Premier P.J. Akeeagok today released the following statement in response to the 2025 federal budget:
“The Government of Nunavut welcomes the federal government’s commitment to making historic investments in Canada’s North through this year’s federal budget.
For far too long, the infrastructure gap between northern and southern Canada has limited economic opportunity and community well-being. The establishment of the new Arctic Infrastructure Fund represents a long-overdue recognition that arctic infrastructure is national infrastructure, essential for sovereignty, economic growth, and the health and security of our communities.
We are particularly encouraged to see the budget’s focus on building northern capacity and advancing strategic transportation investments that align with Nunavut’s vision for an Arctic Economic and Security Corridor, connecting ports, roads, and energy infrastructure that strengthen our territory’s role in Canada’s sovereignty and security.
The creation of a Critical Minerals Sovereign Fund and the launch of a Major Projects Office (MPO) are significant steps toward unlocking Nunavut’s resource potential in partnership with Inuit.
These measures will help ensure that Nunavummiut benefit directly from development while advancing Canada’s broader economic and security goals.
The federal government’s creation of Build Canada Homes, supported by $2.8 billion for urban, rural and northern Indigenous housing, marks a major step forward. With the minister of Indigenous Services leading a cross-government Indigenous Housing Strategy in collaboration with Inuit organizations and other Indigenous governments, Nunavut will work to ensure Inuit housing priorities are front and centre. The Canada Infrastructure Bank’s expanded $3 billion target for Indigenous infrastructure will further strengthen capacity across Inuit communities.
Through Build Canada Homes, the focus on non-market, affordable and factory-built housing, along with the new $1.5 billion Canada Rental Protection Fund, will help protect and expand affordable options across Nunavut. The Government of Nunavut also welcomes recognition of its partnership with the Nunavut Housing Corporation to build 700 new homes, a key step toward addressing Nunavut’s housing crisis and supporting community growth.
The newly announced Communities Strong Fund, which will provide $51 billion over 10 years, offers another important opportunity to advance key infrastructure projects in collaboration with provinces and territories. Nunavut stands ready to work closely with federal partners to ensure that investments in housing, energy, transportation and community infrastructure reflect the unique needs and realities of our northern communities.
We also welcome the signals of federal support toward an eventual Inuit University, a project that will empower Inuit students to pursue higher education in their own homeland, reflecting our shared commitment to education, reconciliation and self-determination.
The budget’s focus on Northern supply chain resilience and Indigenous equity participation further reflects priorities long championed by Nunavut. These measures will help build more sustainable, community-led economic systems across the territory.
While we note that the Child First Initiative was not referenced in this year’s budget, we remain committed to working with our federal partners to ensure that Inuit children continue to receive equitable access to care and services, consistent with the spirit of Jordan’s Principle.
Together, these investments have the potential to transform Nunavut’s future, closing gaps, creating opportunities, and strengthening Canada’s Arctic sovereignty through partnership with Inuit.”