APRIL 28, 2023 – A landmark research investment by the federal government will position Canada and Inuit as world leaders in sustainable Arctic shipping.
Memorial University and the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) Canada are co-leading a global partnership to address and respond to the increase in Arctic shipping, related environmental impacts affecting Arctic communities and support Inuit communities’ needs for safe and cost-efficient resupply.
Today, François-Philippe Champagne, minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced an investment of $91.6 million over seven years through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) to support the creation of the Qanittaq Clean Arctic Shipping Initiative.
As the largest research grant ever awarded to either Memorial or ICC Canada, this substantial investment will strengthen academic and Indigenous partnerships. The initiative has the shared objective of creating an inclusive and internationally-relevant Inuit-driven research project.
The Qanittaq Clean Arctic Shipping Initiative will see Inuit communities and leaders partner with national and international academic institutions, government and industry to develop robust and innovative ship design and operation technologies, surrounding policy and governance, and capacity in communities to participate and lead in the future of Arctic shipping.
The project’s name and design are reflective of Inuit social values and Qaujimaniq (knowledge) and are built on a foundation of respectful partnership to utilize resources, Inuit knowledge, networks and technology to find the best collaborative solutions to challenges facing the Arctic.
“We are honoured to partner with Memorial University on this vital research initiative related to Arctic shipping,” said ICC Canada President Lisa Koperqualuk. “This comes at a time when there is a huge international focus on Arctic shipping, considering the effects climate change is having on the increase in shipping traffic, and the consequences to the Arctic environment. For Inuit this will be a game changer and help position us to be leaders in this field.”
The goals of the Qanittaq Clean Arctic Shipping Initiative are to:
- build a knowledge base to address Inuit shipping priorities, promote the safety of ships operating in the Arctic and protect those environments;
- create the tools and solutions needed to improve the affordability, sustainability and efficiency of the Arctic fleet; and
- deliver the evidence necessary to effect national and international policy change for ships operating in the Arctic.
“Through a respectful and meaningful partnership with a vast network of collaborators stretching across several countries, Memorial University and ICC Canada are mobilizing a talented team to respond to critical issues facing the Arctic,” said Dr. Neil Bose, president and vice-chancellor pro tempore, Memorial University.
“From the beginning, Memorial has been deeply proud to work side-by-side with ICC Canada, Indigenous partners and collaborators to place Inuit priorities as the key goals of this transformational initiative, while building on our university’s international reputation for cold ocean innovation.”
Memorial is ideally positioned as the academic lead for the project. As one of Canada’s top 20 research universities, it is the only post-secondary institution in the country with a stand-alone Ocean and Naval Architectural Engineering program and has demonstrated research strengths in a range of multidisciplinary areas, including natural resources, climate change and science and technology.
The Qanittaq Clean Arctic Shipping Initiative is co-developed with Inuit organizations and input from Inuit knowledge holders in the Arctic, and will support research involving various academic experts and teams based at Canadian post-secondary institutions in addition to Memorial including the University of Ottawa, Dalhousie University, Université de Montréal and the University of British Columbia.
Inuit partners include the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Nunatsiavut Government, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Makivvik Corporation, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the National Inuit Youth Council.
Numerous key public, private and regulatory sector partners are also contributing to the project.
The initiative will be guided by a comprehensive governance and management structure that includes representation from Inuit partners, academia, government and industry.
The Qanittaq Clean Arctic Shipping Initiative will be based at the St. John’s Campus of Memorial University and the Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada in Ottawa, Ontario. Learn more about the initiative, its partnerships and research, here online https://www.qanittaq.ca/.
About the Canada First Research Excellence Fund
The Canada First Research Excellence Fund helps competitively selected Canadian postsecondary institutions turn their key strengths into world-leading capabilities. The fund is a tri-agency initiative of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
About Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada
The Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) is an Indigenous Peoples’ Organization (IPO), founded in 1977 to promote and celebrate the unity of 180,000 Inuit from Alaska (USA), Canada, Greenland, and Chukotka (Russia). ICC works to promote Inuit rights, safeguard the Arctic environment, and protect and promote the Inuit way of life. In regard to climate change, we believe that it is crucial for world leaders and governments to recognize, respect and fully implement the human rights of Inuit and all other Indigenous peoples across the globe.
About Memorial University
Memorial University is a multi-campus, multidisciplinary university dedicated to creativity, innovation and excellence in teaching and learning, research, scholarship and public engagement. With campuses in St. John’s, Corner Brook and Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L., and Harlow, Essex, U.K., Memorial University welcomes students and scholars from all over the world, including more than 19,000 students from nearly 115 countries. Memorial’s inclusive community is committed to fostering and promoting ingenuity while contributing knowledge and expertise locally, nationally and internationally.
Founded as a living memorial to our residents who died during the First World War, Memorial University has a special obligation to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and is responsive to their professional and personal aspirations. To take a closer look at Memorial, visit www.mun.ca.
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Media contacts:
Cassandra Elliott
ICC Canada Communications Advisor
celliott@inuitcircumpolar.com
Jeff Green
Manager, Communications, Office of the Vice-President (Research), Memorial University
jeffg@mun.ca
709-864-4073, 709-687-9243