Canada funds major infrastructure and housing projects in Nunavut

The federal governments of Canada and Nunavut have signed an agreement under the Build Communities Strong Fund that allocates $81.3 million for infrastructure projects and $74.1 million for health facilities over the next three years, plus an additional $18.7 million from the Community stream for water systems, transportation and community facilities. The funding will support the construction of at least 750 new housing units across the territory, including public, affordable and supportive housing, with modular units already deployed in Iqaluit, Cambridge Bay and other communities.

Under the new Buy Canadian policy, the government awarded Inuit‑owned Arctic Fresh Projects Inc. a $35.6 million contract to build a 23‑unit apartment building in Iqaluit. The project will use predominantly Canadian steel, aluminum and lumber. Federal Public Works and Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound said, “We’ve been very focused on what we can do to shore up the Canadian economy.” Premier John Main added, “We want to build care closer to home. And we need a strong partnership from the federal government that recognizes our increased spend.” The initiatives aim to boost local construction, create jobs and strengthen the Canadian economy while improving services in the North.