In November, the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydro Project — developed through years of planning, study and community dialogue — was selected by the Government of Canada for its nation-building projects list.

We feel it is essential for those who will ultimately guide this project, Qikiqtani Inuit, to have clarity on what this designation means and what it does not.

Being named to the nation-building list:

It does not mean that the project is being fast-tracked.

It does not mean that the project is placed under federal control.

It does not mean that the project will bypass regulatory processes.

And it certainly does not mean that construction is underway.

It means that transitioning Iqaluit away from diesel is not only technically possible, it is nationally significant.

At the announcement, I shared with Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty: “We have always known that transitioning Iqaluit to renewable energy is a cornerstone of supporting better quality of life for Inuit, Arctic sovereignty, environmental protection, and growth.

“The Inuit-owned Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Project being named to the nation-building projects list is a signal from the Government of Canada that they understand and believe this, too. It is a signal that Nunavummiut are essential to the One Canadian Economy, and that Inuit united can take hold of their own future.”

If this project moves forward, it will bring many jobs to Inuit. It will largely eliminate pollution from the diesel plant and reduce reliance on southern diesel producers and shippers.

Millions of dollars spent on imported diesel each year would instead stay in Nunavut. For the Government of Nunavut, which subsidizes at least half the real cost of diesel, the shift could free up resources to address urgent community needs such as housing, health care, education, community infrastructure and more.

All energy systems have impacts; that’s true for this project, and also continuing with diesel. The question is: Which impacts are more harmful, and which can we accept?

Our priority is to study and understand what those impacts could be, share that information with Inuit, and together create a benefits-sharing plan.

That plan must compensate Inuit for any changes to how they exercise their rights on the land. This must happen before any construction decisions are made.

This is part of what free, prior, and informed consent means. It’s not a formality; it’s foundational to Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corp. and Qikiqtaaluk Corp.’s approach.

The only way this happens is through respecting the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, territorial regulatory systems like the Nunavut Impact Review Board and the voices of Inuit.

We continue working with Iqalungmiut and Panniqtuumiut, through Aajiiqatigiinniq, Piliriqatigiinniq, and Avatittinniq Kamatsiarniq.

Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corp. and Qikiqtaaluk Corp. are mandated to protect Inuit culture and advance Inuit self-determination.

We are focused on what this project could mean for future generations: supporting traditional ways of life; having a smaller impact on the land; and building healthier, more resilient communities rooted in Inuit success.

With patience and clarity, we can make informed decisions together about the path ahead. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue this work with our communities.

Harry Flaherty is the CEO and president of Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corp., a wholly Inuit-owned subsidiary of Qikiqtaaluk Corp. Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corp. is the developer of the Iqaluit Nukkiksautiit Hydro Project.