Le Lézard
Classified in: Environment
Subjects: ENI, ENP, NTA, CFG

New protections for High Arctic to boost climate change resiliency and create opportunities for Inuit


IQALUIT, NU, Aug. 1, 2019 /CNW/ - In Canada's North, rising sea levels and thinning sea ice caused by climate change threaten the lives, cultures, and identities of Inuit ? and the survival of the species their communities depend on. That is why the Government of Canada is taking action to address these threats, support new economic opportunities for Inuit, and exceed our goal to protect 10 per cent of Canada's marine and coastal areas by 2020.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, Premier of Nunavut, Joe Savikataaq, and President of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA), P.J. Akeeagok, today announced the first step in the creation of a long term protected area in Canada's High Arctic Basin ? the new Tuvaijuittuq Marine Protected Area. They also announced the completion of the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area through an Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement.

Together, these areas cover more than 427,000 square kilometres, which is larger than Newfoundland and Labrador. Now, nearly 14 per cent of Canada's marine and coastal areas will be protected ? exceeding our target of protecting 10 per cent of Canada's marine and coastal areas by 2020.

The Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement supports Inuit stewardship of Tallurutiup Imanga and Tuvaijuittuq. It also creates economic development opportunities in local communities, including Inuit training and employment, through $55 million in Government of Canada funding.

In addition, the Government of Canada is investing in infrastructure for communities in the Tallurutiup Imanga area. These infrastructure investments ? which include funding for the construction of harbours and a training centre ? total approximately $190 million over seven years.

The Prime Minister also underlined that the government is committed to upholding Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic. The government has made significant investments in the Canadian Coast Guard and Navy, so we have greater capabilities to defend Canada's national interests.

The Government of Canada is working to support a healthy Arctic, fight climate change, and advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples by recognizing their unique relationship with traditional lands and waters and expertise in their management. We will continue to work closely with Inuit communities and Northern partners to determine how best to protect our Arctic marine areas for the benefit of all Canadians.

Quotes
"Whether on the shores of the Atlantic, Arctic, or Pacific, Canada's coastal communities are among the first to feel the effects of climate change. We are taking steps to tackle these effects, and to protect the increasingly fragile ecosystems in Canada's North. By protecting these vital areas, we are safeguarding our environment for future generations while advancing Inuit self-determination and preserving Inuit cultural practices, languages, and customs."
?The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

"Today, on the official creation of Tallurutiup Imanga, the Government of Nunavut shares in the celebration, hard work, and possibility associated with this historic announcement. Conservation, balanced with responsible development and economic potential for the region, will change the lives of those in the High Arctic and ensure a legacy of prosperity and stewardship."
?Joe Savikataaq, Premier of Nunavut and Minister of Environment

"Today's historic announcement is the culmination of decades of work by visionary Inuit leaders to preserve our waters and sea ice. By protecting Tallurutiup Imanga, and seeking permanent protection for Tuvaijuittuq, we not only save these pristine Arctic ecosystems, but also lay the foundation for a conservation economy in sustainable industries such as fisheries. These investments in jobs and infrastructure will have profound impacts in the High Arctic and serve as a model of what can be achieved when we work as equal partners in the spirit of reconciliation."
?P.J. Akeeagok, President of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association

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This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca/

 

SOURCE Prime Minister's Office


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