Prime Minister Mark Carney is travelling north this week to attend the Inuit–Crown Partnership Committee meeting in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. The meeting, scheduled for Thursday, July 24, 2025, will bring together federal ministers and Inuit leaders to discuss shared priorities, including economic development, infrastructure, and climate change adaptation in the Arctic.
Focus on Inuit self-determination
The Inuit–Crown Partnership Committee was established in 2017 to advance Inuit self-determination and strengthen the relationship between Inuit and the federal government. This year’s meeting is expected to build on previous commitments, such as the co-development of legislation and funding for Inuit-specific programs. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Carney will emphasize the government’s commitment to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Carney is scheduled to meet with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed and other regional leaders. The agenda includes discussions on housing, health care, and education in Inuit Nunangat, the Inuit homeland spanning four regions: Nunavut, Nunavik (Quebec), Nunatsiavut (Labrador), and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (N.W.T.).
Arctic security and economic development
The meeting comes amid heightened attention to Arctic sovereignty and security. Canada recently announced a $4.9 billion investment in Arctic defense over the next decade, including new patrol ships and surveillance infrastructure. Inuit leaders have called for more consultation on military projects that affect their lands and waters. Carney is expected to reaffirm that any security measures will respect Inuit rights and involve meaningful partnership.
Economic opportunities in the North, such as mining, renewable energy, and tourism, will also be on the table. The federal government has committed $300 million over five years to a Northern Economic Development Fund, with a portion earmarked for Indigenous-led projects. “We are seeing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a sustainable economy that benefits Inuit communities,” said a senior government official speaking on background.
Climate change and infrastructure
Climate change is disproportionately affecting the Arctic, with temperatures rising at three times the global average. Permafrost thaw is damaging roads, buildings, and runways, while sea ice loss threatens traditional hunting and travel routes. The federal government has pledged $2 billion for climate adaptation in the North, including upgraded infrastructure and community-led monitoring programs. Carney is expected to announce new funding for flood protection and emergency preparedness in Inuit communities.
Health care infrastructure is another critical issue. Many Inuit communities lack access to hospitals and specialized care, forcing patients to travel south for treatment. The government has committed to building three new health centers in Nunavut and expanding telehealth services. “Inuit deserve health care that is culturally appropriate and delivered close to home,” said a federal health official.
Previous commitments and progress
At the last Inuit–Crown Partnership meeting in 2023, the government pledged to co-develop a new Inuit Nunangat Policy, which would guide all federal policies affecting the region. Progress has been slow, but officials say a draft is expected by the end of 2025. Other achievements include the establishment of an Inuit-specific housing strategy, which has funded 1,500 new units since 2022, and the creation of a National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy.
Carney’s visit to Inuvik is also symbolic: it is the first time a prime minister has attended the meeting in person since Justin Trudeau in 2019. The choice of Inuvik, a hub for the Inuvialuit region, underscores the government’s focus on remote communities. “Being here in the North shows that the Crown is listening and ready to act,” said an Inuit leader who requested anonymity.
Reactions and expectations
Inuit leaders have expressed cautious optimism about the meeting. Natan Obed said in a statement, “We welcome the prime minister’s commitment to partnership, but we need concrete action on the ground. Inuit have waited too long for clean water, adequate housing, and economic opportunities.” The Liberal government has faced criticism for slow implementation of previous promises, including the $40 billion Indigenous infrastructure gap identified by the Parliamentary Budget Officer.
Conservative MP Bob Zimmer, critic for Northern Affairs, questioned the timing of the meeting, noting that the government has yet to deliver on its 2021 promise to establish an Arctic ambassador. “Photo ops are not enough. Inuit communities need real results,” Zimmer said. The government has defended its record, citing increased funding for Indigenous programs and the passage of Bill C-29, which establishes a National Council for Reconciliation.
