A new initiative will take an Inuit-led approach to natural resource development in Iqaluit

IQALUIT, NU, November 9, 2022 /CNW/ – The Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation (NNC) is taking an Inuit-led approach to harnessing renewable energy with a new initiative that could reduce the city’s reliance on highly polluting and expensive diesel. The goal of this initiative is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make electricity and home heating more affordable. Iqaluit is one of the largest off-grid communities in Canada and, like all the communities of Nunavut, depends entirely on diesel power for heat and electricity. Fossil fuel systems in Nunavut entail risks and vulnerabilities that ultimately face all Inuit who rely on this fuel source.

The Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Project strives to develop an alternative solution through Inuit leadership in the green economy. A solution that minimizes risks, vulnerabilities and damage to the environmental and social networks that are at the heart of Inuit culture. Inuit knowledge and values ​​will be incorporated into development activities from the outset to ensure they are Inuit-led. The initiative is expected to bring Inuit closer to energy sovereignty, affordability and environmental sustainability. The initiative will ensure Inuit can invest in and operate infrastructure that protects the land, creates local jobs and generates financial returns that can be reinvested to promote growth, well-being and affordability.

Today, the Honorable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, CanNor and PrairiesCan, announced financial support from $4 million under the Northern REACHE program for this important initiative. The community initiative is led by the Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation (NNC), a subsidiary of Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, an Inuit birthright development corporation wholly owned by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.

The initiative is expected to bring Inuit closer to energy sovereignty, affordability and environmental sustainability. The initiative will ensure Inuit have the ability to invest in and operate infrastructure that protects the land, creates local jobs and generates financial returns that can be reinvested to promote growth, well-being and affordability.

In the recent 2022 Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada outlined its plan to continue its sound stewardship of the economy and be there for Canadians. This includes an ambitious plan to strengthen the industry and build a thriving net-zero economy with major investments in renewable energy, create new opportunities and jobs, and fight climate change.

Quotation

“Climate change is a global issue that disproportionately affects all Inuit and our way of life. It is our moral responsibility to combat these impacts while ensuring the well-being of future generations. The Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Project offers Nunavummiut the opportunity to meaningfully participate in the clean energy transition to net zero carbon.”

Harry FlahertyPresident and CEO
Qikiqtaaluk Society

“The Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit project puts the community at the forefront of development and prioritizes Inuit self-determination. Inuit-led renewable energy development paves the way for community-shared prosperity; in many ways it is truth and reconciliation in action. »

Heather ShiltonDirector
Nukkiksautiit Society of Nunavut

“Our government continues to partner with and support Indigenous-led, community-based approaches to addressing the challenges facing climate change. Thanks to our government’s new investments in cleaner electricity generation in the recent Fall Economic Statement and important initiatives such as the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit project, I am confident that northern and Arctic communities reduce their dependence on polluting and expensive diesel and create a more sustainable and cleaner future for generations to come.”

The Honorable Dan Vandal,
Minister of Northern Affairs, CanNor and PrairiesCan

Fast facts

• Iqaluit is one of the largest off-grid communities in Canada and is 100% dependent on fossil fuels for energy. The Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit project is based on the renewable energy potential in the Iqaluit region and could displace 100% of the from Iqaluit diesel (currently 15 million liters per year) and allow for future growth.
• The Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit project receives $4 million in funding under CIRNAC’s Northern Responsible Energy Approach for the Community Heat and Power Program (Northern REACHE).
• To date, the Northern REACHE program has invested over $39 million in 161 projects in the North. In Nunavut35 projects received $9.7 million in support.
• An additional amount of $11 million Beyond the aforementioned support, two projects have been allocated in the territory, including the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit project, through the planning and program feasibility of a hydroelectricity and interconnection financing component to the network.
• Supporting Indigenous leadership and co-developing solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels in northern communities for First Nations, Inuit and Métis is essential to advancing the journey of reconciliation and self-determination.
• Launched in 2019 and developed with Indigenous representatives and six territorial and provincial governments, from Canada Arctic and Northern Policy Framework is a long-term vision for the Arctic and the North to reflect the priorities and perspectives of the peoples of the Arctic and the North.
• New measures proposed in the 2022 Fall Economic Statement include:
  Investing in jobs, growth and an economy that works for everyone:
• Launch of the new Canada Growth Fund, which will help Canada the billions of dollars in new private investment needed to reduce our emissions, grow our economy and create good jobs.
• Introducing significant investment tax credits for clean technology and clean hydrogen that will help create good jobs and Canada a leader in the transition to net zero and incentivizing higher wages for workers by increasing the level of credit when certain labor protections are met.
• Introduction of a new tax on share buybacks by public companies Canada.
• Create the Training Center for Sustainable Jobs and invest in a new stream of sustainable jobs from the Union’s training and innovation program to equip workers with the skills needed for the good jobs of today and tomorrow .

Related products
Nukkiksautiit Society of Nunavut
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
Fall Economic Statement 2022
Backgrounder: Jobs, growth and an economy that works for everyone

Related links

Climate Change in Indigenous and Northern Communities
CIRNAC – REACHE North program

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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada

For further information: Media may contact: Kyle Allen, Press Secretary and Communications Advisor, Office of the Honorable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, CanNor and PrairiesCan. [email protected]; Media Relations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-934-2302, [email protected]; Jess Puddister, Stakeholder and Regulatory Manager, Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation, [email protected]867-222-3361