Standing Committee on Science and Research

Comité permanent de la science et de la recherche

For immediate release

Ottawa, December 10, 2024 -

Today, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research tabled a report entitled Science and Research in Canada’s Arctic in Relation to Climate Change in the House of Commons. This is the committee’s thirteenth substantive report of the first session of the 44th Parliament.

While Canada’s Arctic is a broad area with many different natural environments and communities, there are some common impacts of climate change across the region, such as melting sea ice, thawing permafrost, an increased frequency of extreme weather events, and changing ecosystems. These environmental changes have consequential impacts on the lives of Arctic residents, and cascading effects outside of the Arctic.

While the Government of Canada contributes to Arctic research through a variety of programs and installations, such as the Canadian High Arctic Research Station and the Polar Continental Shelf System, the committee heard about ongoing challenges faced by Arctic researchers. These challenges include the high costs associated with conducting research in the Arctic, limited and widely dispersed research infrastructure, and limited support for Arctic research in areas that are not focused on environmental issues. The committee also heard about the ongoing need to support the development of Arctic researchers, encourage research coordination, build collaborative relationships with communities, support Indigenous leadership in Arctic research, and increase capacity for environmental monitoring.

Beyond research needs, witnesses also discussed a number of other supports that would be helpful in building stronger and more climate-resilient Arctic communities. Witnesses identified the need to update and modernize Arctic infrastructure, such as transport, housing, communications and energy. Witnesses also discussed the need for government support to encourage economic development, strengthen international relations, further regulate shipping, adapt to the current and expected future effects of climate change, address food insecurity, and improve health care delivery in the Arctic.

The Committee held seven public meetings as part of its study. It heard from 34 witnesses. Witnesses included Indigenous organizations, post-secondary institutions, research organizations, individual researchers, and federal research organizations. It received five briefs.

Reflecting the evidence received by the committee, the report contains 20 recommendations to the Government of Canada. Of note, the committee recommends the development of a comprehensive Arctic research strategy to identify priorities and long-term goals for Arctic research in Canada. A strategy would also allow Canada to demonstrate international leadership in Arctic spaces, and coordinate the actions of diverse government departments, organizations, post-secondary institutions, and communities.

“On behalf of the Committee, I want to thank all the witnesses who participated in this study and shared their experience, knowledge, time and expertise,” stated Valerie Bradford, Chair of the Committee. She added: “The environments, communities and people of Canada’s Arctic are a valued and important part of our country, as is understanding the impacts that climate change is having there, and how we can help address those impacts.”

The report can be consulted on the committee’s web page on the Parliament of Canada website.