In October 2009, during the 2^nd Session of the 40^th Parliament, the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development (the Committee) agreed to pursue a comprehensive study of economic development barriers and solutions in Canada’s northern territories. The Committee’s decision to pursue such a study followed initial hearings in 2008 and early 2009, during which time a range of governmental and non-governmental witnesses provided their perspectives on various issues of concern.

Over the course of 26 meetings on this subject since April 2009, 96 witnesses have provided their input on key barriers, and shared their ideas and perspectives on economic development in the northern territories. Public hearings were held in Ottawa, Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Iqaluit. Prior to formal hearings on this issue, in June 2008 the Committee conducted fact-finding initiatives in Iqaluit and Pangnirtung, Nunavut during which time the Committee met with members of the Nunavut Legislative Assembly, as well as with representatives of a number of stakeholder groups actively engaged in economic development in Nunavut.

Over the last few decades, efforts to improve economic development in the northern territories have been met with varying degrees of success. During this time, the economies of Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut have evolved in different ways, such that each face unique challenges and barriers to developing their economies. According to what the Committee has heard from witnesses, there is a general consensus that much work lies ahead.

With a renewed emphasis by federal, territorial and Aboriginal governments, northern businesses and communities on developing the economies of the North, coupled with its vast underdeveloped resources, economic development in the northern territories holds the promise and potential of providing Canadians with an enormous amount of wealth.

As noted throughout this report, the North is increasingly playing a larger role in global economic development. For its part, the federal government is continuing to facilitate this development by working in collaboration with territorial and Aboriginal governments, and with businesses and communities to create a more receptive political, social and economic environment. However, much more work needs to be accomplished to overcome the wide-ranging barriers to economic development being faced by northerners. Based on the many valuable and insightful contributions of witnesses to the Committee, this study sets out a comprehensive vision for the federal government to pursue so that the governments, businesses, and peoples of the northern territories can be better equipped to overcome the obstacles that inhibit economic development.

Working in collaboration with northerners, the Committee believes that the solutions presented in this report—that of a supportive infrastructure, a capable labour force, healthy citizens and improved living standards, and empowered governments—will help realize the full economic potential of the North, and the corresponding benefits to northerners.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the valuable contributions of all the witnesses who helped inform the Committee’s conclusions, and to thank the supporting staff of the Committee, and the members of the Committee for their thoughtful deliberations on this important and timely report.

Bruce Stanton, MP
Chair of the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development