Backgrounder
Quttinirpaaq National Park is located at the northern end of Ellesmere Island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The word “Quttinirpaaq’ means “the highest” in Inuktitut — with a part less than 800 km from the North Pole, it is the most northerly national park in Canada. At 37,775 km2, it is the second largest national park in Canada.
The park is mountainous and glaciated, with ice caps up to 900 metres thick, and it represents Canada’s High Arctic natural region. The park plays a significant role in understanding global environmental change, protecting archaeological resources and maintaining Canadian sovereignty.
The Quttinirpaaq National Park Management Plan was developed by a Park Planning Team appointed by the Qikitani Inuit Association and the Parks Canada Agency, and was approved by the Joint Inuit / Government Park Planning and Management Committee of the Park, the advisory body for the park appointed by the Qikitani Inuit Association and the Minister responsible for Parks Canada.
The Nunavut Wildlife Management Board approved the wildlife and wildlife habitat components of the plan, and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association expressed its support for the plan as well.
The plan also incorporates the concerns and suggestions expressed by the residents of Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay and Iqaluit as well other Canadians and stakeholders during the public consultations held in 2002 and 2004.
News Release associated with this Backgrounder.
Quttinirpaaq National Park’s management plan tabled in Parliament
