Listen: Developing Canada’s North

The question of resource development in Canada’s North is an ongoing subject of debate, much like in the world’s other circumpolar regions.

The recent devolution agreement between Canada’s federal government and the government of the Northwest Territories will give the territory more control over monies generated by the exploitation of its natural resources.

This is seen as the first step in giving the territory more say in how it develops and administers its resources and lands.

It’s also re-started the conversation amongst Canadians on the evolution of the North and what it means for residents and First Nations in the area.

This subject was the topic of a recent installment of Cross Country Checkup, a national call-in show on CBC Radio One.

The show was broadcast live from the Arctic community of Inuvik, Northwest Territories on June 9. Guests included former premiers of the Northwest Territories and the audience was filled with locals from Inuvik.

Because of the distance between the North and southern Canada, where most of the population lives, it’s rare that we hear northerners debate the future of their region in their own words.

This two-hour show did a fantastic job of giving listeners a snap-shot of the perspectives and opinions of those living in the North and is well worth a listen for anyone interested in the northern development and the Canadian Arctic.

To listen to the pod cast, click here