Canada: Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee Meets in Inuvik to Advance Shared Priorities and Arctic Sovereignty

Prime Minister Mark Carney, alongside Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed, federal Cabinet ministers, and elected Inuit leadership from the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Makivvik, and the Nunatsiavut Government, convened in Inuvik for a meeting of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC).

This latest meeting marks another milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the Government of Canada and Inuit leadership, following the signing of the Inuit Nunangat Declaration in 2017. Since then, the ICPC has met three times annually to advance shared priorities, deepen the Inuit-Crown partnership, and foster prosperity across Inuit Nunangat.

Focus on Infrastructure, Sovereignty, and Modern Treaties

A central topic of the meeting was the implementation of the Building Canada Act. Leaders discussed how the legislation can be carried out effectively and in a manner consistent with Inuit Modern Treaties, reaffirming the importance of partnership with Inuit in all phases of development.

Federal and Inuit representatives also examined key regional issues, including infrastructure needs, Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy, and strategies to enhance the security and sovereignty of both the Arctic and Inuit Nunangat. Urgent matters such as housing, health, and social infrastructure were also on the agenda, with leaders underscoring the critical need for collaborative solutions to create sustainable economic development in the North.

Appointment of Arctic Ambassador

During the meeting, Prime Minister Carney announced a new diplomatic initiative with the appointment of Virginia Mearns as Canada’s Arctic Ambassador, effective September 15, 2025. The Ambassador’s mandate will be focused on strengthening Canada’s engagement with global Arctic partners, promoting sovereignty, and advancing security and growth opportunities in the region.

Commitment to Collaboration

Throughout the discussions, Inuit leaders and the federal government reaffirmed their shared commitment to working in close collaboration through the ICPC to address long-standing challenges and build a future of mutual prosperity.

“Today’s Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee meeting was about building our shared future and Inuit Nunangat’s full economic potential,” said Prime Minister Mark Carney. “In partnership, Inuit and the federal government will build major projects that connect and transform our economy, create greater prosperity and opportunities, and build a stronger Canada.”