Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami announce new Arctic Region

From: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

News release

Iqaluit, NU /Inuvik, NWT — Today the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) announced the creation of a stand-alone Arctic Region inclusive of the four regions of Inuit Nunangat for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the Canadian Coast Guard. 

As the changing climate opens up this region to greater fishing, shipping, resource development and other interests, DFO, the Coast Guard, and ITK want to ensure that Inuit and all Indigenous peoples, as well as residents of the North are at the center of the department’s decision-making in the region.

The creation of the Arctic Region will be implemented in phases and has already begun with the hiring of new DFO Regional Director General, Gabriel Nirlungayuk, who will be based in Rankin Inlet, and a new Assistant Commissioner of the Coast Guard, Neil O’Rourke, who will be based in Yellowknife. They will both work with Inuit and all Indigenous peoples, as well as residents of the North to define the borders of the new Region and its activities.

The new Region exemplifies DFO’s and the Canadian Coast Guard’s commitment to advancing reconciliation and pursuing a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples, which is based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. It will enable DFO and the Coast Guard to work more closely with Inuit and all Indigenous Leaders, Indigenous organizations, stakeholders and all residents of the Arctic on innovative approaches to program and service delivery.

Quotes

“I am proud to create a stand-alone Arctic region in the department that will ensure Indigenous peoples and other residents of the North are at the center of decision-making in programs, files and projects in their region. This is an important step towards reconciliation that would not have been possible without the close collaboration with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.”

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P., Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“Inuit Nunangat is a distinct geographic, political and cultural region that includes the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (Northwest Territories), Nunavut, Nunavik (Northern Quebec) and Nunatsiavut (Northern Labrador). We welcome the creation of a new Arctic Region that is inclusive of these regions and the specific policy needs of Inuit, and that is staffed by Inuit.”

Natan Obed, President, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

“The Government of Canada is committed to working with Northerners to co-develop long-term opportunities that support a strong, diversified, sustainable and dynamic economy in the North. The creation of a new stand-alone DFO Arctic Region, alongside our co-development of a new Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, will help build healthier communities, respect the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples, and protect Canada’s rich natural environment.”

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade

"I am proud to be Inuk and I’m pleased we are creating this new Arctic Region to be closer to the people in the North.  I grew up in the Arctic; it's a beautiful place that many Canadians don’t get a chance to see. In my new position, I want to help southerners understand the northern perspective and ways of doing things and I want to make sure Northerners are part of our department's decisions and projects."

Gabriel Nirlungayuk, DFO Arctic Regional Director General

“Collaboration with Indigenous peoples and communities is critical to keeping mariners safe and protecting Canada’s coasts and waterways. I am proud to represent the Canadian Coast Guard as we work to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in the North. The co-development of the new Arctic region will help address the challenges unique to the North using Indigenous knowledge, and local expertise and capacity.”

Neil O’Rourke, Assistant Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard

Quick facts

  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada currently has 6 administrative regions: Newfoundland and Labrador, Maritimes-Scotia Fundy, Gulf, Quebec, Central and Arctic and Pacific.  There will be 7 regions once the stand-alone Arctic region has been established.

  • The Canadian Coast Guard currently has 3 operational regions: Western, Central and Arctic, and Atlantic.  The Coast Guard will have 4 operational regions once the stand-alone Arctic region is established.

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Contacts

Jocelyn Lubczuk
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans
and the Canadian Coast Guard
(343) 548-7863 
Jocelyn.lubczuk@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613 990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Patricia D’Souza
Senior Communications Advisor
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami 
(613) 292-4482
dsouza@itk.ca

ITK Media
(613) 238-8181
media@itk.ca

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