Iqaluit, Nunavut – August 4, 2021 – Today, QIA President P.J. Akeeagok joined Federal Minister of Infrastructure & Communities the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Deputy Premier of Nunavut, the Honourable David Akeeagok, and ITK President Natan Obed in announcing over $50 million in new infrastructure funds to build a deep sea port in Qikiqtarjuaq and small craft harbours in Clyde River and Arctic Bay.

“Today’s announcement signals a continuation of the path towards a robust blue economy in Nunavut,” says QIA President P.J. Akeeagok. “With the development of a Deep-Water Port in Qikiqtarjuaq, and construction of Small Craft Harbours in Arctic Bay and Clyde River, we have come closer to realizing the vision of a Nunavut thriving on sustainable blue industries such as fisheries.”

“President Akeeagok’s vision for a blue economy is not only the future of Nunavut but for the rest of the world,” said Minister McKenna.

$40 million in federal funding has been allocated for the deep seaport in Qikiqtarjuaq. The project is a next step in the blue economy strategy for the Qikiqtani Region. A deep seaport in Qikiqtarjuaq will allow fishing vessels to dock
in our region and support search and rescue efforts. This announcement represents a very real economic, social, and cultural boon for the Qikiqtani Region and Nunavut as a whole.

$15.588 million in federal funding has also been allocated for small craft harbours in Clyde River and Arctic Bay. These harbours will support community members in harvesting and traditional activities for years to come.

For more information, please contact:

Will Hopkins, Acting Director of Communications,
Qikiqtani Inuit Association
whopkins@qia.ca
867.975.8413 or
1.800.667.2742