Project Overview

A Strategic Anchor in Canada’s Arctic

The Qikiqtarjuaq Deep Sea Port is Canada’s only major Arctic multi-use port project capable of beginning construction in June 2026, with a clear and credible path to delivery. The project has detailed engineering, design, construction planning, and received approval from the Nunavut Impact Review Board in October 2025.

The Port has strong and demonstrated support from local communities. It is identified as one of four nation-building projects jointly championed by the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. in the 2025 Nunavut Arctic Sovereignty and Security Strategy. This Inuit-led, Inuit-driven project has long been a priority for the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and the Hamlet of Qikiqtarjuaq. The Nattivak Hunters and Trappers Organization, one of the region’s designated Inuit organizations, has also formally pledged its support for the project.

A Two-Phased Vision for the North

The development of Qikiqtarjuaq Deep Sea Port is divided into two distinct, scalable phases designed to accelerate Canada's Arctic readiness.

Phase 1: Immediate Impact & Shovel-Ready (2026–2028)

Phase 1 focuses on establishing a functional foothold to revolutionize local logistics and national defense. This phase has received an approved project certificate from the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB).

• Timeline: Construction begins in Summer 2026, with the port becoming operational in early 2028.

• Infrastructure: Construction includes a primary berth, laydown areas, and an access road connecting to the community and airport.

• Local Benefits: Serves as a community resupply terminal, reducing the cost and time for vital sealifts while creating high-value local jobs.

• Immediate Defense: Provides the Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) with essential refueling, crew change, and logistics capabilities.

• Economic Transformation: Enables the local fishery to land catches in Nunavut, rather than other Canadian provinces or overseas.

Phase 2: A World-Class Arctic Gateway

The second phase transforms the port into a year-round, multi-use pillar of Canadian identity and nation-building. To accelerate progress, the design and permitting for Phase 2 will occur simultaneously with Phase 1 construction.

• Year-Round Operations: Supported by heavy icebreaker capacity combined with an ice management strategy, Phase 2 enables continuous patrolling of the Davis Strait, Northwest Passage, and will maintain seasonal ice access for the community connected to the Broughton Island mainland.

• Advanced Defense Support: Designed to accommodate a wide range of vessels, including Canadian Coast Guard vessels, Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships to Canada's new submarines.

• Safety & Stewardship: Establishes a permanent search and rescue (SAR) and environmental response center, putting Nunavut on par with the capabilities of Canada's other two coasts.

• Global Tourism & Research: Positions the region to increase Arctic tourism, providing significant opportunities for local Inuit outfitters near Auyuittuq National Park.