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. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that Northerners and all Canadians benefit from the tremendous natural resource potential of the region.

The North is also on the front line of climate change impacts and adaptation. Strong environmental protection is an essential component of sustainable development and an important way that Canada exercises its sovereignty in the North. The Government of Canada is taking concrete action to protect and conserve the unique environment and wildlife of the Arctic.

AANDC's Role

AANDC 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 in the North is significant and far-reaching including resource, land and environmental management responsibilities. AANDC leads federal efforts and coordinates partnerships under Canada's Northern Strategy  , which informs AANDC’s key priorities for the Department’s work in the North.

What Information is Available?

In this section find information on AANDC'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 AANDC's involvement in circumpolar activity.

You may also be interested in:

• CanNor: Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency  
• Yukon Northern Affairs Program Devolution Transfer Agreement
• The Conference Board of Canada - Centre for the North  
• The Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS)   will provide a world-class hub for science and technology in Canada's North.
• Achievements under Canada's Northern Strategy, 2007-2011  
• Nutrition North Canada   is a retail subsidy program focused on increasing access to perishable healthy food in isolated northern communities.
• Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy    : Exercising Sovereignty and Promoting Canada's Northern Strategy Abroad
• The Arctic Council   promotes cooperation, coordination and interaction among the Arctic States.
• ArcticNet   is a Network of Centres of Excellence of Canada