New federal Arctic policy focusses on human health, environment, infrastructure

Sep 10, 2019 | 9:26 AM

The federal government has released its long-awaited policy on developing the Canadian Arctic.

The lengthy document, released by the department of Crown-Indigenous Relations, proposes eight priorities, with health, infrastructure and economic development at the top.

The policy is a departure from the tone of the previous Conservative government under Stephen Harper, which emphasized security concerns and threats to Canada’s Arctic sovereignty.

The document has been expected since 2017 and is the product of extensive consultations with northern governments and First Nations.