Government of Canada supports Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link work to bring clean energy to Nunavut

David Ningeongan, president of the Kivalliq Inuit Association, MP Yvonne Jones and associates at Hydro link announcement. — Photo courtesy Twitter

The economic potential in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut is tremendous. Local residents are committed to growing and improving their communities beyond a dependency on expensive fossil fuels for heat and electricity and the use of satellites for internet connectivity.

That’s why the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), is supporting a two-year technical and feasibility work on developing a hydroelectric-fibreoptic link which would connect communities in the Kivalliq region to Northern Manitoba. Such a connection could significantly reduce fossil fuel usage and improve internet connectivity in these communities.

Funding of over $1.6 million was announced today by Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Minister responsible for CanNor.

The studies will look at the feasibility of a main 230 Kilovolt, up to 1,200 kilometres of electric transmission line, several shorter medium voltage transmission lines, and a fibre optic line. These lines would connect from Northern Manitoba and serve five Kivalliq communities as well as Agnico Eagle Mines, a major employer in the region. The project work being supported includes gathering technical data, conceptual design work, impacts costing, required permits, and government and stakeholder engagement.

Quotes

“The establishment of a hydro-fibre link to Nunavut’s Kivalliq region would bring clean energy and broadband internet to those communities. This project has the potential to increase economic opportunities, expand mining in the region and provide a source of clean energy for everyone.” — Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and the Minister responsible for CanNor

“Our Government is proud to support this project which will examine the development of a hydro-fibre link and the benefits it could bring to Inuit in the Kivalliq region. Bringing new economic development to the North, increased connectivity, and clean energy are key goals for the Government and we are pleased to support this work.” — Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade

“The Federal government has shown leadership and will be a critical partner as we advance the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link project. Renewable energy, sustainable economic development, and high-speed fibre optic internet are priorities for our communities. This Inuit-led project will provide lasting benefits to the entire Territory and Canada. Together with our public and private sector partners we look forward to working with the Federal government to make this project a reality.” — David Ningeongan, President, Kivalliq Inuit Association

Quick facts

• CanNor is investing $1,628,900 over two years in the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link study, with the project partners, the Kivalliq Inuit Association and Anbaric Development Partners, contributing an additional $818,168.
• The Kivalliq Inuit Association represents Inuit in the region, from the communities of Arviat, Whale Cove, Rankin Inlet, Chesterfield Inlet, Baker Lake, Naujaat, and Coral Harbour.