In a significant development that signals growing attention to Indigenous concerns at the federal level, Finance Minister Mark Carney is set to co-chair a pivotal closed-door meeting with Inuit leaders in Inuvik, Northwest Territories next week. The high-level gathering comes amid mounting pressure on the Liberal government to address long-standing challenges facing northern communities, from housing shortages to climate change impacts.
The summit, scheduled for August 3-4, will bring together representatives from all four regions of Inuit Nunangat—Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut—marking one of the most comprehensive northern policy discussions in recent years.
“This meeting represents a critical opportunity to advance the economic priorities that matter most to Inuit communities,” Carney told CO24 Politics in an exclusive statement. “We’re committed to ensuring federal economic policies reflect the unique challenges and opportunities across the North.”
Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, confirmed the significance of the gathering, noting that economic sovereignty remains a cornerstone concern for Inuit leaders. “Self-determination in our economic future isn’t just a political aspiration—it’s essential for the wellbeing of our communities,” Obed said.
The meeting agenda, obtained by CO24 News, reveals discussions will center on implementing the Inuit Nunangat Policy, specifically addressing infrastructure gaps estimated at $11.4 billion across northern communities. Additional priorities include Arctic sovereignty concerns, renewable energy transition, and improved funding mechanisms for housing initiatives.
According to federal sources, Carney’s participation reflects heightened attention to northern economic development within Prime Minister Trudeau’s cabinet following last year’s disappointing economic indicators from the territories. Statistics Canada reported unemployment rates in Nunavut reaching 16.8% last quarter, significantly higher than the national average of 5.7%.
The timing of this meeting is particularly notable given recent developments in the Arctic resource sector. Last month, the Nunavut Impact Review Board approved a controversial $6.5 billion mining project, contingent on unprecedented environmental protections and Inuit employment guarantees.
“Minister Carney’s direct involvement signals recognition that northern economic policy can’t be developed in Ottawa boardrooms,” explained Dr. Heather Exner-Pirot, a research associate at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and northern policy expert. “There’s growing understanding that sustainable Arctic development requires meaningful Inuit partnership from conception through implementation.”
Critics, however, question whether the closed-door nature of the meeting will produce tangible outcomes. Opposition Northern Affairs critic Bob Zimmer characterized the summit as “another talk shop” and called for immediate action on northern housing and food security instead.
Inuvik, located within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, was strategically selected as the meeting location to highlight both climate challenges and economic opportunities in the western Arctic. The community has experienced permafrost thaw affecting critical infrastructure while simultaneously developing innovative renewable energy solutions.
This meeting builds upon the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee established in 2017, though sources indicate this gathering will focus more explicitly on economic development rather than broader reconciliation objectives. Outcomes are expected to influence federal budget priorities for northern communities in 2026.
As Arctic geopolitical interests intensify globally, with increased Russian and Chinese activity in circumpolar regions, Canada’s northern policy has taken on renewed strategic importance. The question remains: will this high-profile summit finally translate the government’s northern promises into concrete economic opportunities for Inuit communities, or merely reinforce the perception of consultation without meaningful action?
