INQ and Université Laval to host the Secretariat of the Arctic Council's Sustainable Development Working Group

The news, made public Thursday May 20 by Minister Marc Garneau at the Arctic Council meeting in Reykjavik, is welcomed with pride and enthusiasm by INQ and its partners.

Last January, Global Affairs Canada and the Arctic Council's Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG) issued a call for proposals to find a host institution for its new permanent Secretariat.

The INQ submitted its proposal in February following four weeks of hard work supported by dozens of collaborators who helped express and synthesize the vitality and quality of Quebec's northern and Arctic research community for whom sustainable development of these regions is a priority issue.

The selection of our application is a testament to the strength of our network, the impact of our actions and the quality of our work. Obtaining this secretariat paves the way for numerous international collaborations.

The new Secretariat is expected to be established this autumn. More details to come.

The goal of the Sustainable Development program of the Arctic Council is to propose and adopt steps to be taken by the Arctic States to advance sustainable development in the Arctic. This includes pursuing opportunities to protect and enhance the environment and the economies, culture and health of Indigenous peoples and Arctic communities. The guiding tenet running throughout the work of the SDWG is to pursue initiatives that provide practical knowledge and contribute to building the capacity of Indigenous peoples and Arctic communities to respond to the challenges and benefits from the opportunities in the Arctic region.