NATION BUILDING

FRAMEWORK FOR A NORTHERN STRATEGY

PREFACE

The North is a place of great promise. For many years northerners have spoken about the importance for all Canadians to share in a vision of the future that enables Northerners to become full participants in the federation. Consequently, the Government of Canada and the territorial governments have agreed to develop in cooperation with Aboriginal governments, organizations and Northern residents – the first-ever comprehensive strategy for the North.

Recently, governments and organizations have undertaken important visioning and strategic planning work. To complement this work, consultations will take place over the  next few months. This series of consultations will be undertaken to gather the views and additional information necessary to develop the Northern Strategy.

The following Framework for a Northern Strategy has been jointly developed by the federal and territorial governments. This Framework consists of an initial vision for the North, principles to guide the development of the strategy, and a set of possible goals and objectives to realize the vision.

This Framework is intended to stimulate and focus discussion during the consultations. The final Strategy will include shared vision, principles, goals and objectives.  It will also include pan-Northern and territory-specific sections in which jointly developed actions for the short-medium-and long-term will be identified and prioritized consistent with individual governments’ strategic plans.

VISION

The North is a place where self-reliant individuals live in healthy, viable communities, and where Northerners manage their own affairs. It is a place where strong, responsive governments work together to build a prosperous, vibrant future for all. It is a place where Northern traditions of respect for the land and the environment are cherished, and actions and decision-making are anchored in the principles of responsible, sustainable development. It is a place where citizens celebrate their diversity. The North is a place where the territories and their governments are strong contributing partners in a dynamic and secure federation.   

PRINCIPLES

To achieve this Vision we will work together to develop a Northern Strategy that:

·        is pan-northern and comprehensive in scope, and recognizes that the three territories have unique challenges and opportunities and are at different stages in their political, social and economic development;

·        is cognizant of the fiscal capacity of northern governments;

·        will mobilize resources to achieve joint priorities;

·        is a living document that will build on the full range of strategies, policies and programs of governments, and, through regular review, respond to changing circumstances and remain consistent with the evolving priorities of northerners; and,

·        enhances mutually respectful intergovernmental relations, reflecting the modern realities of the North.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

It is recommended that a Northern Strategy focus on goals and objectives, and develop specific actions to achieve such objectives over the short, medium and long-term. Proposed long-term goals and examples of objectives are listed below.

Strengthening Governance, Partnerships and Institutions

Proposed Goal:  To strengthen governments and institutions, and support evolving relationships among them, in order to provide northerners with effective governance and greater control over decisions central to their future.

Examples of Objectives:

·        Completion of devolution and resource revenue sharing agreements

·        Settlement and implementation of land claims and self government agreements

·        Creation and enhancement of effective intergovernmental forums

·        Completion of expert panel review of Territorial Formula Financing

Establishing Strong Foundations for Economic Development

Proposed Goal:  To build strong, sustainable, diversified economies where northerners share in the benefits of northern development. 

Examples of Objectives:

·        Diversification of Northern economies, such as support for small businesses, traditional economies, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and forestry

·        Development of transportation, communication, energy, and other infrastructure

·        Training and human resource development responsive to the needs of community and regional labour market conditions and economies

·        Advancement of large-scale projects such as pipelines and mines  

·        Development of regulatory regimes to improve efficiency and apply consistent standards and practices

Protecting the Environment

Proposed Goal:  To engage all partners in the North in the protection and stewardship of the environment.

Examples of Objectives:

·        Remediation of contaminated sites

·        Development of Northern-based environmental emergency response capacity

·        Mitigation of, and adaptation to, climate change impacts

·        Environmental monitoring to ensure environmental standards are maintained

·        Effective land and water management processes

·        Increased use of cleaner energy sources such as hydro-electricity, natural gas and new technologies

Building Healthy and Safe Communities

Proposed Goal:  To ensure healthy, safe and sustainable Northern communities that serve and support the needs of Northern residents and promote self-reliance.

Examples of Objectives:

·        Housing that is suitable, adequate and affordable

·        Improving the health of Northerners

·        Commitment to life-long learning to improve education of children and adults

·        Enhancement of community infrastructure such as water treatment and waste management

·        Development of a justice system that better reflects the needs of Northerners, including areas such as crime prevention, policing, corrections, and community justice initiatives.

Reinforcing Sovereignty, National Security and Circumpolar Cooperation

Proposed Goal:  To ensure that Canada plays a leading role and promotes concerted international action on circumpolar issues, and that northern concerns are taken into consideration in national efforts to reinforce sovereignty, security and circumpolar cooperation.

Examples of Objectives:

·        Ensuring security and surveillance in the North, cognizant of northern interests

·        Reinforcing Canada’s sovereignty over the Northwest Passage

·        Effective northern-based search and rescue capacity

·        Leadership in matters of circumpolar cooperation

Preserving, Revitalizing and Promoting Culture and Identity

Proposed Goal:  To ensure that the importance of language, traditional knowledge and way-of-life is recognized and encouraged.

Examples of Objectives:

·        Preservation and promotion of Aboriginal languages for present and future generations

·        Recognition and promotion of the linguistic and cultural diversity of the people of the North, including francophone communities 

·        Promotion of the use of traditional knowledge and practices in northern decision making

·        Preservation and promotion of northern history and culture

Developing Northern Science and Research

Proposed Goal:  To ensure that Canada is a leader in northern science and technology, and to develop expertise in areas of particular importance and relevance to the North.

Examples of Objectives:

·        Enhancement of northern-based research capacity to encourage research about the North taking place in the North

·        Encouragement for and identification of research and development to improve understanding of the North and contribute to the social, economic and environmental well being of northerners

·        Addressing knowledge gaps in areas such as geoscience and  environmental data

    Adaptation of technology to northern circumstances such as alternate energy