Hello, everybody.
Tansi. Hadlookut. Kwe kwe.
I'm very happy to be here today to discuss and answer your questions on the 2023-24 supplementary estimates for the northern affairs.
The estimates reflect a net increase of $9 million for northern affairs. This increase in funding was used to address urgent capacity requirements for indigenous organizations in the Northwest Territories due to wildfires and to reimburse expenses incurred to support their members during the wildfire emergency.
Northern and indigenous communities are experiencing some of the worst impacts of climate change. We are working with northern and indigenous partners to mitigate those impacts, while helping communities reduce their reliance on expensive diesel thanks to new community-managed renewable power.
Indigenous-owned solar and wind projects are leading the way in the clean energy transition, with active support and investment from the federal government. In 2023, the Government of Northwest Territories reported that residents, communities and territorial government saved more than $12 million in energy costs because of clean energy projects like these right across the north.
Partnerships and collaboration are a vital piece to strengthening food security in northern and Arctic communities. Since 2021, we have expanded the Nutrition North program and have implemented 90% of the recommendations from this committee's report, “Food Security in Northern and Isolated Communities”. This is a significant step, and I want to thank all members, past and present, for their work and their continued collaboration on addressing this complex issue.
Engagement with communities and program partners led to the launch of food sovereignty programs like the community food programs and the harvester support grants. Internally, we reallocated an additional $5 million to Nutrition North Canada through supplementary estimates (C) to support these initiatives, which helps to offset costs of food and other essential items, improve access to traditional country foods and support initiatives such as meals for elders and the school food programs.
There is certainly much more work that needs to be done, and I look forward to engaging on a local level with communities and program partners in the upcoming months to find new ways to address food insecurity in the north and strengthen these partnerships.
As a government, we have recognized the significant underfunding by past governments of all stripes when it comes to addressing housing and infrastructure gaps in the north. That's why we're working with northern and indigenous partners to increase access to safe, affordable housing and to build on historic distinctions-based investments that are supporting the housing priorities in the territories and in Inuit Nunangat.
On this note, I'd like to recognize and acknowledge the historic signing of the Nunavut devolution agreement, one of the largest land transfers in Canada's history, which supports Nunavummiut self-determination. We will keep working in partnership to complete the transfer of responsibilities by April 1, 2027.
The Arctic and Northern Policy Framework helps to ensure that northern lands are sustainably managed. Previous estimates have led to evidence-based decision-making on offshore oil and gas activity in the Arctic, to support responsible and sustainable resource development in the north and the Arctic. This has meant adhering to the strictest environmental safety standards.
We remain firm and steadfast in defending the Arctic and the people who live there. We are working with northern partners and communities to co-develop security strategies and we are making historic investments to increase our ability to defend the north.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide a summary of how the supplementary estimates will support the important work ahead to deliver on our shared priorities to build a strong, resilient future for the north and the Arctic.
Qujannamiik. Meegwetch. Thank you.