Canada’s North is a fundamental part of our heritage, national identity, and a cornerstone of the Government of Canada’s agenda. Since introducing Canada’s Northern Strategy in 2007, our Government has made significant progress in all four priority areas: exercising our Arctic sovereignty, protecting our environmental heritage, promoting social and economic development, and improving and devolving Northern governance. Major Pan-Northern initiatives include:

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

Economic Action Plan 2014 renewed the Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program delivered by the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor).
Timeframe: over two years, starting in 2014-15
Cost: $40 million

CanNor, the economic development agency for the North, was announced in Budget 2008 and established by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in August 2009 as a key element of the Northern Strategy to help ensure a stronger, more dynamic economy for Northerners. Since then, CanNor has been working to foster dynamic and sustainable economies in the three territories to benefit Northerners and contribute to prosperity for all Canadians.

A total of almost $196 million has been invested to date through CanNor in a range of significant economic initiatives to help strengthen and diversify the northern economy, and to create business and job opportunities for people living in northern communities. This includes investments to encourage long-term economic growth for communities and business under the two-year, $40 million SINED program; $27 million over five years to expand adult basic education across the North so that Northerners are better positioned to take advantage of job opportunities; over $10 million a year to support economic development and capacity building in Aboriginal communities and businesses; and $6.4 million over two years for the three territories under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund announced in Budget 2012.

The Northern Projects Management Office (NPMO) is a key element of CanNor that works with industry, Aboriginal communities, and federal and territorial government partners to support a more stable and attractive investment climate in the territories. The NPMO is currently working with 50 industry clients to advance potential major resource exploration or development projects across the North on projects that require federal regulatory approvals, which represent $26 billion in capital investments and over 12,000 operating jobs.

Investing in Adult Basic Education in Canada’s Territories

Department: Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Timeframe: 2011-16
Cost: $27 million

This project, the details of which were announced by the Prime Minister in February 2012, involves support for adult basic education for working age Northerners, including Aboriginal peoples. It will improve access to basic skills upgrades, such as improved literacy and numeracy, so that adults are better positioned to participate in the labour market or take part in job-specific vocational training. Programs will be delivered through the three territorial colleges: Aurora College, Nunavut Arctic College and YukonCollege.

There have been more than 60 programs offered to more than 1600 adult learners in the three territories in 2012-13 as a result of the NABEP funding. More than 150 local instructors were hired including more than 45 Aboriginal educators.

• YukonCollege and in Yukon communities – 11 programs offered 2012-13;
• AuroraCollege and in NWT Communities – 30 training programs offered; and,
• NunavutArcticCollege and in Nunavut communities – 22 programs for adult learners offered 2012-13.

Yukon College’s Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining (CNIM)

Department: Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Timeframe: 2013-2017
Cost: $5.6 million

Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2013 committed $5.6 million over four years in capital support for the Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining at Yukon College (CNIM) and was announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in August 2013.

The CNIM will provide residents of Yukon and the North with better access to the education and training they need to take advantage of local jobs and prosperity being generated by the mining and exploration sectors. Through the Centre, thousands of Northerners will have access to accredited career training opportunities, helping provide a solution to current and future skilled labour shortages in the territory. The CNIM will also conduct applied research and development to address northern specific challenges in order to grow and improve the competitiveness of Yukon’s mining sector.

In addition to creating an estimated 40 construction jobs and six full-time and part-time jobs, within its first five years the CNIM is also expected to generate up to 520 trades, mining and apprenticeship graduates, plus 710 students completing shorter non-credit courses, who will provide much needed skilled labour for the North’s rapidly expanding mining and exploration industries.

YukonCollege will announce the successful bidder for the contract to design the new Centre in summer 2014. Construction of the new Centre is planned to begin in 2014, and is expected to be completed and operational by 2017.

Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS)

Department: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Timeframe: 2007-17
Cost: $188.6 million

An additional $26.5 million per year will be set aside, as of 2018-19, for the ongoing program and operations of the station.

This project involves the construction of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, and the establishment of its Science and Technology Program. CHARS will be a world-class, year-round, multidisciplinary facility exploring the cutting-edge of Arctic science and technology issues. Fournier Gersovitz Moss Drolet et Associés Architectes and NFOE et Associés Architectes, operating as a joint venture, have been selected to provide full architectural and engineering design, and construction supervision services for the world-class facility. EllisDon Corporation, in joint venture with NCC Dowland Construction Ltd., was awarded the contract for the construction of CHARS, which will begin in 2014. CHARS is expected to be operational in 2017.

Nahanni National Park Reserve Expansion; Nááts’ihch’oh National Park Reserve

Department: Parks Canada
Timeframe: 2009-14

In August 2012, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the creation of Nááts’ihch’oh National Park Reserve, which adjoins Nahanni National Park Reserve. The Prime Minister also announced the signing of an impact and benefit plan with the Sahtu Dene and Metis, which ensures that they will have a significant role in the conservation and preservation of Canada’s newest national park. In May 2014, a bill to formally protect Nááts’ihch’oh National Park Reserve under the Canada National Parks Act was introduced in the Senate of Canada.

Now totalling close to 35,000 square km in size (approximately the size of Vancouver Island), the Nahanni and Nááts’ihch’oh national park reserves protect 86 per cent of the entire South Nahanni River watershed, the significant karst landscape in the region and important habitat for grizzly bears and caribou. In addition, both parks commemorate and reflect Aboriginal culture and will result in long-term economic and social benefits to several local communities.

Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway

Department: Infrastructure Canada
Timeframe: 2013-18
Cost: $200 million

The 137 kilometre all-season highway linking Inuvik with Tuktoyaktuk will be the very first year-round road linking the Arctic coast and the rest of the country. This road, which extends the Dempster Highway to the Arctic coast, will complete Canada’s road network from coast to coast to coast, strengthen Canada’s Arctic presence, and contribute to economic and social development in the North.

In Budget 2011, the Government of Canada announced $150 million to support the construction of the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway, in partnership with the Government of the Northwest Territories. In March 2013, Prime Minister Stephen Harper increased the Government of Canada’s commitment to a total of $200 million. The Government of the Northwest Territories is contributing $99 million and is responsible for any cost overruns. In April 2013, the Governor in Council approved the Government of Canada’s response to the Substituted Review Panel Report to allow the project to proceed subject to the mitigation measures and terms and conditions within Canada’s response. Substantial construction of the all-season road between Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk began in December 2013.

Mayo B Dam

Department: Infrastructure Canada
Timeframe: 2009-12
Cost: $71 million

Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2009 established the Green Infrastructure Fund to support projects that promote cleaner air and water, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Government of Canada contributed $71 million from the Green Infrastructure Fund to the Yukon’s $160 million Green Energy Legacy Project.

The project had two main components. The first was the construction of the Mayo B hydro plant downstream from the existing facility to increase clean energy generation capacity by up to six megawatts without requiring any new dams, reservoirs or additional flooding. The second component involved extending the Carmacks-Stewart transmission line, connecting Yukon’s two main electrical grids. The Mayo B hydro plant began producing power as of early December 2011 and the Carmacks-Stewart Transmission Line Project entered service during June 2011.

Overall, the green energy legacy project will increase electrical system reliability and supply for families and businesses in Canada’s North for years to come. It will also contribute to a reduction in the greenhouse gas emissions from diesel-generated power systems or as back-up systems currently used in many communities.

RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM)

Department: Canadian Space Agency
Timeframe: 2005-23
Cost: To be announced

This project involves the manufacturing, launch and commissioning of three small radar satellites with the capacity to provide coverage of Canada’s land and oceans at least once per day, and up to four times per day in the High Arctic. The RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) is designed to provide continuity and enhanced functionalities to RADARSAT-1 and 2 users. It will provide detailed images of Canada’s land, water, and borders and other points of interest for surveillance, as well as disaster, environmental and resource management. To date, design work is completed and manufacturing work has been initiated. The satellites are expected to be launched in 2018 and fully operational in 2018- 2019.

Canadian Ranger Expansion

Department: National Defence
Timeframe: 2008-12
Cost: $39 million annually

The Canadian Ranger Expansion project’s main goal was to achieve a strength of 5,000 Canadian Rangers, thus expanding Ranger strength by 20 per cent, and updating their equipment. This expansion objective was achieved as of May 2013. 

The Canadian Rangers are a sub-component of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve, which provides military presence in Canada’s northern, coastal, and remote regions. As of May 2014, 18 new Canadian Ranger patrols have been established since 2007, including four in the North. Overall there are approximately 5,000 Canadian Rangers in 179 patrols across the country.

Aboriginal Justice Strategy (AJS)

Department: Justice Canada
Timeframe: 2014-16
Cost: $22.2 million

The Aboriginal Justice Strategy (AJS) provides funding to approximately 275 community-based justice programs that reach over 800 urban, rural, and Northern Aboriginal communities. The justice programs support these communities by giving them the tools they need to fight crime and providing culturally relevant access to the justice system. The AJS has successfully lowered recidivism and will help to address the over-representation of Aboriginal Canadians in the corrections system.

The AJS supports multiple justice programs in the North, both directly and in collaboration with territorial governments. Economic Action Plan 2014 confirmed $22.2 million in renewed funding for the AJS for the next two years.

Link between the Aboriginal Justice Strategy (AJS) and the Department of National Defence (DND)’s Junior Canadian Ranger/Cadet programs

As both the AJS and DND’s Junior Canadian Ranger/Cadet programs work with youth and help to increase community safety, there are existing linkages between the two programs, especially in smaller remote northern communities where services are limited. For example, there are approximately 78 communities that are served by an AJS program and a Ranger patrol site, 38 of which are located in the North. Both programs are community-based and have an emphasis on Aboriginal culture, with the Junior Canadian Ranger program teaching traditional life skills and the AJS using traditional dispute resolution methods to promote learning, leadership and a sense of community and responsibility.

One way that AJS programs work with the DND programs is by referring clients to Junior Canadian Rangers/Cadet programs, which can be a preventative measure when working with at-risk Aboriginal youth. As youth who participate in the Ranger and Cadet programs are often seen as strong community role models, there is also interest in recruiting these youth as AJS program volunteers. AJS programs that do not currently work with the Junior Canadian Ranger/Cadet programs have expressed an interest in establishing connections and discussing possibilities for future collaboration.

Nanisivik Naval Facility

Department: National Defence
Timeframe: 2014-18
Cost: $130 million ($146 million including taxes)

This project involves building a deep-water docking and fueling facility in Nanisivik, Nunavut, which will serve as a staging area for naval and other government vessels operating in the High Arctic. A $55.8 million contract for construction of the facility has been awarded to Almiq Construction Ltd. of Iqaluit, Nunavit, and preparation for construction work at the NNF location is expected to begin in September 2014.

Modernization of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Air Transport Fleet

Department of National Defence
Timeframe: 2007-14
Collective Cost: $4.4 billion

This fleet enables the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) to deploy into the North quickly and supports all northern exercises including Operation Nanook. Since 2006, the RCAF has acquired four CC-177 Globemaster III heavy-lift strategic transport aircraft, and 17 CC-130J Hercules tactical transport aircraft – which complemented the CC-150 Polaris transport fleet that was already in service. Most recently, a fleet of 15 CH-147F Chinook medium to heavy-lift helicopters were added to the RCAF inventory. Collectively, this has greatly expanded the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) capacity to respond quickly to national emergencies and to exercise our sovereignty in the North.

Department: National Defence
17 C-130J Hercules tactical airlift aircraft
Cost: $1.4 billion
Timeline: Contract awarded in December 2007. Delivery completed (17th and final aircraft) in June 2010, 6 months ahead of schedule.

Department: National Defence
4 C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft
Cost: $1.8 billion
Timeline: Contract awarded in February 2007. Delivered, on time, between 2007 and 2008.

Department of National Defence
15 Chinook medium-to-heavy-lift helicopters
Cost: $1.2 billion
Timeline: Contract awarded 2009. Delivered, on time, between June 2013 and June 2014.

Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS)

Department: National Defence and Public Works and Government Services Canada
Timeframe: 2018-23
Cost: $3.1 billion

This project involves the acquisition of a class of custom-designed Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS), capable of operations in ice that will be able to patrol the length of the Northwest Passage during the navigable season, and its approaches year round. Irving Shipbuilding Inc. (ISI) of Halifax, Nova Scotia, was selected in October 2011 through the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy as the shipyard to build AOPS. The Project Definition Phase is currently underway. It will produce an AOPS ship specification and detailed drawing package that will be used when ISI is contracted for the build. Construction is expected to begin in 2015.

Canadian Armed Forces Arctic Training Centre (CAFATC)

Department: National Defence and Natural Resources Canada
Timeframe: 2010-13
Cost: $25 million

In August 2013, the Canadian Armed Forces Arctic Training Centre (CAFATC) facility was officially opened, on time, and under budget. The facility allows the CFATC program to provide specialized arctic training in cold weather survival and military, search and rescue techniques and Canadian Ranger training for over 140 personnel at a time.

Geo-Mapping for Energy and Minerals Program: Phase 2 (GEM-2)

Department: Natural Resources Canada
Timeframe: 2013-20
Cost: $100 million

On August 22, 2013, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced renewed support of $100 million over seven years for the Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM) program, which advances geological knowledge in the North to support increased exploration of natural resources and inform decisions on land use that balance conservation and responsible resource development. The first phase of the GEM program has produced more than 840 maps and reports, providing the exploration industry with valuable tools to explore Canada’s North. GEM-2 support will be used to further develop modern geological maps and data sets that will completely cover Canada’s North at a regional scale by 2020. These geo-maps will then be made publicly accessible, allowing industry investors, land-use planners, Government and community agencies to inform resource exploration and development.

Canadian Extended Continental Shelf Program

Department: Natural Resources Canada/ Fisheries and Oceans Canada / Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Timeframe: 2004-2021 (and beyond)
Cost: $170.6 million from 2004/05 through 2020/21

In accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Canada is working to define the outer limits of its continental shelf. On 6 December 2013, Canada filed a partial submission in respect of its continental shelf in the Atlantic Ocean with the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. At the same time, Canada filed preliminary information in respect of its continental shelf in the Arctic Ocean. The first of two scientific surveys to collect data to complete Canada’s Arctic continental shelf submission was launched on 8 August 2014. A second survey is planned for 2015, following which the Arctic submission will be prepared, filed and then maintained until the Commission is ready to review it.

Polar Icebreaker

Department: Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard
Timeframe: 2018-21
Cost: $1.3 billion

This project involves acquiring a new Canadian-built multi-purpose polar icebreaker, Canadian Coast Guard Ship John G. Diefenbaker. The vessel will be constructed by Vancouver Shipyards and will be the new flagship of the Coast Guard fleet after the decommissioning of the Louis S. St-Laurent. The new polar icebreaker will have enhanced capabilities, such as the ability to operate in more difficult ice conditions and for longer periods of time in the Arctic than is currently the case. The icebreaker is currently being designed by STX Canada Marine.

Renewing the Canadian Coast Guard Fleet

Department: Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard
Timeframe: 2012-23
Cost: $5.2 billion

Economic Action Plan 2012 proposed $5.2 billion over 11 years to renew the fleet of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). This investment includes funds for the procurement of up to 10 large vessels, 18-21 small vessels, up to 24 helicopters, as well as a program to extend the lives of approximately 16 CCG vessels and to complete mid-life modernizations on an additional two existing hovercraft. The investment made through Economic Action Plan 2012 builds on $1.6 billion in Fleet Renewal investments committed in previous years. In the past few years, the Coast Guard has welcomed more than 100 new vessels to the fleet including: 8 of 9 Hero-class Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels, two hovercraft, five Search and Rescue Lifeboats, three Specialty Vessels, three Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessels, and many new small crafts and barges.

In May 2014, a contract was awarded to procure 15 new light-lift helicopters, and bid evaluation is currently underway for the procurement of new medium-lift helicopters. The design has also been completed for a first tranche of new Search and Rescue Lifeboats. CCG is working to advance other renewal projects, including the large vessels that will be constructed as part of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy.

The CCG plays a key role in supporting the safety of Canadians, promoting uninterrupted shipping to Canadian port gateways, and facilitating trade flows. It delivers search and rescue programs, provides marine pollution responses, and supports science and other Government of Canada maritime activities. The CCG is Canada’s main maritime presence, especially in the High Arctic. Procuring new vessels and helicopters for the CCG, as well as work related to repairing and refitting existing vessels, will support jobs and generate significant economic benefits. Renewing the CCG fleet will make it more adaptable, capable and cost-efficient.

For a map of Economic Action Plan related projects in the North and across Canada, please visitwww.actionplan.gc.ca.

Small Craft Harbour in Pangnirtung

Department: Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Timeframe: 2007-13
Cost: $40.5 million

This project consisted of the construction of a small craft harbour in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, to provide expanded harbour infrastructure for existing commercial fisheries and for expansion of inshore fisheries. The new harbour, which was completed in August 2013, includes a fixed wharf, floating wharves, breakwater, marshalling area, a sealift ramp as well as a dredged channel and basin area. The harbour is now fully operational and will be managed by a Harbour Authority in the near future.

Extension of the Territorial Health System Sustainability Initiative (THSSI)

Department: Health Canada
Timeframe:  2012-14
Cost:  $120 million

In recognition of the unique challenges of health care delivery in the North, the Government of Canada provided the territories with additional support through the Territorial Health System Sustainability Initiative (THSSI). The initiative was separated into three distinct funds: a Medical Travel Grant to offset the high cost of medical travel in the territories; the Territorial Health Access Fund, that supported health system reforms; and the Operational Secretariat Fund, which supported pan-territorial collaboration. Originally planned as a five-year initiative in 2005, the THSSI was extended by two years in 2010, and in August 2011, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced another two-year extension of the THSSI. Funding was completed by March 2014.

Territorial Health Investment Fund (THIF)

Economic Action Plan 2014 committed $70 million over three years for a new targeted and time-limited fund to increase health services in the three territories in priority health areas of chronic disease, mental wellness and children’s oral health and to reduce the reliance on outside health care systems and medical travel. This initiative will support territorial governments in improving the sustainability of their territorial health systems.

Affordable Housing in the North

Department: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Timeframe: 2009-11; 2013-15
Cost: $200 million and $100 million

These investments were made to increase the stock of affordable housing in the North and address the need for renovation and repairs of existing social housing. Under the initial phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government invested $200 million from 2009 to 2011 in dedicated funding for the construction and renovation of social housing units in the three territories.

Yukon and the Northwest Territories each received $50 million, while the remaining $100 million was allocated to Nunavut, where the need for new social housing is greatest. The $200 million in support of affordable housing in the North resulted in 210 construction or renovation projects in the territories.

Recognizing that Nunavut continues to face unique challenges in providing affordable housing due to its climate, geography and dispersed population, Economic Action Plan 2013 announced an additional $100 million over two years to support new affordable housing units in the territory.