The North is two-fifths of Canada's land mass. With world-class mineral, oil and gas deposits, the North is a place of incredible economic opportunity for northerners and all Canadians.

The North is also on the front line of climate change impacts and adaptation. The importance of the North to sovereignty continues to increase as sea ice melts and the opening of the Northwest Passage becomes a reality. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) must balance the need to support the North's economic potential with sustainable development and environmental protection.

INAC's Role

INAC supports northern Canadians in their efforts to improve social and economic well-being, to develop healthier, more sustainable communities and to participate more fully in Canada's political, social and economic development. The Department's mandate includes responsibility many of the Government of Canada's roles in the North, which are the basis for Canada's Northern Strategy  .

CanNor

On August 18th, 2009 the Government of Canada launched CanNor, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.  CanNor's objective is to help provide the foundation for a prosperous economic future for those who live, work and support their families in the North.  CanNor co-ordinates the delivery of northern federal economic development activities at the regional level and will also have policy, research and advocacy roles.
Visit the CanNor website   for information on northern economic development.

What Information is Available?

In this section find information on INAC's programs, services and activities in the North with regard to natural resources, science and technology, contaminants, food and nutrition and water. You can also read about INAC's involvement in circumpolar activity.

You may also be interested in:

• Canada's Northern Strategy  
• CanNor: Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency  
• Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Creation of Nunavut
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to Collaborate on Polar Research
• Climate Change
• Inuit
• Social Programs
• International Polar Year  
• Indigenous Peoples and Sustainable Development in the Canadian Arctic
• Partners in Building a Stronger North
• Commissioners Handbook
• Yukon Northern Affairs Program Devolution Transfer Agreement
• Yukon Act  
• Northwest Territories Act  
• Nunavut Act  
• DIAND Act