Federal actions on climate change adaptation in Canada’s North  

Petition: 374


Issue(s)
Biological diversity
Climate change
Indigenous matters
International cooperation
Natural resources
Petitioner(s)/Location(s)
Peterborough, Ontario
Date Received
Status
Completed - Response(s) to petition received
Federal organizations(s) responsible for reply
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Health Canada
National Defence
Natural Resources Canada
Parks Canada
Transport Canada

Summary

The petition raises questions about the environmental, economic, and social impacts of climate change in Canada’s North. The petition asks multiple federal ministers about what actions are under way to help the region adapt to the effects of climate change. It requests information on steps taken by federal ministers to support the adaptation to changes in Arctic sea ice. Questions encompass

  • federal initiatives such as climate modelling to aid species risk assessments and conservation efforts,
  • sovereignty concerns arising from receding sea ice and increased access to the North, and
  • responsibilities toward Inuit communities affected by declining sea ice.

The petition asks what measures are being taken to protect the food security of northern communities affected by declining sea ice. Specifically, it requests information on the current help provided to communities whose traditional fishing and hunting practices are affected by climate change.

The petition asserts that the economic and political implications of declining sea ice will be increased competition for natural resources in the Arctic, as well as changes to shipping lanes. It also asserts that Canada’s relationships with other Arctic nations may be affected.

The petition highlights the vulnerability of plants and animal species in northern ecosystems, particularly marine species that rely on sea ice, and asks for information on the environmental impacts of climate change.

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2026-01-20