The far north is an integral part of Canada. It is part of the nation’s heritage, part of its identity, and also an essential part of its future. It is experiencing rapid changes. Some of these changes are the result of climate change, the growth of Indigenous institutions, and the emergence of a new Northern and Aboriginal governments.
Indigenous peoples
The Indigenous population in Canada is growing steadily. It is projected to reach 2.5 million people in 20 years. This includes First Nations, Inuit, and Metis. Despite ongoing adversity, they continue to thrive. The Government of Canada is committed to Norstrat building a strong and effective relationship with Indigenous peoples.
The Government of Canada has established an Indigenous Strategy for Community Development to guide its approach to supporting Indigenous peoples. The strategy emphasizes the need for a holistic, strength-based community development process. This strategy is flexible enough to accommodate the diverse needs of different regions.
The strategy also highlights the need for a renewed fiscal relationship to support Indigenous governments. The renewed relationship must promote fair access to traditional economies, recognize the rights of Indigenous peoples, and ensure that Indigenous nations have the fiscal capacity to participate in Canada’s economic partnership.
Climate change
The Government of Canada released a new Arctic and Northern Policy Framework in September, replacing the previous Northern Strategy. It is a whole-of-government framework that will guide Canadian priorities in the Arctic and North to 2030. The Framework aims to better align national policy objectives with the priorities of Northerners.
The Strategy is based on a partnership-based approach. It works with regional climate service organizations and provinces and territories. It also works with stakeholders and experts to develop potential adaptation strategies. It will be implemented through a series of action plans that are regularly reviewed and updated.
The National Adaptation Strategy will change the way governments across the country work together. This will help reduce isolation and increase resilience among the people and communities of the Arctic.
Economic growth
Northern Canada is facing rapid economic change. The north has moved from subsistence hunting and fishing economies to a more uncertain future in a post-industrial world. The region has also become more accessible to international interest. It has also experienced environmental change.
As a result, the federal government has developed a new Arctic and Northern Policy Framework that will guide its policies for the next ten years. This strategy is a whole-of-government approach to building a healthy and prosperous Arctic and Northern region. The framework includes priorities related to employment, infrastructure, health, and education. It is a more comprehensive approach than the previous Northern Strategy, released in 2010, and will align national policy objectives with the needs of the North.
The Government of Canada believes that the future holds great potential for Canada’s Arctic and Northern residents. But a stronger economy is also essential to sustain the region’s long-term growth and well-being.
Defence policy
Canada’s defence policy for its northern strategy is Strong, Secure, Engaged. The policy outlines a number of new capabilities and initiatives designed to support the nation’s security interests in the Arctic and North.
The policy focuses on a number of strategic goals that will be achieved through the deployment of capabilities across the military and government. These include improved situational awareness and domain awareness. These are vital in supporting strategic planning and missions-critical decision making.
The government is investing in a system-of-systems approach to surveillance, including a variety of air, land, sea, and space assets. This will ensure a clear picture of the operating environment. The Advanced Research and Development Program will contribute to the need for cutting-edge surveillance solutions.
The Arctic has become a region of increasing interest. It is a strategic international location for a number of reasons. It is a place where trade and commerce is advancing, and where non-state actors and state actors alike are looking to engage. The region also presents many safety and security concerns.
Closing the quality of life gap
Canadians living in the Arctic and Northern regions have experienced long-standing inequalities in transportation, energy, and social services. There are also differences in socioeconomic status and lifestyle. This disparity is reflected in the socioeconomic statistics for the region.
A high proportion of Indigenous people makes the region unique. Canada acknowledges the special challenges faced by Indigenous communities. It recognizes the need for closer relationships with Indigenous peoples to help address those challenges. Continuing to build stronger relationships with Indigenous peoples is critical to meeting the goals of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework.
Canada has also been increasing participation of northerners in Arctic research. The new Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North program provides funds for expanded infrastructure and trade opportunities.
