Conservation and sustainable development in the Arctic are priorities for the Canadian government. Inuit leader Mary Simon talks about her new role as special representative to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs.
A noted defender
U.S.-Canada Joint Statement on Climate, Energy and Arctic Leadership
praised the statementcommercial fishing in the Central Arctic OceanMarine Protected Areasincorporating indigenous science and traditional knowledge
- What does it mean to be the ministerial special representative on the Shared Arctic Leadership Model?
crown-to-Inuit relationship
- The joint agreement covers a wide range of Arctic issues that – as you say – affect people on a day-to-day basis. How will you build your advice on those varied issues?
- Are there specific examples of how this might help improve the lives of people?
communities still rely on diesel fueldigital divideservices for mental health
- The environment, sovereignty, economic development, well-being have been in the past Arctic policies too. How will this vision of Arctic policy be different?
- On the issue of Marine Protected Areas, Canada has a long way to go to meet its commitment of protecting 10 percent of its marine areas by 2020. Where does the Arctic fit in this?
- How will local and traditional knowledge be blended into decision-making and policy creation?
- This will be a collaborative effort – with federal and territorial governments and national organizations. What are the key elements to making it a success?
- How will your experience with the Arctic Council, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Inuit Circumpolar Council help you in this role?
- In five to ten years, what does the Canadian Arctic look like to you?
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
This article originally appeared on Arctic Deeply, and you can find the original here.
