The Canadian federal government has allocated a $91 million research grant for the Qanittaq Clean Arctic Shipping Initiative, co-developed by the Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada and Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“The initiative will create transformational change and enhance Canada’s position as a world leader in Arctic shipping,” a Qanittaq Initiative statement said.

The project goals include creating a knowledge base to address Inuit shipping priorities, promoting the safety of ships operating in the Arctic, and protecting the Arctic environment. The initiative also aims to create the tools and solutions needed for ship design, improve the affordability, sustainability and efficiency of the Arctic fleet, provide evidence to modify national and international policies as regards ships operating in the Arctic, improve the quality of life for the Inuit, and enhance regional food security.

François-Philippe Champagne, Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, noted that the government would disburse the grant for supporting the Qanittaq Clean Arctic Shipping Initiative over seven years.