. Nukik Corporation's project has been mentioned three times in federal budgets since 2021, and it received $2.8 million to advance engineering and design work last year. The Department of Northern Affairs estimated construction would begin in 2028 at the time. But Tattuinee told the Nunavut Arctic Security and Sovereignty Summit that the federal government had been keeping proponents of the hydro-fibre link in the dark. 'We have it on a silver platter. It's all ready, shovel-ready — we were shovel-worthy a few years back, and now we're shovel-ready,' Tattuinee said. Despite the frustration with the pace of development, Tattuinee said he's hopeful about the future and believes the federal government will eventually make the project happen. 'We Inuit, we're resilient, we want to push this through. The time is now, and so we're very hopeful,' he said. The federal government passed Bill C-5 on June 26, giving itself far-reaching powers to fast-track 'nation-building' infrastructure projects, the same day as Tattuinee's comments to the summit. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Cision Canada
11-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
CIB's inaugural Nunavut investment enables territory's first wind energy and storage project Français
Will reduce remote community's dependence on costly diesel-generated electricity Disponible en français ᐊᑐᐃᓐᓇᐅᔪᖅ ᐃᓄᒃᑎᑐᑦ ᑐᒃᓯᕋᖅᑕᐅᓗᓂ. New wind turbine and energy storage system in Sanikiluaq, Nunavut to offset up to 70% of diesel energy use Will help lower electricity cost pressures in one of Canada's most expensive regions for power Project profits will be reinvested in community priorities SANIKILUAQ, NU, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has reached financial close on its first investment in Nunavut, supporting a transformative clean energy project in the remote Inuit community of Sanikiluaq. A $6.7 million loan through the CIB's Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative (ICII) will help fund the Anuriqjuak Nukkiksautiit Project (ANP) (pronounced Ah-nur-ick-juu-ack Nook-eek-sow-teet), which includes a 1-megawatt wind turbine and a 1 megawatt-hour energy storage system. This loan comes in addition to an $11.3 million contribution from Natural Resources Canada in support of the Anuriqjuak Nukkiksautiit Project, through the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program. Led by the Inuit-owned Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corp. (NNC), a subsidiary of Qikiqtaaluk Corp., ANP will replace up to 70%, or 600,000 litres, of the community's diesel use for electricity with renewable electricity. Power generated will be sold to Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC) and integrated into the local grid. In development since 2016, ANP is expected to create approximately 20 jobs at the peak of construction and deliver long-term economic benefits through a profit-sharing model. Revenues will support local priorities such as reducing household electricity bills, or providing equipment for schools, daycare and social programs. Nunavut currently relies entirely on fossil fuels for electricity, with no shared transmission grid. Each community operates its own diesel-powered energy plant, which leads to some of the highest electricity rates in Canada. Once operational, the project is expected cut emissions by approximately 1,559 tonnes per year. This marks the CIB's second investment in Canada's Far North, following a $100 million loan to the Inuvialuit Energy Security Project in the Northwest Territories. Endorsements The CIB is proud to make its first investment in Nunavut as we continue to help residents of the Far North increase their energy security and reduce reliance on imported diesel fuel. Beyond reduced emissions in the region, there are also important community benefits which will improve education, social services and more. Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank This project is a big step toward clean, reliable and affordable energy in Nunavut. By replacing most of Sanikiliaq's diesel with wind power, the community will have lower electricity costs and less pollution. As a nation of builders, our government is committed to investing in infrastructure that strengthens communities – especially in the North – where clean energy projects like this help build a more sustainable and self-reliant future. Hon. Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations The Anuriqjuak Nukkiksautiit Project is a concrete example of Indigenous Peoples' leadership in clean energy and a clean growth future in Canada. This Inuit-owned project is leading the way towards cleaner and more reliable electricity, bringing economic opportunities to Nunavut. Hon. Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Qulliq Energy Corporation is pleased with the federal government's investment in Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation's (NNC) wind project in Sanikiluaq. This milestone represents transformative progress in Nunavut's transition to clean energy. By integrating renewable energy into the local grid, this project will contribute toward reducing diesel consumption, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing energy security for Sanikiluaq. We congratulate NNC for their leadership and the Government of Canada's commitment to advancing a sustainable future for Nunavut. Ernest Douglas, CEO, Qulliq Energy Corporation Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation is proud to be a leader in the clean energy transition in Nunavut, working alongside communities across the Qikiqtani Region to implement clean energy solutions that enable social, environmental, and economic prosperity for Qikiqtani Inuit. Energy sovereignty in the Arctic is more pressing each and every day as we continue to feel the real impacts of climate change in Nunavut. The Anuriqjuak Nukkiksautiit Project represents an energy future that prioritizes Inuit rights and environmental sustainability to ensure future generations have access to a safe, clean environment for many years to come. Harry Flaherty, President & CEO of Qikiqtaaluk Corporation & Group of Companies, of which, Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary I fully support the wind project, it benefits the community as a whole socially, economically, and environmentally. It also shows Sanikiluaq is willing to be a supportive partner of projects like these in the future. Johnny Appaqaq, Mayor of Sanikiluaq I am proud that the Hamlet of Sanikiluaq is an enthusiastic supporter of green energy. I will continue to support measures that use technology and innovation to give our community greater energy independence and lessen our carbon footprint. This project is the first of its kind in Nunavut and we hope the success of this project allows for more projects of this type to happen throughout the Territory. Rob Hedley, Senior Administrative Officer, Hamlet of Sanikiluaq
National Observer
20-05-2025
- Business
- National Observer
Committed to clean energy in the North
These in-their-own-words pieces are told to Patricia Lane and co-edited with input from the interviewee for the purpose of brevity. As director at Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation (NNC), 32-year-old Heather Shilton is passionately committed to ensuring communities drive the clean-energy transition. Tell us about your work. NNC is Nunavut's first 100-per-cent, Inuit-owned renewable energy developer. We aim to sustainably power the Qikiqtani region by empowering communities to take ownership of renewable energy projects that reflect their values. Our largest project, scheduled to come online in 2033, will replace all of Iqaluit's diesel use with hydroelectricity with potential additional capacity for clean home heating. Twelve other projects under various stages of development, construction and operation range from building-specific, micro-grid solar and battery energy storage to community-scaled wind and solar. Most renewable energy conversations are about technology, but it is the chance to empower communities to make their futures healthier, cleaner, and eventually more affordable, that propels me. We are breathing life into the concept of free, prior and informed consent in a way that sets an appropriately high benchmark for the entire country. There is a sad history of renewable projects attracting negative attention when rights-holders have their priorities ignored. None of our projects are complete until affected communities say, 'Yes,' at least four times. They must agree to explore alternatives to diesel, identify their preferred alternative, understand the economics, costs and social benefits, and approve the execution plan. Communities also play a key role in identifying co-benefits. For example, as we prepare to build the road to the water-power project, we are exploring erecting shelters to make snowmobile transportation and recreational land access safer. Building shelters is not part of our core business, but we do intend that people affected see maximum benefits. So, we build shelters. Popular support has helped regulators and the utility modernize their approaches and allows us to move more rapidly with each project. In 2019, we had two megawatts (MW) of renewable energy under various phases of development. By 2025, we have more than 30 MW. As director at Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation (NNC), 32-year-old Heather Shilton is passionately committed to ensuring communities drive the clean-energy transition. Does disinformation slow you down? We believe in telling people everything we know. For the water-power project, we identified 16 alternatives for power to Iqaluit. One of those was remaining on diesel. Every development has costs and benefits, and people have the right to make the choice. It is our experience that if we respect people's intelligence, value relationships and add technical know-how, communities will sort through the disinformation themselves. Everything we say is presented in both Inuktitut and English, and we use a lot of visuals. We allow the process to take the time it needs. What makes your work hard? Sometimes, lack of accurate data gets in our way. For example, much is made of how expensive renewables are in the North, and we require federal financial support. But diesel is also subsidized. We have been attempting to calculate the taxpayer-funded support for diesel in Nunavut for five years without success, making it harder to provide our communities with good data for their decisions. Our team is talented, passionate and feels the urgency of economic and climate change. Moving at the pace of community trust can be hard, but we know it is fundamental to a just, clean-energy transition in Nunavut. We have learned to take a longer view. What keeps you awake at night? If we don't get the way we communicate right, we risk losing community trust. It is hard to win that back. Funders are sometimes impatient with our process. Climate change is a daily reality. It's worrisome when hunters get lost because they are not able to read the ice the way they used to, due to unreliable weather patterns. What gives you hope? When an elder feels their values are prioritized for the first time in their lives, I know we are on the right track. My team is inspiring every day. We are creating energy sovereignty and good, clean jobs close to home. That feels good. What do you see if we get this right? People all over the North and across the country engage in a collective re-imagining of the kind of futures that are possible. How did the way you were raised affect you? In a high school ecology class, we read former US vice president Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth. I was terrified, but I knew that being part of the solution would guide the rest of my life. The fear galvanized me, but the desire to protect the people and places I love and help them thrive in their own ways keeps me engaged. What would you like to say to other young people? There is no better feeling than working with people who are making a difference and learning together. Check the sources of your information. Ask who might benefit from you believing it. What about older readers? It can be frustrating to hear older people say, "It's your generation that will save us.' Older people often have power and agency that are not available to younger folks. Use it to protect our future.
Hamilton Spectator
12-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Northern premiers look to expand horizons and opportunities during Northern Premiers' Forum
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok says within Canada's three Northern territories exists an 'incredible opportunity'. 'We're seeing so much uncertainty around the world, right across this country, and I think one thing as Northern territories that we provide all Canadians is certainty. We have so much opportunity,' Akeeagok said. The premier recently attended the annual Northern Premiers' Forum held in Haines Junction, Yukon, joined by this years' chair Yukon premier Ranj Pillai, and NWT premier R.J. Simpson. Akeeagok said as a team of three, the premiers are pushing and demonstrating that the territories are emerging as a key region for prosperity and possibilities for growth with 'nation building projects'. 'I too, very much look forward to working very closely with the Prime Minister on implementing the vision that we want to see Canada become, and the role the North could play when you look at wanting to truly diversify our economies and building Canada so we become more resilient and prosperous,' he said. Investing in opportunity Within Nunavut, Akeeagok said the Arctic security corridor with its access over to the NWT has 'incredible critical mineral potential' that the world needs, but 'what we don't have is an investment and a partner in Ottawa to make that real. 'But we've brought in new organizations who are the proponents of that proposal. We're supporting them. We're backing them, and I very much look forward to solidifying that relationship even further with the NWT as we move forward as well.' Akeeagok went on to say they also have had a few successes in terms of connecting on projects with Manitoba and Premier Wab Kinew, one example being the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link (KHFL), being led by the Inuit-owned Nukik Corporation. The 1,200-km link between Manitoba and the Kivalliq region of Nunavut, will benefit five communities and two mines by using electricity instead of diesel fuel. 'Nunavut is the only jurisdiction that is not connected by fiber or road … so it's exciting to see that project advance. 'It takes a team to advance these projects, and I feel very honored to be able to work with the two friends that are right next to me, to be able to advance some really exciting work that really will change the fabric of this country,' he said. And with the creation of a deep-sea port on the Eastern part of the territory at the mouth of the Northwest Passage, Akeeagok said it would diversity the local economy and increase opportunities for Canada. Collaboration welcome Akeeagok said after incumbent MP Lori Idlout was re-elected to parliament, he ensured they would continue with an 'open door policy' to enable them to communicate about the nation-building projects that were underway. 'I really feel that Nunavut has so much to offer in terms of providing that certainty and that clear direction of what we could do together. She's been a strong advocate on some really exciting work,' he said. Garnering interest In terms of global interest in Canada's North, Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai said 'not a month goes by' where a consul general or ambassador doesn't come to the Yukon to discuss Canada's North. 'I think specifically Nordic countries have been really reaching out to us to talk about the opportunities of the three territories coming together, where we can work together. There's already the cultural fabric that's that binds our Indigenous Peoples across the North into Alaska, but also into Greenland and into and Nordic regions,' Pillai said. 'Beyond that is that there's a lot of Canadians, as we all know, that do not have a real strong understanding about what the Yukon is, or what happens in the Yukon, in the Northwest Territories, or Nunavut. And so we're also seeing a time when Canadians are actually taking a moment of pause to try and understand what the North is all about. So I think that's why it's pivotal, because it becomes a conversation during an election cycle,' he said. Local heroes Akeeagok said he had the pleasure of welcoming Prime Minister Mark Carney to Nunavut in his first domestic travel in the country, and was able to discuss investments such as defense, housing, and a permanent, year-round presence of the Canadian Rangers. 'They are truly the heroes. They are the eyes and the ears of the North. And we all know many of them, their family, their community members that wear many hats,' he said. 'I've had the opportunity to connect with the Rangers and to actually hear exactly where they see the need for investments, the investments into, let's say, equipment so that they could do a little longer patrols, or whether it's the support to allow them to do more of the patrols and the less paperwork is what we heard as well, to streamline some of those processes.' 'I very much look forward to continuing these conversations with the Prime Minister, and it's going to be interesting. And I very much look forward to hearing who the new or returning defense minister might be. I believe we've had a really good working relationship in identifying priorities that come from the North,' he said. Akeeagok also said that by investing in Nunavut, they will see a 'direct impact' in terms of the high cost of living in communities. 'I am very pleased to see a lot of those projects that we've identified make it into the platforms, and now we'll be very eager to see if it actually gets brought in through the first budget, but we'll be very closely looking into that. 'But I feel very optimistic that we've really seen some great momentum around a lot of those projects, but it will require those federal investments to make them happen.' Topics of discussion during the forum among the three premiers also included the health and well-being of Northerners, balancing economic growth with environmental protection as well as sustainable development practices, and support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and the fundamental right to self-expression.
