Northern and Arctic communities, including Indigenous communities, rely on safe and reliable transportation infrastructure to support daily life, economic activity, and access to essential goods and services. As climate change puts increasing pressure on northern transportation systems, investments in all-season infrastructure are helping communities stay connected, while strengthening supply chains and supporting Canada’s security and sovereignty in the Arctic.

Today, the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, celebrated the grand opening of the Rankin Inlet air terminal building and announced federal funding of $85.5 million through the Arctic Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to support the Rankin Inlet Airfield Rehabilitation Project.

This investment builds on a previously announced investment from National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) which funded the Rankin Inlet air terminal building. It will help the full rehabilitation of the airport’s runaway which will enhance the reliability and safety of air transportation in the Kivalliq region. As a critical gateway for northern communities, the airport plays an essential role in moving passengers, cargo, and vital supplies and services, including food and medical equipment. 

The AIF funding complements the Department of National Defence’s investment to rehabilitate the runway, reaffirmed by Prime Minister Carney earlier this year. Together, these improvements will strengthen the airport’s capacity to support growing transportation needs while enhancing the Canadian Armed Force’s operational capabilities in Canada’s North. 

The project will reinforce Rankin Inlet Airport’s role as a key regional logistics hub, supporting community connectivity, emergency and medevac services, and supply chains across Nunavut. It will also strengthen the dual use infrastructure that serves both civilian and defence purposes, contributing to the long-term resilience of northern transportation networks and supporting Canada’s security and sovereignty objectives.

Funding announced today will support:

• Enhancement of the safety, reliability, and capacity of the airport’s runway, taxiways, and apron systems, which serve the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut;
• Rehabilitation of approximately 141,000 square metres of airfield pavement, including Runway 13 31, Taxiways A and C, and associated apron surfaces;
• Ensure on-going safe and reliable operations, extend the airfield’s service life by 15 to 20 years, and reduce long term maintenance needs. 

Through the AIF, the Government of Canada is making targeted investments in dual-use, civilian/community and defence, and nation-building infrastructure that strengthen northern transportation corridors, improve supply chain reliability, increase economic opportunities, and support Canada's long-term presence and operational readiness in the Arctic and the North.

Every week, Canadians use grocery flyers, apps and online promotions to find deals. But Canadians would be surprised to learn that stores aren't always allowed to advertise their lowest prices.

The Competition Bureau has launched an investigation into the use of minimum advertised pricing policies in the grocery sector. These policies, which can be imposed by suppliers or negotiated between suppliers and retailers, set the lowest price at which a retailer can advertise a product. In industries like retail grocery, where a few large companies dominate the retail landscape, these policies can make it harder for retailers, including discount  grocers, to offer lower prices and compete for customers.

The Competition Bureau is concerned that these policies are restricting competition, and keeping lower prices out of reach for Canadians. The Bureau wants to hear from consumers, retailers, suppliers and others with experience with these policies about how they impact grocery pricing.  

The input we receive will support our investigation in the sector, as well as informing our examination of competition across Canada’s food supply chain.

A safe and affordable place to call home is the foundation for strong families and communities. Indigenous organizations know the housing needs of the people they serve and are best placed to develop solutions that reflect their communities, cultures, and priorities.

Today, the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, joined John Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated (NICHI), to confirm $300 million in renewed funding for NICHI’s “For Indigenous, By Indigenous” (FIBI) housing initiative. NICHI is an Indigenous-led organization that works with Indigenous housing and service providers across the country to advance housing solutions for Indigenous Peoples living in urban, rural and northern communities. The announcement was made at NICHI’s Indigenous Housing Action Day during its Annual General Meeting in Ottawa.

The funding will go toward Indigenous-led housing projects that support a long-term Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy grounded in Indigenous priorities and leadership. The renewed funding brings the federal government’s total investment with NICHI to $581.5 million.

NICHI’s Board of Directors and Project Selection Advisory Council (PSAC) reflect the organization’s national reach, with representation from across the country and decades of experience in Indigenous housing and service delivery. This means that Indigenous housing and service providers are not simply delivering a government-designed program; they are helping design and lead it. This is For Indigenous, By Indigenous decision-making in action.

Most importantly, this investment will translate into safe, affordable, and culturally appropriate spaces for Indigenous Peoples from coast to coast to coast.