Iqaluit, NU — Municipal officials representing communities from across the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut have passed a resolution urging the federal government to increase targeted investment in critical infrastructure and climate adaptation while giving Northerners a stronger voice in national Arctic policy.
The resolution was presented by Solomon Awa, Mayor of Iqaluit and president of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities, at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities annual meeting in Ottawa. It calls for improved federal collaboration with northern municipalities on project prioritization, climate initiatives, and Arctic security discussions.
Our communities face unique infrastructure and environmental challenges that must be addressed with Northern insight and investment,” Awa said in remarks highlighting the importance of local voices in shaping federal policy.
The resolution underscores long-standing concerns about gaps in infrastructure funding, particularly in transportation, energy, water systems, and housing — areas where high costs and remote geography pose ongoing barriers to community development.
Leaders from all three territories emphasized that including Northerners in discussions of Arctic sovereignty and security will improve policy outcomes and better reflect the priorities of residents who live and work in the region year-round.
Municipal leaders also stressed that federal partnerships must align with local strategies to build resilient economies, enhance food security, and sustain communities facing the effects of climate change.
The resolution now awaits consideration by federal policymakers, with municipal leaders hopeful that greater collaboration will strengthen infrastructure outcomes and give Northern voices a more influential role in national Arctic debates.
